Twice a year in the Christian world the holiday of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker takes place (May 22 and December 19). There are many signs, rituals and traditions associated with this holiday. Nicholas is revered as a great miracle worker who is able to cure diseases. Most often, poor, homeless and sick people ask him for help, because only he is able to help them. People have long believed that on May 22, warm and pleasant spring weather comes to the Feast of the Wonderworker.
Signs
Rainy weather on St. Nicholas marks an excellent harvest, and when frogs are heard singing in the morning, you can expect a lot of oats to be harvested. An interesting weather sign is that if the spring season turns out to be cold, warm weather is expected until mid-autumn.
People have long believed that the last day of the year is the day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Therefore, it is imperative to pay off all debts, otherwise the year will be unsuccessful. To protect his home from harm, the owner must walk around his yard in the morning. Last year's grain can only be sold after the holiday is over.
Based on beliefs, on this wonderful day there is no need to be afraid of various troubles. It was believed that the most worst enemies will turn out to be friends on the day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. It was on this holiday that people began to plant potatoes and buckwheat, cleared the oat crop, and at night drove their horses out to graze. If a person comes across a beggar or a hungry person, then it is necessary to help him. Otherwise, you may face these adversities yourself. You should definitely start cutting oats on this holiday, this will prevent the harvest from going to waste.
It was on this holiday that young people often performed various rituals and told fortunes. When evening came, all the lonely young women went out into the street, took off their shoes and threw their left shoe over the gate. If a girl’s shoes flew far away, then after marriage she will move far from her home. The toe of the shoe indicated the direction from which to wait for the betrothed. When the shoes pointed to the house in which the young woman lived, then she would not see a wedding in the coming year.
There was an interesting ritual to gain wealth. People put empty wallets in a visible place in the house. Some even hung up stencils to notify people of money problems. They believed that Nicholas the Wonderworker would see their grief and lack of money and would definitely help.
In order for Nikolai to help fulfill his wish, a special ceremony was performed on this day. To carry it out, you need to purchase an icon of St. Nicholas the Pleasant and forty candles purchased from the church for your home. An image of the saint was placed on the table, and candles were lit alternately around it. While they were burning, a person must express his wishes. People believed that he would definitely help if the desire was sincere and pure.
Saint Nicholas - the most revered Saint by the Russian people
Saint Nicholas showed mercy even to a person who had committed a terrible sin, if he deeply and sincerely submitted. So, he forgave the ruler of the city, who condemned the innocent for bribery, and did not complain to the emperor about him. And he could be unexpectedly harsh: at the Ecumenical Council in Nicaea in 325, indignant at the stubbornness of the heretic Arius, he hit him on the cheek, for which the assembled bishops decided to deprive Saint Nicholas of his priestly (episcopal) rank.
According to legend, he was even imprisoned. But the sign that the bishops received in a dream convinced them to return the saint’s freedom. The meaning of his act for believers is by no means in permissiveness, but in the active rejection of any untruth: the harshness of the saint was caused by the same feeling that once prompted him to snatch the sword from the hands of the executioner.
Saint Nicholas is also glorified as a miracle worker: through his prayers, miraculous healings and even resurrections from the dead occurred, storms at sea subsided, and the wind carried the ship to where the saint needed it. The Church also knows many cases when miracles turned out to be prayer requests believers to Saint Nicholas even after his death.
A quick and merciful helper to the suffering, an unmercenary and benefactor, sensitive to the misfortune and pain of people; a strict shepherd-mentor, acutely sensitive to any untruth and resolutely rebelling against it - in these features of St. Nicholas, the Orthodox see not the inconsistency of character, but evidence of the living fullness of his holiness.
At the end of spring in Rus', since ancient times, one of the two folk Christian holidays associated with the most revered saint in the Christian world is celebrated - Nikolai Ugodnik, which is also called Nicholas the Wonderworker or Saint Nicholas.
When is the summer holiday of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker celebrated?
Holiday summer Nicholas the Wonderworker, or, as it is also called, Nikola summer, Nikola spring, or Nikolin's day, noted 22nd of May, which corresponds to May 9, old style.
Who is Nicholas the Wonderworker
Saint Nicholas is one of the most revered saints in Christianity. In Rus', he was considered the protector of ordinary people and animals, as well as the patron of navigation, trade, agriculture and children. In addition, Saint Nicholas is considered the intercessor of the slandered and innocently convicted.
The memory of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is celebrated twice. Nikola Letniy noted 22nd of May in honor of the transfer in 1087 of the relics of St. Nicholas from the city of Myra on the territory of modern Turkey to the city of Bar in Italy.
The second holiday - the so-called Nikola winter- noted December 19th. This is the day of remembrance of St. Nicholas, which is associated with the end of his earthly life.
According to legend, Nicholas the Wonderworker was born in the 3rd century in the Greek colony of Patara in Asia Minor in Christian family. From his youth, Nicholas was a zealous Christian and unmercenary; numerous miracles were also attributed to him, which he performed through prayer.
Nikolai Ugodnik (he is sometimes even called Nikola Morskoy) is especially revered by sailors, because, according to legend, the saint was able to calm the stormy sea with his prayer and even somehow resurrected a sailor who was killed when falling from the mast.
After his death, Nicholas the Wonderworker was buried in a special shrine in the church of the city of Mira. However, Italian merchants, fearing persecution of Christians and destruction of the relics, stole the reliquary in 1087 and transported it to Italy, where it has since been kept in the crypt of the Basilica of St. Nicholas in the Italian city of Bar.
Nikola Letniy - traditions and rituals
Nikola Letniy or Spring or Nikolin's day- this is the day of the Slavic folk calendar, corresponding to the summer St. Nicholas the Wonderworker; the holiday also falls on May 22.
In Rus', on this day they prayed to Nicholas the Pleasant with requests to protect livestock and crops, since it was believed that this saint was very close to God, and, therefore, was responsible for the weather and various elements.
It was customary for owners of horses and other livestock to perform various rituals on St. Nicholas Day to protect their livestock from diseases, predators and other misfortunes.
For example, there were special rituals for protection from wolves. The peasants stuck a knife into a table or threshold, put iron in the stove or covered a stone with a pot, saying: “My little cow, my nurse, sit under the pot from the wolf, and you, wolf, gnaw at your sides.”
Signs and sayings for St. Nicholas Day
Until Nikola, be strong, even if you break, but with Nikola, live - don’t worry (that is, the cold is over, summer is ahead).
Father Nikola! Let's have some big rain! On our rye, on our woman's flax, water it with a bucket!
Ask Nikola, and he will tell Spas (that is, help with the harvest).
What is the day on summer (spring) Nikola, so is it on winter Nikola.
St. Nicholas Day is one of the most revered Christian Church holidays. The celebration is timed to coincide with the day of transferring the relics of St. Nicholas to the city of Bari, located in Italy.
In Orthodoxy, Nicholas the Wonderworker is considered the patron saint of children, couples, soldiers, merchants, and merchants. In addition, the Saint is also a defender of people who have undeservedly suffered punishment.
From year to year, this holiday is celebrated on one day - May 22 according to the new style (May 9 according to the Julian calendar). The name "Nikola Letniy" is the most common.
However, the celebration also has many other names: St. Nicholas the Spring, St. Nicholas, Summer Day, St. Nicholas, St. Nicholas with Warmth, Grass Day, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Warm Day.
The folk calendar reminds us that, according to tradition, two days are celebrated in honor of St. Nicholas the Pleasant: the first - in winter, December 19 (this day is called the holiday of St. Nicholas the Winter) and in the spring - St. Nicholas the Spring, May 22.
What is the meaning of the Summer St. Nicholas holiday?
Since ancient times, it was believed that on Grass Day, spring, finally losing ground, meets summer. The sun no longer warms gently, its rays become truly burning. After Nikolin's day it was usually a hot time. In Rus' this holiday was highly anticipated; it was of great importance for the Orthodox. Saint Nicholas was close to God and was considered one of his favorites.
In some villages, people even created special prayers in honor of Nicholas. In their prayers, they directly addressed the Saint, asking him for protection and patronage. By and large, the prayers addressed to Nikola Letny were practically no different from the prayers that were said in honor of the Lord. However, these prayers were never approved by the church canon.
Origins of the holiday:
They began to honor the memory of St. Nicholas the Summer at the beginning of the 11th century, literally a few decades after the emergence of the Orthodox religion. The Greeks did not attach of great importance this holiday. For them, he was a reminder of negative events, since their country had lost the holy relics of St. Nicholas.
At first, the memory of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker was honored only by the inhabitants of Italy. This is due to the transfer of the relics of the Saint at the end of the 11th century from Lycia to the temple of St. Stephen, located in the Italian city of Bari. By adherents of the Christian faith living in other countries, St. Nicholas of Summer was not accepted and was not considered as a grandiose celebration for the reason that all the attention and respect of the people was turned to local Shrines.
History of the holiday:
The childhood of St. Nicholas. In one of the colonies of Lycia (now the territory of Turkey), a boy was born into a wealthy peasant family, who was named Nicholas. This event dates back to around 270 AD. From early childhood, Nikolai's parents taught him to Orthodox faith. The boy attended every liturgy, prayed often, studied Divine books and the Holy Scriptures.
Youth and youth of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Nicholas's uncle served as a bishop. It was he who contributed to the fact that the young man received the rank of priest, whose duties included communication with the flock. Nikolai coped with his duties perfectly, taught and mentored believers, taught them to pray, and gave advice. In a short period of time, Nikolai gained the love and respect of his parishioners. The young Saint possessed such qualities as mercy, openness, kindness, generosity, and the ability to sincerely sympathize with people.
A few years later, Nikolai’s parents left this mortal coil. After this, Nikola, having entered into an inheritance, distributed all the valuables to people in need: the poor, the poor, the sick, the disabled. Saint Nicholas had modesty and meekness, so he did not advertise his good deeds and did not try to tell others about them. However, the rumor about the good deeds of the Saint spread quickly. Nicholas began to be loved and respected even more.
The mature years of Nikolai Ugodnik. Saint Nicholas Being a priest, he also became a pilgrim. Over the course of several years, he was able to visit almost all the places where the Savior set foot. When the Saint returned to his native Lycia, the church leadership and parishioners unanimously elected him Bishop. Having accepted the rank of bishop, Nikolai Ugodnik did not change his inner convictions, remaining the same ascetic, meek, generous and kind. Despite his modesty, Nicholas was an ardent opponent of heresy and paganism; he waged a merciless struggle for the Christian religion.
Throughout his life, Nicholas managed to perform many miracles, which were witnessed by parishioners. Nicholas always extended a helping hand to people in need, healed the sick (sick), saved those in trouble, exposed injustice and even resurrected those who had passed on to another world. For such good deeds, people called the Saint the great Wonderworker.
Nikolai's venerable age. Until his very old age, Nicholas preached Christianity, instructed the laity on the true path, and helped everyone who turned to him.
After a short illness, he died peacefully on December 6, 342, and was buried in the cathedral church of the city of Myra.
Historians give the following dates for the death of the Saint: 342, 346, 351 years.
The incorrupt relics of the Wonderworker were preserved for a long time in the local cathedral church until they were transferred to the city of Bari. From those ancient times to this day, it is believed that the ashes of Nicholas exude healing myrrh, which cures all ailments.
During his lifetime, Saint Nicholas was a benefactor of the human race; He did not cease to be one even after his death. The Lord granted his honest body incorruptibility and special miraculous power. His relics began - and continue to this day - to exude fragrant myrrh, which has the gift of working miracles.
Nikolai Ugodnik (Wonder Worker) famous for his great mercy. He forgave even those people who committed a terrible sin. The main thing is that the person deeply repents of the committed act. It was not by chance that Saint Nicholas received the name of the Wonderworker. The thing is that he became famous as a miracle worker. What miracles did he perform? Saint Nicholas gave prayers and through his prayers miraculous healings from the most terrible diseases took place. Orthodox Christians, well acquainted with the life story of Nicholas the Wonderworker, claim that he was able to revive the dead.
As various scriptures say, Nikolai Ugodnik was able to calm the storm at sea. And the sailors who read the prayers of St. Nicholas the Pleasant were saved from a shipwreck. And even when Saint Nicholas died, prayers to him were addressed to those praying with miracles.
Here are the most striking epithets that Orthodox Christians in Russia use when speaking about St. Nicholas the Pleasant: a quick and merciful helper to the suffering, an unmercenary and a benefactor. Nicholas the Pleasant not only forgave everyone, thereby showing his boundless mercy, but also stood up for the offended and oppressed, and rebelled against injustice.
If it rains today, it will be good luck. There is such a sign in the folk calendar associated with St. Nicholas Day. It often comes true. It is believed that Nikolin's day, May 22, is still a calendar spring, but a symbol of the onset of summer.
On Nikolin's day May 22 It is customary to prepare special food: bake pancakes and cook duck soup. Be sure to leave a piece of pancake and throw it outside the window to the birds. The birds should peck the crumbs, then good luck will definitely come to you.
If Nikolin's day is May 22 If it rains, the summer in the city will be warm. In all Orthodox churches in your city, divine services will be held on St. Nicholas Day.
The service to the saint, performed on the day of the transfer of his relics from Myra Lycia to Bargrad - May 22 - was compiled in 1097 by the Russian Orthodox monk of the Pechersk monastery Gregory and the Russian metropolitan Ephraim.
The Holy Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Nicholas not only on December 19 and May 22, but also weekly, every Thursday, with special chants.
This great saint performed many great and glorious miracles on land and sea. He helped those in trouble, saved them from drowning and brought them to land from the depths of the sea, freed them from captivity and brought those freed home, delivered them from bonds and prison, protected them from being cut by the sword, freed them from death and gave many various healings, the blind - sight, the lame - walking, the deaf - hearing, the dumb - the gift of speech. He enriched many who were suffering in squalor and extreme poverty, served food to the hungry, and was a ready helper, warm intercessor, and quick intercessor and defender for everyone in every need. And now he also helps those who call on him and delivers them from troubles. It is impossible to count his miracles in the same way as it is impossible to describe all of them in detail. This great miracle worker is known to the East and the West, and his miracles are known in all corners of the earth. May the Triune God, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit be glorified in him, and may his holy name be praised with lips forever. Amen.
People turn to Nicholas the Wonderworker with a variety of requests:
*about healing
*about the patronage of the family hearth
*for children
*about help in poverty and need
*about help in all difficult circumstances
*about the most cherished hopes
Even the prayers addressed to Nicholas the Pleasant sound somehow warm and kind.
They have their own special internal structure, soft and insinuating.
Greatness.
We magnify you, Father Nicholas, and honor your holy memory: you pray for us to Christ our God.
Troparion for the Nativity of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.
Troparion, tone 4.
The Orthodox Church today brightly celebrates your wonderful and glorious Nativity, Saint Nicholas, for by standing on your feet the Lord has revealed you and proclaimed you to be a lamp and teacher of the laity, enriching and enlightening the whole world with miracles. Thus we cry to you: pray to Christ God that our souls will be saved.
Troparion for the transfer of the relics of St. Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia.
Troparion, tone 4.
The day of the bright triumph has arrived, the city of Barsky rejoices, and with it the entire universe rejoices with songs and spiritual stumps: today is a sacred triumph, in the presentation of the honest and multi-healing relics of the Holy Hierarch and Wonderworker Nicholas, like the unsetting sun, rising with radiant rays, dispelling the darkness of temptations and troubles from those crying out truly: save us, as our intercessor, great Nicholas.
Prayer to Saint Nicholas.
O all-holy Nicholas, exceedingly saintly saint of the Lord, our warm intercessor, and everywhere in sorrow a quick helper, help me, sinful and sad, in this life, beg the Lord God to grant me the remission of all my sins, which I have sinned greatly from my youth, throughout my life. in my deed, word, thought and all my feelings; and at the end of my soul, help me the accursed, beg the Lord God of all creation, the Creator, to deliver me from airy ordeals and eternal torment, so that I always glorify the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and your merciful intercession, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer to Saint Nicholas of Myra.
Oh, Saint Nicholas of Christ! Hear us, sinful servants of God (names), praying to you, and pray for us, unworthy, our Creator and Master, make our God merciful to us in this life and in the future, so that he does not reward us according to our deeds, but according to His He will reward us with goodness. Deliver us, saints of Christ, from the evils that come upon us, and tame the waves of passions and troubles that rise against us, so that for the sake of your holy prayers the attack will not overwhelm us and we will not wallow in the abyss of sin and in the mud of our passions. Pray to Saint Nicholas, Christ our God, that he may grant us a peaceful life and remission of sins, salvation and great mercy for our souls, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.
Folk signs for St. Nicholas of Summer:
If during the pre-summer period (05/22-10/06) there was damp and windy weather with showers and thunderstorms, it means that Nikola Letniy is favorable, and at the end of summer it will be possible to reap a rich harvest. Such weather was a particularly favorable sign for the wheat harvest.
If the croaking of frogs was heard on Nikola Veshny, it means that Mother Earth will bring generous gifts to people. Cereals and vegetable crops, fruits and berries.
“The mercy of God” and “The sky sheds rain on the earth, raises the rich grain” - this is what they said if it rains on St. Nicholas the Great. And this weather also promised happy life this year.
It was believed that shearing sheep, planting potatoes and buckwheat on St. Nicholas Day would bring good luck in all matters, a rich harvest, and relief from troubles.
According to one of the ancient signs, prayers addressed to the Lord and Saints on May 22 have great power. People can ask for healing from illnesses, addition to the family, meeting a soul mate, forgiveness of sins. Saint Nicholas, who was close to God, will definitely help!
In order not to get sick all year, in the morning on St. Nicholas of the Summer, people with all their families went out into the field and washed themselves with dew. Then your health will be good and no illness will attach itself. Some stripped down to their underwear and rolled on the grass, which had dew on it. Thus, the whole body was washed with beneficial moisture.
If Alder begins to bloom on May 22, then expect rapid financial well-being. It was believed that the family in whose yard the buds bloomed on this tree would not experience financial difficulties all year. There are cases when people after this found treasures, unexpectedly received an inheritance, and won a large sum of money.
Traditions on the holiday of St. Nicholas the Summer:
Since Nicholas the Wonderworker is the patron and protector of couples in love, young girls at the dawn of May 22 prayed to the Saint that he would grant them a meeting with their soulmate. The unmarried girls asked Nikolai to send them good husband, generous, handsome, hard-working, brave, kind.
Saint Nicholas is also the patron of animals, including sheep and horses. By St. Nicholas Day, the fresh grass in the fields had already grown sufficiently. Therefore, on the night of May 22, all owners of horses and sheep drove their cattle into the fields. The animals frolicked all night, ran, and nibbled grass. In Rus', this ritual was turned into a real spectacular show. Even today in some villages you can observe such an action. To prevent horses and sheep from running away, shepherds - young and physically strong men - were assigned to them.
In the evening, before the start of herding the animals, a special dinner was prepared for the shepherds, consisting of porridge and pies. Then fires were lit around the perimeter of the large field. Few of the villagers went to bed early, because everyone wanted to watch the animals being pastured. Parents allowed even small children to walk until midnight on this day. A little later, when the villagers went to their huts, the shepherds were joined by girls - unmarried residents of the village. Then the real party began with dancing, songs and fun games. It was believed that on this night young men and women entered adulthood, so older relatives did not particularly control the “ardent young hearts.”
In order for the harvest to be rich and the land to be fertile, at dawn people went out into the fields and vegetable gardens, stood facing the rising sun and performed a special ritual. They read prayers addressed to Nicholas the Wonderworker, asking him to protect their lands, for generous gifts, for a well-fed existence.
How to behave correctly and what to do on St. Nicholas the Summer holiday:
In order for happiness to smile throughout the year, May 22 must be spent in prayer and caring for family, home, and livestock. It is desirable that all household members, young and old, be busy with useful things.
In the morning and evening, it is advisable to pray to Nicholas the Vereshny and the Lord. You can ask God and the Saint for everything you need. If your prayers are sincere and you truly deserve what you ask for, you will definitely be rewarded.
On this day you need to start sowing some crops. As a rule, buckwheat and potatoes were planted. It was believed that after St. Nicholas Day there was no point in planting them. Firstly, there will be no decent harvest, and secondly, the crops will not have time to harvest.
In the morning, after going to church and praying, it is advisable to go to the bathhouse, take a good bath and change into clean or even new underwear. Outerwear should also be washed and ironed. While bathing, you can read a prayer.
From the very morning, housewives began general cleaning of the house, garden area, and non-residential outbuildings where livestock were kept. The animals were intensively fed with various delicacies. Artiodactyls and ruminants were grazed, and other pets were walked.
Unmarried girls and unmarried boys changed into beautiful outfits after the bath. The guys wore shirts embroidered with gold, wide light-colored linen trousers, and tied with satin belts. The girls dressed up in long sundresses, and tied multi-colored scarves on their heads or wore wreaths with ribbons.
After work in the field and entertainment, all family members had to gather at the table to enjoy a festive dinner. There are no special recommendations regarding the dishes placed on the table. We ate everything that God sent. Usually it was unpretentious food: milk, pancakes, chicken eggs, cheese, porridge, boiled potatoes, lard and all kinds of dishes prepared from the listed products.
What not to do on Nikola Letniy:
On May 22, it was inappropriate to be sad, indulge in memories of past negative events, or be lazy. The only thing you should give up regarding housework is knitting and sewing.
It is undesirable to use scissors and other sharp objects (kitchen utensils and garden tools do not count).
It was believed that if a person refuses to help someone who turned to him, he and his family will experience need and fail for 7 years in a row. Remember, helping the poor, orphans and everyone who asks is one of the rules of life that St. Nicholas always adhered to during his life.
On a warm day, it is also undesirable to deny children anything (within reason, of course). Nikolai Ugodnik is their patron, so all the children need to be given gifts. It is not necessary to buy something expensive, let it be simple gifts, for example, souvenirs, toys or their favorite treats. According to tradition, gifts were always placed under children's pillows or hidden in socks, which were then hung on a rope over the stove (fireplace).
On Grass Day, it is inappropriate to indulge in riotous revelry. Dancing until you drop, heavy alcohol intoxication and loud chants are unacceptable. Also, clarification of personal relationships, much less quarrels, scandals, and fights, is not encouraged. Swearing on May 22 means inviting failure.
Nikola Summer is a holiday that is loved by many, especially children. This is a celebration dedicated to the end of spring and the beginning of the summer season. It is important to spend this holiday correctly, so that St. Nicholas fulfills all your wishes and becomes a patron and reliable protector for you and your family!
Saint Nicholas, my good Wonderworker!
You give me light, hope and love,
I know that you will always help in any trouble,
And I come to you with prayer again and again!
You are a healer of souls, you infuse light into me,
You know better than anyone what I need now,
You are my inspiration, you inspire me with love,
And now there are no tears, only life in my eyes!
We are together, I know, we are going through trials,
But you are in heaven, I am dear on Earth,
I feel all the power of the universe in you,
You are my hope, my good Guardian!
But I know I’m not the only one asking you, my Angel!
There are many of us on Earth, looking up with hope!
Tell me, how do you hear everyone who lights the candles?
And I hear your voice... Pray, child, pray...
Friends, St. Nicholas has been famous since ancient times for his help to all those in need, for his kindness and readiness to help.
Let him not bypass you, your families, your children with his kindness and selfless help. May he accompany you today, giving you peace of mind and guiding you on the right path!
According to Slavic Orthodox tradition There are two holidays dedicated to St. Nicholas: Summer (Spring) and Winter (Icy). It is believed that summer is the day of veneration of St. Nicholas the Pleasant, and winter is the day of veneration of the Confessor. That is why Letny is so revered and loved among the people.
St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is an Orthodox saint who is the most revered in the Christian Church. He is revered as a miracle worker, the patron saint of travelers, children and the family hearth, as well as all the poor and needy. The holiday is celebrated on the same date every year, so Nikola Summer in 2019 will be celebrated as in other years - May 22.
history of the holiday
Even in ancient times, people believed that on Nikolin's day, spring meets summer, and after that the real warmth begins. IN ancient Rus' This holiday was more revered among the people than others and was the most long-awaited. This holiday has special significance for all Orthodox Christians, because it is dedicated to one of God’s most beloved saints.
The celebration of the memory of St. Nicholas the Summer in Rus' began to be celebrated in the 11th century. In many Slavic countries, on this day they remember the ritual of transferring the relics of St. Nicholas to Bar. This saint earned people's love with his mercy and benevolence. It is no coincidence that he is usually called the patron saint of all the lonely and suffering.
Despite the fact that he forgave even terrible sins, if the believer sincerely submitted and repented, he could also be quite harsh. It is known that in 325 he struck the heretic Arius on the cheek, for which the bishops decided to deprive him of his priesthood. However, Nicholas was saved by a vision that came to the bishops in a dream and they granted him freedom.
In Orthodoxy, he is glorified as a miracle worker - it is believed that with the help of prayer he could control the sea elements, heal and resurrect from the dead. He always responded to people's troubles and was a true defender of the needy and offended. Until now, this holiday is honored and celebrated by all Orthodox Christians, adhering to the relevant traditions and rituals.
Saint Nicholas performed many miracles: he healed from various diseases, and sometimes even brought the dead back to life. People came to him in search of justice, asking for help in trouble. The saint could lend a helping hand to everyone in need, for which he gained enormous popularity among the people.
Traditions
There is a lot connected with this day folk traditions. Nikola Letniy is considered the patron saint of farmers and cattle breeders, young lovers and travelers. He is especially honored by horsemen, who leave their horses to free-graze on the night before the holiday. It is believed that this will help save the herd from attacks by wolves.
Couples in love and young unmarried girls early in the morning ask Nikola for a good groom and happiness in the family. You need to pray at dawn in complete solitude, then your request will definitely be fulfilled. The most popular tradition is to walk until midnight. In the evening, before the shepherds begin herding livestock, a special dinner of porridge and various pies was prepared. That evening, even the smallest children, whose patron saint was the saint, were allowed to walk and have fun around the fire. It was believed that on a festive evening the most sincere feeling of love arose between young girls and boys.
Throughout the day, prayers addressed to Nicholas were traditional. The ritual was especially important for obtaining a good harvest. Early in the morning you had to go outside and turn your face to the rising sun. People believed that this way the prayer would definitely reach the saint.
How to celebrate
One of the main rituals performed on this day is prayer. It is preferable to spend the entire day of May 22 with your family. It is important that in between prayers, useful household chores are performed. The most appropriate time to contact the saint is morning and evening. On the day of St. Nicholas the Great, it is customary not only for adults, but also for children to work to care for the house and livestock.
From May 22, you can start working in the garden and vegetable garden - on this day you can already start sowing and planting vegetable crops. To have a good harvest, you can plant buckwheat and potatoes, as well as sow herbs and root crops. It is believed that it is not advisable to start work in the garden before this day, as this will not bring the desired results.
Prohibitions
IN Orthodox holiday It’s not customary to be sad and indulge sad memories. However, it is undesirable to have too much fun on Nikola’s day. On this day you can do any housework, except knitting and sewing. Also prohibited are any activities with sharp or piercing objects (scissors, knives, other kitchen utensils and gardening tools).
You cannot refuse help if you are contacted. This is considered a sin and for seven future years the entire family of the person who refused will be in need. On this day it is very important to provide any possible assistance to children, orphans, and the poor. Since Nikolai Ugodnik is recognized as the patron saint of children, they are usually given gifts and delicious treats on this day. Traditionally, gifts were hidden under the pillow or hidden in socks.
St. Nicholas Day in 2017: date, signs, customs, traditions St. Nicholas Day is one of the most revered holidays by the Christian Church. The celebration is timed to coincide with the day of transferring the relics of St. Nicholas to the city of Bari, located in Italy. In Orthodoxy, Nicholas the Wonderworker is considered the patron saint of children, couples, soldiers, merchants, and merchants. In addition, the Saint is also a defender of people who have undeservedly suffered punishment.
Every year this holiday is celebrated on one day - 22nd of May according to the new style (May 9 according to the Julian calendar). The name "Nikola Letniy" is the most common. However, the celebration has many other names: Nikola, St. Nicholas the Spring, St. Nicholas the Saint, Summer day, St. Nicholas, St. Nicholas with warmth, Grass day, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Warm day.
Nicholas the Wonderworker is the intercessor of all the persecuted and offended, the helper of the poor, as well as the patron of sailors and the protector of the family hearth. It is known that the saint more than once came to the aid of those in distress on the water, calming storms with the power of prayer.
As for family happiness, a whole story from the life of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is connected with it. One bankrupt city dweller decided to improve his affairs by giving his daughter to a rich groom. But, as usual, the rich man’s relatives were against the unequal marriage. Having learned about this, Saint Nicholas helped arrange the girl: he secretly threw a purse of gold out the window and provided the bride with a good dowry.
Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker occupied a special place in the life of the Orthodox, so many customs and rituals are associated with the holiday in his honor. What, according to traditions, needs to be done on this day?
Traditions on the holiday of St. Nicholas the Summer
To avoid misfortunes throughout the year, on May 22, ritual dinners are held in honor of the Wonderworker: it is imperative feed the poor, the crippled, the vagabonds. Only after this is a big dinner “organized” for the family.
Since Nicholas the Wonderworker is the patron and protector of couples in love, young girls at the dawn of May 22 prayed to the Saint that he would grant them a meeting with their soulmate. The unmarried girls asked Nikolai to send them a good husband, generous, handsome, hard-working, brave, kind.
Saint Nicholas is also the patron of animals, including sheep and horses. By St. Nicholas Day, the fresh grass in the fields had already grown sufficiently. Therefore, on the night of May 22, all owners of horses and sheep drove their cattle into the fields. The animals frolicked all night, ran, and nibbled grass. To prevent horses and sheep from running away, shepherds - young and physically strong men - were assigned to them.
In the evening, before the start of herding the animals, a special dinner was prepared for the shepherds, consisting of porridge and pies. Then fires were lit around the perimeter of the large field. Few of the villagers went to bed early, because everyone wanted to watch the animals being pastured. Parents allowed even small children to walk until midnight on this day. A little later, when the villagers went to their huts, the shepherds were joined by girls - unmarried residents of the village. Then the real party began with dancing, songs and fun games. It was believed that on this night young men and women entered adulthood, so older relatives did not particularly control the “ardent young hearts.”
In order for the harvest to be rich and the land to be fertile, at dawn people went out into the fields and vegetable gardens, stood facing the rising sun and performed a special ritual. They read prayers addressed to Nicholas the Wonderworker, asking him to protect their lands, for generous gifts, for a well-fed existence.
St. Nicholas Day is an important date in the agricultural calendar (the saint is a kind of “heir” of the pagan god Veles, the patron saint of agriculture and domestic animals). Therefore, this day is most favorable for sowing spring crops: It is believed that there will be no more frosts harmful to the plantings, and the harvest will go uphill. Also, it is on May 22 that you can already plant cucumbers. Interesting to know. If it rains on Nikola, the harvest will be rich and will delight all owners.
It is believed that dew, as well as water from springs and wells acquire life-giving power and if you wash yourself or drink it, you won’t get sick all year.
To increase your well-being, on St. Nicholas Day you need bring a candle home from church, take out the wick, light it on both sides, quickly say the spell words and extinguish the wick.
The fire is eternal, and my spirit is marked with gold, silver and all good things. Amen.
The wick should be placed in your wallet or wherever you keep your money.
How to behave correctly and what to do on the holiday of St. Nicholas of Summer?
In order for happiness to smile throughout the year, May 22 must be spent in prayer and caring for family, home, and livestock. It is desirable that all household members, young and old, be busy with useful things.
In the morning and evening, it is advisable to pray to Nicholas the Vereshny and the Lord. You can ask God and the Saint for everything you need. If your prayers are sincere and you truly deserve what you ask for, you will definitely be rewarded.
On this day you need to start sowing some crops. As a rule, buckwheat and potatoes were planted. It was believed that after St. Nicholas Day there was no point in planting them. Firstly, there will be no decent harvest, and secondly, the crops will not have time to harvest.
In the morning, after going to church and praying, it is advisable to go to the bathhouse, take a good bath and change into clean or even new underwear. Outerwear should also be washed and ironed. While bathing, you can read a prayer.
From the very morning, housewives began general cleaning of the house, garden area, and non-residential outbuildings where livestock were kept. The animals were intensively fed with various delicacies. Artiodactyls and ruminants were grazed, and other pets were walked.
Unmarried girls and unmarried boys changed into beautiful outfits after the bath. The guys wore shirts embroidered with gold, wide light-colored linen trousers, and tied with satin belts. The girls dressed up in long sundresses, and tied multi-colored scarves on their heads or wore wreaths with ribbons.
After work in the field and entertainment, all family members had to gather at the table to enjoy a festive dinner. There are no special recommendations regarding the dishes placed on the table. We ate everything that God sent. Usually it was unpretentious food: milk, pancakes, chicken eggs, cheese, porridge, boiled potatoes, lard and all kinds of dishes prepared from the listed products.
What not to do on Nikola Letniy?
On May 22, it was inappropriate to be sad, indulge in memories of past negative events, or be lazy. The only thing you should give up regarding housework is knitting and sewing.
It is undesirable to use scissors and other sharp objects (kitchen utensils and garden tools do not count).
It was believed that if a person refuses to help someone who turned to him, he and his family will experience need and fail for 7 years in a row. Remember, helping the poor, orphans and everyone who asks is one of the rules of life that St. Nicholas always adhered to during his life.
It is not advisable to deny anything (within reason, of course) to children. Nikolai Ugodnik is their patron, so all the children need to be given gifts. It is not necessary to buy something expensive, let it be simple gifts, for example, souvenirs, toys or their favorite treats. According to tradition, gifts were always placed under children's pillows or hidden in socks, which were then hung on a rope over the stove (fireplace).
It is inappropriate to indulge in riotous revelry. Dancing until you drop, heavy alcohol intoxication and loud chants are unacceptable. Also, clarification of personal relationships, much less quarrels, scandals, and fights, is not encouraged. Swearing on May 22 means inviting failure.
Nikola Summer is a holiday that is loved by many, especially children. This is a celebration dedicated to the end of spring and the beginning of the summer season. It is important to spend this holiday correctly, so that St. Nicholas fulfills all your wishes and becomes a patron and reliable protector for you and your family!
