When Ukrainians will celebrate Honey Savior in 2024: what traditions should be followed

At the end of summer, believers traditionally celebrate Honey Savior. Previously, the holiday fell on August 14, when the Assumption fast also began. However, the date has changed, as the OCU and UGCC switched to the New Julian calendar.

Honey Savior: the history of the holiday

The holiday got its name because honey was traditionally collected on this day. After that, people went to the church to consecrate it. In addition, they put water in the basket. Spas is the Savior, and on the holiday they also celebrate the Exaltation of the Trees of the Lord's Cross. It is said that once upon a time in Constantinople there was bad water due to the heat, from which people got sick and sometimes died. However, when the Cross was brought to the city, all ailments disappeared.

According to the biblical legend, this holiday is also called Maccabee, because earlier there were Maccabee brothers who, together with mother Solomia, later became martyrs because they suffered because of the Christian faith.

It is believed that the Honey Savior dates back to XII century. The thing is that once the power of God came to Prince Andrii Bogolyubsky in a dream, which descended on his army. After that, the army managed to defeat the enemies, so the ruler ordered to go on crusades. They say that on the holiday it is still allowed to swim in rivers and lakes. In the following days, it is better not to do this, as there is a belief that you can attract diseases.

Honey Savior: traditions of the holiday

During the Honey Savior, Christians continue to go to the temple to consecrate honey – this tradition of our ancestors has survived to this day. Housewives bake pies from it, as well as prepare millet porridge and make pancakes. On the holiday, the whole family, friends and neighbors should taste the food. It is also good to share them with those in need. Our ancestors believed that consecrated honey should be spread around the yard to protect the house.