Nikola Summer (Nikola Veshny) is a holiday dedicated to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. It is popular in many countries of the world, especially in Eastern Europe. It does not apply to the transition, so in 2024 it will traditionally be celebrated on May 22. On this day, travelers, unjustly convicted, unfortunate merchants and childless couples will have the opportunity to ask for help through prayers. It was to these categories of persons that the Saint was most attentive during his lifetime.
The origins of the holiday
Nikolai Ugodnik was born in 270 AD. e. in the Greek city of Lycia in a Christian family.The uncle-bishop introduced the boy to God. While still very young, he became a priest. Nicholas was actively involved in charity work. And he did it alone, without the help of outsiders, and in secret. Some time later he was appointed bishop.
Many miraculous things performed by the Saint have been preserved in the memory of mankind. He helped an unfortunate father who did not have money to marry his daughters, calmed the storm, resurrected the dead (for example, a young sailor who fell off the mast). Nicholas Was devoted to God to the end. He preached Christianity during the persecution and served time in prison, where he suffered in the name of the Son of God. For this, the Almighty gave him a long life.
After his death, the Wonderworker was canonized. The Greeks transferred his relics from Lycian Myra to Italian Bari. This was a forced measure that allowed them to be protected from Muslims who regularly raided. The day of the transfer of relics became the holiday of St. Nicholas the Summer.The winter version, which is celebrated on December 19, is dedicated to the death of the Saint.
Before the adoption of Christianity, the Slavs celebrated Grass Day. They believed that during it, spring meets summer. After the sun begins to warm more strongly, the heat sets in. The people washed themselves with dew, hoping in this way to improve their he alth.
Traditions and customs
On the night of May 22, artiodactyl cattle were driven out for grazing. He ate young fresh grass all night and frolicked. Often it took on the appearance of a show. Strong men looked after the animals. So that the latter would not be hungry, they prepared porridge and rich pastries. After sunset, fires were lit around the perimeter of the field.
The people did not go to sleep, waiting for the moment of pasture. Even small children were allowed to stay up until midnight. After the peasants went home, lonely girls came to the shepherds. The youth sang songs, danced, played games. Their older relatives did not control them.
During sunrise, lonely girls prayed that a kind, generous, reliable and brave guy would appear in their lives who would love and call for marriage.Farmers at the same time went to the fields and gardens. There, facing the sun, they asked for the protection of pets and a generous harvest.
Allowed and prohibited
In the morning, believers go to church. If it is not possible to do this, they pray at home. They try to devote the whole day to good deeds. If there are children, gifts are placed under their pillows. Usually sweets. If possible, they serve the poor, feed homeless animals. Upon returning home from church, the family sits down at the table. Relatives and friends can join the meal. On this day, it is allowed to joke and laugh.
Regarding prohibited cases, everything is ambiguous. According to the Orthodox calendar in 2024, the date of Saint Nicholas of Summer will fall on Wednesday. Therefore, the workers will have to work. It is not considered a sin. At the same time, non-urgent household chores are put aside to create a sense of celebration. It is strictly forbidden to be sad, argue and quarrel, gossip, use foul language.
Signs and beliefs
Days of Orthodox holidays were considered special. During them, the people showed special observation. He paid attention to the weather, the behavior of animals, the smallest details. Subsequently, he noticed cause-and-effect relationships. Thus, signs were born. Many of them have survived to this day.
Signs for Nikola Summer:
- Hear the croaking of toads - to a rich harvest of oats.
- The sky was overcast and a thunderstorm began - rainy weather will stand in the coming weeks.
- The hare crossed the road - unfortunately.
- Sunny weather - hot summer.
- Lilac blossomed - to a large number of mushrooms in half a month.
- A large number of stars in the sky - for a happy year.
- Alder blossomed in the yard - to financial profit.
Born on May 22nd are born leaders.They are serious, responsible, decisive, courageous, fearless. If desired, they can achieve any goal. From the first days of their lives, the Saint himself patronizes them. The ideal talisman in their case is beryl. It gives strength and energy, protects from negativity, attracts love.
The dream that occurred on the night of May 22 is prophetic. In order for it to come true, no one can tell about it. If the conduct is bad, after waking up they open the window and say three times: “Where the night is, there is a dream.”
Nikola Summer is a bright church holiday that both children and adults love and look forward to. Many interesting traditions and customs are associated with it. for centuries it was loved to celebrate in a big way. Whoever finds out what date Nikola Summer will be in 2024 will definitely not want to spend this day as usual.
