In August, in Ukraine, there is a tradition to celebrate three Saviour (Spas) days: the Savior of the Honey Feast Day on the 14th of August, the Savior of the Apple Feast on the 19th of August, and the Savior of the Nut Feast Day on the 29th of August. These feasts have a pre-Christian origin and symbolize the end of summer and the start of the harvesting season.
The Savior of the Honey Feast Day is one of the most beloved summer feasts, marking the start of the Dormition fast that lasts two weeks. On the Savior of the Honey Feast Day, Ukrainians traditionally go to church to consecrate bouquets, honey, and fruits to give them healing power.
What to put in a basket on the Savior of the Honey Feast Day?
According to Ukrainian traditions, each product in the basket has a sacred meaning.
🍯 Honey – symbolizing home prosperity
🍞 Bread – emblematic of family
🌿 Horseradish – signifying unwavering faith
🧂 Salt – representing strength of spirit
🥐 Bakery with honey and poppy seeds – delightful treats crafted with love.
Earlier, the ancestors of Ukrainian beekeepers on this very day started to reap the harvest since, by this time, comb sells were already filled with honey. Then they gathered near rivers and lakes, ate honey, sang songs, and spent time together.
This holiday is loved for its yummy delicacies, fondly cooked by Ukrainian hostesses. The obligatory attributes are honey and poppy seeds — these ingredients are put into various pies, pastries, rolls, and buns.
You can also enjoy the recipeі for
🍯 tender poppy seed roll dusted with powdered sugar
In Ukraine, there is a belief that the first spoon of consecrated honey has a magic force. If the first person who eats honey makes a wish, it will 100% come true.
The Savior of the Honey Feast Day is a holy day with specific Ukrainian traditions and taboos.
- It is forbidden to swim on this day since you can get drowned or become sick. At this time, algal blooms, which can lead to different diseases.
- The Dormition fast starts on this day, so following specific food rules is necessary.
- It’s not allowed to whoop it up since the noise can frighten bees who sip honey.
- You should not quarrel with your family and relatives or wish something bad to happen to other people, since everything will come back like a boomerang.
- You should not tidy your house on this day. It’s recommended to clean everything up beforehand.
A magic talisman that Ukrainians call makoveichyk
Makoveichyk is a bouquet made from flowers and herbs. Each of the components resonates with symbolism:
🌼 Guelder – for beauty and womanhood;
🌻 Sunflower – for hope and faith;
🌼Marigold – for health;
🌿 Mint –for peace of mind and conciliation;
🌿 Wormwood – for reconciliation;
🌾 Poppyheads – for fertility.
You can also use fresh greenery, symbolizing gladness and faith in immortality. The bouquets are brought home from the church and kept next to the icons until spring.
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