Happy St. Nicholas Day. Day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (St. Nicholas of the Summer). Signs and sayings for St. Nicholas Day

Orthodox Christians treat St. Nicholas the Wonderworker with reverence and respect and honor his memory twice a year - in winter and spring. Even small children know about the date of Winter Nicholas (December 19), but the question of what date is Summer Nicholas in 2018 interests many people. The customs of celebrating this day are passed down for many generations from old to young, since faith in the miraculous power of the saint lives in the hearts of people.

It is believed that on this day spring meets summer and after this day there will be no more frosts at night, and the sun will be as hot as summer. In this regard, the holiday is often also called Nikolai Veshny or Nikolai Teply. In the church this day is called the Transfer of the Relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.

How did the holiday come about?

Orthodox Christians commemorate St. Nicholas the Wonderworker twice a year:

December 19 is the day of his death.
May 22 – the day of the transfer of his relics to the city of Bar.

Saint Nicholas is considered a saint of God. Despite people's love for him, he always remained simple and served the Lord. He died in the middle of the 4th century and was buried in the Lycian Cathedral Temple.

The relics of the saint were kept in Greece for several centuries. In VIII, Turkish attacks on the country became regular. After devastating robberies, they burned the cities that came across their path. In addition, during these campaigns there were desecrations of holy places. They wanted to get to the remains of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and destroy them irrevocably.

In 1087, the inhabitants of Bar arrived in the city of Mira to take the relics of Nicholas. Monks stood in their way, guarding the remains, but they were tied up, and the valuable cargo was loaded onto the ship. On May 8 they returned to their hometown. The next day, the holy relics were solemnly brought into the Church of Stephen, where they are still located.

Orthodox Christians began to honor the day of the transfer of the relics. Catholics do not have this holiday, and some Orthodox countries, for example, Greece, still do not recognize it. Summer Nicholas is celebrated most of all by the Slavic peoples. There are many traditions and customs associated with this saint and holiday.

Nicholas the Wonderworker is the only saint whose memory is commemorated twice a year. Believers claim that he was a saint of God. There is even a legend why two holidays are dedicated to him. One day, Nicholas the Wonderworker and Saint Kasyan were walking along the road. They saw a peasant's cart stuck in the mud, and he tried to pull it out to no avail. Saint Kasyan just looked and moved on, and Nikolai began to help the man, without fear of getting dirty in the mud. For this noble deed the Lord rewarded him.

Everyone loved and honored Nicholas during his lifetime. Now in almost every city you can find a temple named in his honor. Christians believe that the saint has enormous power and always helps by turning to him in prayer.

Traditions and customs of the holiday

Knowing what date Nikola Summer is in 2018, people prepare in advance for this holiday. On this day people do the following:

They go to church and pray to the Lord, asking St. Nicholas the Wonderworker for help. Girls ask for marriage, villagers ask for a good harvest, parents ask for health for their children.
They organize folk festivals. Guests are treated to baked goods with raisins and jam and other delicacies. Beer and wine are allowed. Our ancestors prepared for this day in advance and at the beginning of May they set the intoxicating drink to ferment.
In the morning, adults and children wash themselves with dew to ward off all illnesses and illnesses.

In ancient times, on this day, horses were left in the field overnight for the first time, since the saint was considered the patron saint of these animals. They were guarded by young guys who did not sleep all night. Usually this action was accompanied by festivities, songs and dances.

According to popular belief, if it rains on Summer Nicholas, the harvest will be good. If there was no rain, then people gathered at wells and other sources of water and prayed to the saint, and then sprinkled water on each other, their gardens and livestock.

All believers solemnly celebrate the day of the transfer of the holy relics of Nicholas the Wonderworker to Bar-grad.

In 1807, Italian merchants from the city of Bari transported the relics of the saint to their hometown. The day of the arrival of the relics in Bar-grad is celebrated in Italy with great pomp. Usually pilgrims from different countries take part in the celebration, since St. Nicholas of Myra is revered throughout the Christian world.
According to the folk calendar. Spring Nikola was affectionately called spring, herbal, warm.
From this day on, the average sowing of spring grains begins in the northern regions. They said: until Nikola, be strong, even if you fall apart, but with Nikola, live without worrying. Nikola-Veshny fattens the cattle with grass, he is “with a cart” - that is, with feed. Don’t boast about sowing on Yegoryev’s day, boast about grass on Nikola’s day.
It was necessary to plant potatoes on Nikola-Veshny. And the peasants also believed: ask Nikola, and he will tell Spas. Because Nikola was known as the protector of the peasants.

This day is a holiday for grooms, since St. Nicholas of the Spring is considered the patron saint of horses. “The autumn Nikola will drive the horse into the yard, and the spring Nikola will fatten the horse,” the peasants said.
St. Nicholas Day is considered a men's holiday, since on this day the guys rode at night for the first time and feasted in the meadows, by the light of fires. They brought vodka and snacks, fried eggs, and after sunset the girls appeared. The youth, in complete freedom, led round dances, sang songs and danced until dawn. The adult population who consider Nikolai Veshny as their patron saint
horses, ordered prayer services with the blessing of water on this day, so that Saint Nicholas would protect the horses from wolves and bears and grant health to the herds.
In general, Nikola enjoys great respect among the people for his love for the peasants and is revered as the oldest saint and closest to God.
From Nikolin's day, meadows were “ordered,” which was usually done with the help of wood twigs and branches. They were stuck into the ground at the boundaries, which meant that grazing cattle in these meadows was prohibited.

Signs. Great is God's mercy if it rains on Nikola's day.

Feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker May 22

Church holiday May 22 - St. Nicholas Day, the day of St. Nicholas the Pleasant. 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. The Russian Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker every Thursday.

Feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in May

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 whole point 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.

May 22 is the holiday of St. Nicholas the Ugodnik

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 who prayed 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.

You can become the owner of a unique collection that will open the doors to happiness for you.

“Collection of prayers for every need with gifts”

May 22 Nikolin's day, signs

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.
All believers know that if there is a dark streak in life, then you need to turn to Saint Nicholas in prayer. He will not leave you in trouble, he will help you solve all problems, regardless of what they are related to - health, money, love or relationships. Pray today to this good saint who works real miracles!

Also, according to tradition, in the evening you can make your deepest wish - voice it while looking into the starry sky and ask Nikolai for help in fulfilling it!

Another tradition on this day is to ask Nicholas for a quick marriage, to grant him a meeting with his soulmate.

To increase your well-being, on St. Nicholas’s Day you need to bring home a candle from church, take out the wick, light it on both sides, quickly say the spell words and put out 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.

Nicholas the Wonderworker is also the patron saint of children. Therefore, on his holiday, it is undesirable to deny children anything (within reason, of course). It is very good to give each child a sweet gift from Nikolai and praise him for his obedience.

I collected prayers to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker: for marriage, for traveling, for help

With the help of this prayer to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and faith in the miracle that it performs, a person can be healed of an incurable disease, avoid troubles, dramatically change his destiny for the better, and feel a surge of new strength, energy and vigor. If you are ready for this then

Nikola summer in 2018

St. Nicholas Day falls on the same day every year. Commemoration of his memory during the warm period occurs on May 22. According to the Julian calendar, this holiday falls on May 9. Despite the fact that the celebration is held in the spring, Nikola is called Summer. It is believed that on this day spring meets summer and after this day there will be no more frosts at night, and the sun will be as hot as summer. In this regard, the holiday is often also called Nikolai Veshny or Nikolai Teply. In the church this day is called the Transfer of the Relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

What date is Nikola Summer in 2018?

The most important day of remembrance of St. Nicholas is the anniversary of his death - December 19, 2018 (December 6, 2018, old style). People call this date Nikola's day or Nikola's winter day.

The second most important memorial date for St. Nicholas Day is May 22, 2018 (May 9, 2018, old style). It is dedicated to the celebration of the transfer of the saint’s relics to the Italian city of Bari. People call him Nikola the Prophetic.

The Nativity of St. Nicholas is celebrated on August 11, 2018 (July 29, 2018, old style).

St. Nicholas is also venerated every weekday Thursday.

Saint Nicholas Days in 2018 (Gregorian calendar), in chronological order:

*Every weekday Thursday.

St. Nicholas of the Summer in 2018: Orthodox Christians treat St. Nicholas the Wonderworker with special respect

Orthodox Christians treat St. Nicholas the Wonderworker with reverence and respect and honor his memory twice a year - in winter and spring. Even small children know about the date of Winter Nicholas (December 19), but the question of what date Nikolai Summer is of interest to many people. The customs of celebrating this day are passed down for many generations from old to young, since faith in the miraculous power of the saint lives in the hearts of people.

In Orthodoxy, this saint is considered the patron saint not only of lovers and children, but also of merchants, soldiers, merchants and the protector of undeservedly punished people. Orthodox Christians treat Nicholas the Wonderworker with special respect, as evidenced by the fact that two holidays are approved in his honor in the church calendar. The saint is commemorated in winter (namely December 19) and spring. The holiday has an interesting history and traditions.

St. Nicholas Summer or Spring or St. Nicholas Day is a 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.

Signs for St. Nicholas of the Year

There are many proverbs and sayings left that reflect folk beliefs.

Until Nikola, be strong, even if you fall apart, but live with Nikola - don’t worry.

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.

Nikola Ugodnik is a great holiday!

As is the day on St. Nicholas in the spring, so is the day on St. Nicholas in the winter.

Nikola Letniy May 22, folk signs

Many beliefs on May 22 were associated with the harvest and livestock; our grandparents on this day saddled their horses only after prayer, otherwise, according to beliefs, an evil spirit would ride the horse and simply drive the animal to death. If a person saw that the horse was shuddering or nervous, it was necessary to say, “Shoo, unclean, shoo.”

No less interesting is the custom according to which it was on the day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker that it was necessary to determine which lands would be used for planting and which would be used for grazing livestock. Sticks were stuck into areas where vegetables or wheat would later be planted; this was a sign that was understood by all village residents.

By the way, May 23, that is, the day after the holiday, was considered the last day when potatoes can still be planted on St. Nicholas. If you do this later, you may not expect a rich harvest of root crops, since they simply will not have time to grow.

According to the signs, on St. Nicholas of the Year one should not only go to a church service, but also perform some rituals. For example, it was believed that by washing your face with dew at dawn on the morning of May 22, you could get rid of diseases, but swimming, on the contrary, was forbidden; this entailed misfortune and hunger. It was a good sign to see the sun on this day; it promised a warm and not dry summer, which would be fruitful, but rain was perceived as an omen of cold weather that would last almost a month.

Nicholas the Wonderworker icon. How does Nicholas the Wonderworker help?

Nicholas the Wonderworker is a saint in historical churches, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia. In Christianity he is revered as a miracle worker, in the East he is the patron saint of travelers, prisoners and orphans, in the West he is the patron saint of almost all levels of society, but mainly children.

He is depicted with a miter on his head, a symbol of his bishopric. Saint Nicholas gave rise to the character Santa Claus. Based on his life, which tells about the gift of a dowry by St. Nicholas to the three daughters of a ruined rich man, Christmas gifts originated.

In ancient biographies, Nicholas of Myra was usually confused with Nicholas of Pinar (Sinai) due to similar details in the lives of the saints: both were from Lycia, archbishops, revered saints and miracle workers. These coincidences led to the misconception that existed for many centuries that in the history of the church there was only one Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker.

Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of seafarers, often turned to by sailors who are in danger of drowning or shipwreck. According to the biography, as a young man, Nikolai went to study in Alexandria, and on one of his sea voyages from Myra to Alexandria, he resurrected a sailor who fell from a ship's rig in a storm and fell to his death. On another occasion, Nicholas saved a sailor on his way from Alexandria back to Myra and upon arrival took him with him to church.

The life of St. Nicholas describes the story of how St. Nicholas helped three girls whose father, unable to collect a dowry, planned to make an income from their beauty. Having learned about this, Nikolai decided to help the girls. Being modest (or wanting to spare them the humiliation of accepting help from a stranger), he threw a bag of gold into their house and returned home. The girl's overjoyed father gave his daughter in marriage and used the money for her dowry. After some time, Saint Nicholas threw a bag of gold also for the second daughter, which allowed the second girl to get married, provided with a dowry. After this, the father of his daughters decided to find out who his benefactor was, and therefore he was on duty all night to wait for him. His expectation was justified: Saint Nicholas once again threw the bag of gold out the window and hurried away. Hearing the ringing of gold, the girls’ father ran after the benefactor and, recognizing Saint Nicholas, threw himself at his feet, saying that he had saved them from destruction. Saint Nicholas, not wanting his good deed to become known, took an oath from him that he would not tell anyone about it.

According to Catholic tradition, a bag thrown through a window by St. Nicholas landed in a stocking left to dry in front of the fire. This is where the custom of hanging out socks for gifts from Santa Claus originated.

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.

Also read: December 19 - Winter Nicholas Day

Feast of St. Nicholas the Summer in Christianity

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 much importance to 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.

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 the 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. The Pleasant said goodbye to the world of the living, having reached old age. Historians give the following dates for the death of the Saint: 342, 346, 351. 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.

Signs and rituals on St. Nicholas Day

Folk signs for St. Nicholas of the 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 vegetables, fruits and berries will grow well.
“The mercy of God” and “The sky sheds rain on the earth, raises rich grains” - this is what they said if it rains on St. Nicholas the Great. And such weather promised a 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 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. 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 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.

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!

The folk holiday Nikola Veshny is celebrated on May 22, 2019 (according to the old style - May 9). According to the church calendar, on this day they celebrate the transfer of the holy remains of St. Nicholas from Myra in Lycia to Bar. The holiday was called “Spring” and “Warm” in contrast to St. Nicholas the Winter, Cold, which is celebrated on December 19.

Story

Saint Nicholas is a great saint of God, a saint and a miracle worker. He died in the middle of the 4th century. His name is known in all corners of the globe. Temples, cathedrals, and monasteries were and continue to be named in honor of the saint. It is difficult to find a city in Russia that does not have St. Nicholas Church or the Church of St. Nicholas.

The relics of the saint were kept in the Lycian Cathedral until difficult times came in Greece at the end of the 8th century. The Turks constantly ravaged its territories, plundered and burned cities, and desecrated holy places. They sought to destroy the remains of St. Nicholas, whom all Christian people deeply revered.

In 1087, residents of the city of Bar came to Myra specifically to take the relics of the saint. To do this, they had to tie up the monk guards. On May 8, the ship arrived in the city, and the next day the saint’s relics were solemnly brought into the Church of St. Stephen, where they remain to this day.

Traditions and rituals

Saint Nicholas is revered as the patron saint of horses. On this day, animals are driven out to pasture overnight. By this time, the grass in the field is already growing tall, and the herds are frolicking all night. In the old days, a whole holiday was organized from this event, which is still held in many remote areas.

Unmarried guys are chosen to guard the horses. They prepare a special treat for dinner - pies with porridge. Bonfires are lit in the area. Nobody stays up late. Even small children are allowed to walk longer. Later, girls join the guys. A real youth celebration begins with songs with guitars, dancing and various games.

Nikola Veshny's Day is considered the very day when boys begin a new adult life. Therefore, on such a night, no one really controls young and ardent hearts.

In the morning they wash themselves with dew. It is believed that then there will be no illnesses all year.

Also in the morning, people go out into their gardens or fields and cast spells to make the land fertile and the harvest rich.

Signs

If flowers bloom on the alder tree, it is time to sow buckwheat.

If the potatoes have not yet been planted, then there is no point in doing this - they will not have time to ripen and will not produce a harvest.

You can hear frogs in the swamps - the oat harvest will be good.