In 2025, for the first time according to the new Julian calendar, Medovy Spas or Makovia in Ukraine will be celebrated on August 1, and not on the 14th, as it was before the calendar reform of 2023. This is one of the most revered holidays in August, which combines ancient Christian traditions, folk rites, and symbols of family comfort.
Festival of poppy, honey and water
The Honey Savior traditionally opens a series of three Saviors. He is also popularly called the "Savior on the Water", since it is customary to sanctify rivers, springs and wells on this day. People believed that bathing in consecrated water improves health, but after August 1, swimming in open water was no longer recommended - "the water becomes dirty."
Another name is "Makovia", because it is during this period that the poppy ripens. Housewives bake poppy seed pies and prepare honey-based drinks, including the traditional "sbiten" - a honey-herbal drink with spices, which is considered healing.
Makovijchyk is the main amulet of the holiday
In the morning, girls weave festive bouquets of medicinal herbs and poppy heads — the so-called "makovijchiki." They are taken to church for consecration, after which they decorate the home with them or hang them near icons. It was believed that such a bouquet protects the home from misfortune and serves as a talisman for the whole year.
In different regions of Ukraine, the celebration has its own peculiarities. For example, in Polesie and the Carpathians, wells are consecrated separately, while in the south, viburnum, mint, rue, or marigolds are added to bouquets.
What not to do on Medovy Spas
This holiday is considered a major church day, so it is prohibited:
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perform physical work or clean the house;
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to arrange noisy festivities;
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cursing, arguing, shouting - all this is "given back";
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swimming after August 1st - "the water no longer has healing powers."
This day also marks the beginning of the Assumption Fast, so believers abstain from meat, fish, and dairy products.
A holiday of gratitude and purification
Medovy Spas is not only a day of harvest and water, but also a symbol of inner purification. It was from this moment that Ukrainians traditionally prepared for autumn: they completed field work, stored honey, dried herbs, and stocked up for the winter.
This is a family, quiet holiday, without noise and feasting, which reminds us of gratitude for everything that the earth gives and of the harmony between man and nature.
