On July 3, the believers honor the memory of St. Anatoly, Patriarch of Constantinople - one of the most honored Orthodox hierarchs of the 4th century. In the folk calendar, the date is also known as poppies of the day, so many beliefs and customs are timed to it.
St. Anatoly became famous as a fighter for the purity of faith. At a time when the emperor and part of the clergy leaned to heresy, he spoke in defense of the true doctrine of two nature of Christ - human and divine. It was at his initiative that the Cathedral was convened, where the church testified to the invariance of this dogma.
In the church tradition, this day is dedicated to prayer for healing the body and soul. They ask St. Anatoly to strengthen faith, health and spiritual balance. And on this day, those who are named Anatoly are especially honored - the saint is considered to be their heavenly patron.
On July 3, the poppy is associated with the plant - hence the name "Poppy Day". According to ancient tradition, the poppy seeds were consecrated to protect the house from unclean power. They believed that such a poppy has peace in the family, protects against evil and brings welfare. It was stored at home, sprinkled in the doorsteps, and also put near the cradle of the baby.
The day, the day was considered unfavorable to important things. Old beliefs warn: it is not necessary to plant something, plan for the future or take up for a serious job - nothing good will work out of it. They did not advise you to borrow money - you can lose more than you give. It is also forbidden to quarrel, insult their loved ones and refuse to help those who need it.
The nature of this day, as our ancestors believed, can tell what the week will be. If there are many midges and mosquitoes in the morning, you should prepare for the heat. If spiders weave an active web, it is a good sign, ahead of sunny weather. And if the water in the well begins to fall - you should expect a long heat.
Thus, on July 3, it combines the ecclesiastical respects of Anatoly and a deep folk tradition, which still remains alive in the customs of Ukrainians.
