On March 6, Orthodox Christians celebrate an important event in the church calendar - finding an honest Cross and nails with a holy equally apostolic queen Elena in Jerusalem. This day became a landmark thanks to Queen Helen, the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, who in 326 went to Jerusalem to find the cross of the Lord, who was buried on the site of the pagan temple. Her excavations led to the wonderful opening of the Cross, which was crucified by Jesus Christ. According to church teaching, the Cross found became a symbol of victory over death and sin, which gave rise to the celebration of this event in the church.
On March 6, the new style also honors the memory of 42 martyrs from the city of Ammorea, who died for their faith. In the IX century, during the war between the Greek Emperor Theophilus and the Saracens, these soldiers remained faithful to Christianity, even after seven years of torture in captivity. Their stability and devotion of faith became an example for the next generations and were reflected in the church celebration. The mention of their martyrdom is a lesson of unbreakable faith and endurance in the face of difficulties.
In folk traditions, this day is known as Konstantinov's day, which is associated with the rite of trampling snow around wells for water purification. It was believed that in this way it was possible to prevent the fall of dirty water in the well during the spring melting of snow.
Also, on March 6, they are associated with folk signs that predict the weather for the future. For example, if you hear a woodpecker on this day, it means that spring will be late and a frosty day promises a dry summer. Like any other church holiday, it is forbidden to swear, vanish or gossip this day. Instead, believers pray for peace, health and healing, as well as clean up in a bath or take a bath for spiritual purification.
