On Thursday, May 9, according to the new style, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church celebrates one of the most revered holidays of spring - the day of the transfer of the relics of St. Nicholas, better known among the people as Nicholas the Spring or Nicholas the Warm.
Nicholas the Wonderworker is one of the most beloved and revered Christian saints. He is considered the protector of travelers, sailors, children, the needy, and the unjustly convicted. During his earthly life, he was a bishop, reconciled enemies, saved from hunger and poverty, and performed many miracles. According to church tradition, even his relics have healing powers.
On this day in 1087, the relics of the saint were transferred from Myra in Lycia (modern Turkey) to the city of Bari in Italy to protect them from desecration by the Turks. This transfer was accompanied by numerous healings, and the feast later spread throughout the Christian world.
What do they ask of Saint Nicholas?
On St. Nicholas Day, believers pray for protection, healing, family harmony, and a good harvest. It is believed that praying to the saint on this day has special power. On this day, people also blessed water, which they sprinkled on homes, livestock, and fields.
Also, on St. Nicholas Day, you should definitely do a good deed - help your neighbor, share with those in need, or reconcile quarreling people.
What not to do on Mykola Vesnyany
Although there are no church prohibitions on this day, people are advised to refrain from quarrels, bad language, envy and laziness. It is also not recommended to borrow money, build fences and cut hair. According to legend, you should not close the windows during the day - they say that Nicholas can look in to see if you need help.
Name day on May 9
On this day, all Nicholas, as well as Sergius and Denis, celebrate the day of the angel. According to the old style, Vasily, Ivan, Petr, and Stepan also celebrate the day.
Folk omens
People believe that with Mykola Vesniany comes real warmth:
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cold weather - warming will only occur on Trinity;
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the croaking of frogs - to a good harvest of oats;
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viburnum is blooming - it's time to start the swimming season;
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Rain on St. Nicholas Day means the summer will be wet and productive.
St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is a day of strength, good deeds, and sincere prayer. Many Ukrainians still believe that this day has special energy and is capable of changing the fate of those who believe.
