On February 3, according to the new church calendar, Orthodox Christians of Ukraine honor the memory of the righteous Simeon the God-Receiver and the prophetess Anna. This day is associated with the evangelical event of the Meeting of the Lord and symbolizes patience, faith, and spiritual fortitude.
According to Scripture, on the fortieth day after the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph brought the Infant to the Jerusalem Temple. There they were met by the elder Simeon, who had been promised that he would not die until he saw the Savior. Taking Christ in his arms, he witnessed the fulfillment of prophecy. The pious widow Anna also witnessed this event, who thereafter announced to people about the coming of the Messiah.
According to the old, Julian calendar, this day honors the Reverend Maximus the Confessor.
Whom do they pray to and what do they ask for?
In prayers to Simeon the God-Receiver and the prophetess Anna, believers most often ask for health for children and infants, as Saint Simeon is considered their patron. They also ask for peace in the family, patience, and mental balance.
Traditions and customs of the day
In the folk calendar, February 3 is called Pochinki. Since ancient times, people have begun to prepare for spring field work: they repaired tools, inspected the farm, and planned the new season. It was believed that an early start to work would ensure a good harvest.
For lunch, they traditionally prepared salamata — a thick porridge made from flour or groats, seasoned with lard, butter, or garlic. The day is also considered favorable for home shopping: even a small item is said to bring prosperity and happiness to the home.
What not to do
The Church calls for refraining from quarrels, backbiting, envy, laziness, and despair. One should not refuse people help.
According to popular belief, it is undesirable to borrow money and wear black clothes on this day - this can attract trouble.
Weather signs
Our ancestors carefully observed nature to predict spring and summer. It was believed that:
snow - to a cold and rainy summer
noise in the forest - to long frosts
frost on the trees - to a cold snap
a cat scratching the floor - there will be a blizzard
loud chirping of sparrows - spring is near
Thus, the day of Simeon and Anna combines church memory, family prayers, and economic traditions, reminding us of the importance of faith, work, and caring for loved ones.
