On January 4th and 5th, 2025, Russian Orthodox Christians observe two significant folk traditions steeped in customs surrounding St. Anastasia and St. Theodulus. These days are marked with deep respect for the past, as individuals engage with age-old beliefs tied to fertility, protection, and community.
January 4 is known as Nastasyin Day, dedicated to St. Anastasia, who is revered as the protector of pregnant women and those imprisoned. Traditionally, this day is seen as one not just for remembrance but for reflection and connection with family. It is believed, as is common among Russian folk traditions, to observe certain prohibitions to secure blessings for the year to come. For example, it's considered ill-omened to walk around barefoot on this day, with the old saying implying it could result in financial misfortunes for the offender's family. Instead, people are encouraged to spend the day quietly, engaging in gentle activities and ensuring the wellbeing of loved ones.
Food also plays a pivotal role on this day, especially for pregnant women, who begin with porridge—a dish thought to be protective against misfortune and complications during childbirth. This practice reflects the ancestral wisdom concerning health and the safeguarding of life. Historical accounts note, "Анастасия является покровительницей узников, беременных женщин и рожениц," indicating the saint's long-held guardianship, which brings comfort to many expecting mothers.
Traditional gifting also takes place on Nastasyin Day, where it's customary for families to give presents to older relatives, honoring familial bonds and seeking the blessings of ancestors to safeguard their lineage. Posting such reflections on social media, households encourage visits among relatives to deepen connections.
Transitioning to January 5, this day is termed Fedor Winter or Fedor's Day, where both St. Theodulus and St. Niphon are honored. Here, the focus shifts to the protective roles these saints play, particularly against livestock illnesses and negative forces. Adherents refrain from using any sharp tools or instruments, believing such actions may bring about health troubles. Observers eagerly recall the saying, "На Руси говорили: 'Пришел Федул - ветер подул'," pairing weather phenomena with agricultural outcomes.
Food traditions continue, with households baking figurines shaped like animals from rye flour, believed to repel wicked spirits and invite good energies. Folk beliefs hold firm on this day, as individuals do not disclose their wishes; to do so is said to bring about their failure. Women also avoid mending clothing, associatively tied with reduced lifespans as per old customs.
The weather on these two days is also diligently noted, as it brokers predictions for the seasons to come. For example, if January 5 is characterized by heavy snowfalls, it implies rain during the summer months, guiding farmers and others who depend on agricultural cycles. This connection to the earth is deep-rooted, cementing the relationship between daily activities and seasonal outcomes.
Overall, as the New Year settles, the observations made on these two days of folklore help cultivate community ties, adherence to traditions, and hopes for prosperity. They represent not only individual beliefs but also collective cultural heritage, nurturing the spirit of togetherness and ensuring the essence of these customs lives on. Engaging with these folk practices fosters not only connection to the past but also inspiration for future generations to carry forward what is dear to their collective identity.