Today, August 19, Russians celebrate the Orthodox holiday Apple Savior. It is one of the twelve (12 main Orthodox celebrations). In Russia, it is celebrated annually on this day. Read about the history, traditions and customs of this holiday in our review.
History and essence
It is believed that on this day the apostles Peter, John
and Jacob together with by Christ climbed Mount Tabor. There Jesus began to read prayers, but at some point his clothes and face began to glow. Believers believe that it was at that moment that Christ showed his two beginnings – human and divine.
Why is Spas Apple?
Spas is an abbreviation of the word Savior. It indicates the connection of the holiday with the Lord, as the Savior of the world.
Apple is the second Savior from a series of summer religious holidays. It symbolizes the Transfiguration of the Lord.
Some believe that the unification of the holidays of the Transfiguration of the Lord and Apple Savior has a deep meaning: just as green apples and sour fruits change and ripen under the sun’s rays, so the human soul, under the influence of the Sun of Truth, is reincarnated, spiritually blossoms and ripens for eternal life.
Another version says that in Israel and Greece grapes were blessed on this day, and the Slavs – apples. This is how the popular name of the holiday came about.
Traditions of the holiday
On this day, believers go to church and bless apples, pears, and plums. It is also customary to bless other products: bread, horseradish, wheat ears, flowers, poppy seeds. After visiting the church, it is advisable to visit the cemetery and remember the deceased.
It is allowed to prepare various dishes from apples: pies, pastila, jam or marmalade. Those who are engaged in beekeeping can donate honey to the church or treat their friends and relatives with it.
A well-known tradition is to make a wish before eating the first apple of the day. People believed that the wish would definitely come true, the main thing is that it was sincere and bright.
It was also customary to perform rituals to cleanse the home on this day. A candle and an apple were used for this. During the ritual, they asked for peace and harmony in the family, well-being and health.
What you can’t do on Apple Savior
It is better to avoid hard work on the holiday. It was believed that this could bring trouble into life. It is not recommended to swim, visit a bathhouse or cut your hair to maintain health. You cannot kill insects, as they bring good luck on this day.
On Apple Savior, it is better to refrain from sewing, cleaning and washing clothes. As the Russian proverb says: “Those who sew on the Savior’s Day will shed tears until the end of their days».
You can’t swear, quarrel or wish harm on someone.
It is not advisable to eat meat and dairy products, since Apple Savior falls on the day of the Dormition Fast.
Signs for Apple Savior
- Clear skies mean a frosty winter. The weather on Spas is the same as the weather on Pokrov, October 14.
- The leaves on the trees have turned yellow – it will soon get very cold.
- If two flies land on your hand at the same time during a holiday, good luck awaits you.
- If you put honey on the table and a bee lands on it, it means prosperity.
