The main essence of this holiday is prayer, gratitude to God, and spiritual purification. At the same time, most prohibitions are folk customs.
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Makoviy, or First Savior, is one of the major summer church holidays. It is celebrated on August 1st (according to the revised Julian calendar). This year, it falls on a Saturday.
Read in the TSN.ua article what should absolutely not be done on this holiday.
According to tradition, on this day, the church honors the memory of the seven Maccabean martyrs, their mother Salome, and their teacher Eleazar. It is due to the phonetic similarity of the word “Maccabees” that the holiday began to be called Makoviy, First Savior, or Honey Savior in folk tradition.
Traditions on the Makoviy Holiday
In churches on Makoviy, the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord is honored. It is a symbol of the martyrs’ suffering. On this day, it is customary to attend divine services and pray. In churches, the first harvest of honey, water, as well as bouquets of wildflowers and herbs – “makoviychyky” – are traditionally blessed.
Each plant in this bouquet has a symbolic meaning:
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Poppy – a symbol of abundance, protection, and family well-being;
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Mint – embodies peace, tranquility, and health;
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Thyme – strong health and purification;
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Wormwood – protects from all evil;
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Immortelle – symbolizes longevity and endurance;
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Marigold – health and solar energy;
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Chamomile – a symbol of purity, kindness, and peace.
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Ears of wheat or rye – symbolize prosperity.
The “makoviychyk” was not thrown away after being blessed. It was dried and kept at home near icons as a symbol of God’s blessing. Poppy seeds were often used in festive baking.
On Makoviy, baking with the new poppy harvest and honey is traditionally prepared. The most famous dish is “shulyky.” In other regions of the country, they are also called “lamantsi,” “lomantsi,” or “korzhi.” Housewives also bake rolls and pies with poppy seeds.
What Not to Do on the Holiday
Most folk prohibitions are not church rules. The main thing on this day is to visit the temple, pray, and spend time with loved ones. At the same time, it is not recommended to:
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Quarrel or argue
It is worth spending the holiday in peace, as any major church holiday is dedicated to prayer, reconciliation, and good deeds.
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Organize loud celebrations
The Dormition Fast begins on this day, so believers try to spend the day in restraint, without excessive entertainment.
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Overexert oneself with heavy physical labor
This is an old tradition to dedicate the holiday to God, divine service, rest, and communication with family. However, if work is necessary (for example, due to profession or household duties), the church does not consider it a sin.
We remind you that in August, the church celebrates three Saviors – Honey (August 1st), Apple (August 6th), and Nut (August 16th).
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