An important holiday on May 22 is the Day of the Transfer of the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker: signs of what not to do

On May 22, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Day of the Transfer of the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker from the Lycian World of Asia Minor to Bari, Italy. This is the saint's memorial day, which is considered the closest to the people and is revered in different parts of the world. The holiday has been known since the time of Russia as Nikola Veshny or Summer. Izvestia tells about the history and traditions of the significant day.

Who was Nicholas the Wonderworker — the fate of the saint

Nicholas the Wonderworker, or Nicholas the Wonderworker, as he is also popularly called, was born in the 3rd century AD in the Greek colony of Lycia in a Christian family. His very birth was a miracle, because the family had not been able to conceive a child for a long time. Nicholas was brought up in humility and righteousness, and when he grew up, he became a priest.

When his parents died, the saint distributed all his possessions to the poor and went to the city of Mira. There, already in the rank of archbishop, he fought against pagans and heretics and performed many miracles, helping the sick and the needy. Nicholas the Wonderworker lived to a ripe old age, and after his death his body began to flow myrrh. Pilgrims from all over the world began to flock to his tomb to ask for healing from diseases and deliverance from adversity.

Pilgrims from the Russian Federation reached the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Bari despite difficulties

St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Memorial Day (Nikola Veshny) 2025 — history

The relics of the saint were kept in the worlds until 1087, and then they were solemnly transferred to the Church of St. Stephen in Bari. The date of this event, May 22, became the day of the Miracle Worker's memory along with two others. The saint's birthday is Nikola Autumnal, it is celebrated on August 11, and the day of his death is called Nikola Winter and falls on December 19. Earlier, Izvestia wrote how the saint became the prototype of the winter wizard in several world cultures.

St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Memorial Day (Nikola Veshny) — traditions

The holiday has always had a special significance for peasants and villagers. In the common people, the celebration is also called Grass Day, because the grass on the pastures has already sprung up and cattle can be brought out.

Before the holiday, it is necessary to distribute debts and make peace with those with whom he was in a quarrel. Believers attend church services and ask St. Nicholas for the healing of the sick and the protection of the suffering.

A rich table should be set at home, and the more varied the treats, the more abundant the harvest will be.

It is believed that brides who are engaged on the spring Memorial Day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker will become good housewives and the house will be in harmony.

Folk signs on May 22

There are many signs surrounding the significant day. So, on the date of the celebration, people rejoice at seeing a spider, which promises well-being, or a broken glass, which is considered a good sign.

The people do not forget about the weather signs. So, rain is called a harbinger of a good harvest, and night thunder means that clear weather will be established for a long time. If the dandelions haven't opened in the afternoon, wait for the rain.

What not to do on a church holiday on May 22

On the day of the holiday, it is forbidden to be sad, indulge in heavy thoughts and despair. You can not do nothing and be lazy, shirk from work. It is better to postpone a trip to the hairdresser or new purchases for another day. Nevertheless, the clothes should be clean and tidy.