March 6 — Timofey Vesnovey: history, traditions, what can and cannot be done

Every year on March 6, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Timothy of Olympus, a hermit who possessed the gift of healing. In 2025, the celebration dedicated to him falls on Wednesday. Read about why this holiday was popularly called "Timothy Vesnovey" and how it was celebrated in the Izvestia article.

Timofey Vesnovey in 2025 — history

St. Timothy was born in Italy in the 8th century. In his youth, he became a novice at the Symbols Monastery, located near Mount Small Olympus, which is located on the territory of modern Turkey. A large part of the saint's life is connected with this monastery.

According to legend, St. Timothy spent his days in prayer and strict fasting. He also made a vow that he had no right to look at a woman's face. For his righteousness and diligence, God rewarded the saint with the gift of healing diseases. He also gained the ability to cast out demons.

At a more mature age, St. Timothy decided to retire from worldly life in order to devote himself entirely to the service of the Lord. He left the monastery and for many years wandered alone through deserts, mountains and forests, tirelessly offering prayers. The saint died around the year 795 at a very old age, even on his deathbed without interrupting his spiritual feat.

Timothy Vesnovay holiday traditions in 2025

In Russia, this holiday was called "Timofey Vesnovey", or "Vesnyak", as it was believed that on this day winter finally retreats under the onslaught of spring.: The wind becomes warm, the buds swell, and sap begins to flow in the maples and birches. Even the sudden frosts and snowstorms typical of the first days of the new season were no longer frightening — people knew they wouldn't last long.

It was customary for Timofey Vesnovey to put the house in order, to get rid of unnecessary and broken things. Thus, the house was cleaned of the accumulated negativity over the winter. To make the year go well, they organized feasts to which friends, relatives and neighbors were invited. If the holiday did not coincide with the fast days of the church — Wednesday and Friday - a variety of meat dishes were served at the table. The housewives also baked rolls, which they then took to the church to distribute to the poor. And for children, they prepared ceremonial cookies in the form of birds, accelerating the arrival of spring.

There was also a belief that dreams on the night of Timothy Vesnovey were prophetic. In order for them to be fulfilled, they should be shared with the household the next morning. The unmarried girls hoped to see their betrothed, and the prudent owners — gold or money, foreshadowing a comfortable life for the family during the year.

There was another way to attract wealth on a holiday. To do this, the doors were opened wide, allowing solar energy into the house. At the same time, they carefully watched that no cat or dog sneaked into the house, as they believed that evil spirits could get to people in the guise of an animal.

What can and cannot be done on Timofey Vesnovey in 2025

In ancient times, there was a belief that various evil spirits were activated on Timothy Vesnovey. Therefore, after dark, the villagers tried once again not to leave the house. If it was necessary, before crossing the threshold, they made sure to check if they were wearing a cross and drank some holy water.

Also, on this day, they did not do any business related to indoor plants: fertilizing, watering, transplanting, etc. It was believed that this would ruin them.

It was strictly forbidden to drink alcohol on the holiday. According to legend, anyone who drinks even a little alcohol will lose his mind forever. They also avoided quarrels and conflicts with Timofey Vesnovey so that they would not escalate into a long-term feud.

Timofey Vesnovey — omens

On Timofey Vesnovey, old people left the warm places on the stove and went out into the courtyard to meet the coming spring and observe nature. It was believed that the weather on a holiday could determine when the planting season would begin. So, if streams began to flow along the roads, it was necessary to prepare tools — sowing would be early. And the return of the migratory birds promised a rich harvest of bread.

A sunny and warm day indicated the imminent end of the cold weather, and a sudden snowstorm indicated that the snow would melt by next week. The swelling buds on the trees indicated a rapid and significant warming. If the cats were looking for warm places in the house, people were preparing for frosts.

Earlier, Izvestia told what folk beliefs and traditions are associated with memorial day of St. Leo of Katan.