July 6 — the mysterious holiday of Agrafena Kupalnitsa: the beginning of the bathing season in rivers and lakes

On July 6, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the early Christian Saint Agrippina of Rome, popularly known as Agrafena the Bathhouse. This name appeared due to the fact that from that time the bathing season began in the villages. In 2025, this date falls on a Sunday. Read about how the holiday was celebrated in the old days and what signs are associated with it in the Izvestia article.

What is the holiday today, July 6th

Agrippina was born in Rome in the 3rd century. The saint was raised in the Christian faith from childhood. Later, she devoted her life entirely to the Lord, taking a vow of celibacy.

During the persecution of Christians, the confessor, among others, was put on trial. The girl was brutally tortured, forcing her to renounce Jesus. Despite the suffering she endured, she remained firm in her faith and was beheaded by a sword.

The body of the holy martyr was transferred to the Sicilian city of Mineo, and then to Constantinople. After Agrippina's martyrdom, many healings took place at her relics. It is also believed that prayer addressed to a saint is powerful. She can be asked to heal from various diseases, strengthen the spirit, and help in the fight against sinful thoughts.

In the church calendar, the martyr is venerated once a year in the middle of summer. Russia has its own traditions on this day, which is connected with the preparation for a big national celebration — Ivan Kupala Day.

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Important folk signs on July 6th

In the villages on Agrafena, communal ablutions were held and steam baths were steamed. Brooms made from medicinal herbs were used to promote health: chamomile, fragrant mint, Ivan-da-mary and fern. Such procedures were considered not only health-improving, but also magical, filling the body with the power of nature.

We also swam in reservoirs. Our ancestors believed that during this period, water acquires life-giving power. In many places, public bathing started only from the Bathing Area and continued until the cold snap. Since that time, dousing with water has been popular. It was a good tradition to throw water at anyone you met. Young people excelled more than others in this activity.

In the evening, folk festivals began on the streets: they sang songs, performed round dances and had fun. They did not forget about those who needed help — tables with treats were set up in the squares, and they also prepared a special sacred porridge made from barley with the addition of fresh cow's oil. The dish was considered a symbol of well-being and gratitude for the harvest.

Special importance was attached to weather signs. If the ants hid in their burrows, a strong wind and rain were expected. Flowers bent to the ground foreshadowed a drought, and a lot of ducks on the pond spoke of the approaching hot July weather.

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Orthodox Christians celebrate the holiday on July 7 every year.

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On a holiday, one should refrain from evil thoughts, deeds and words. Conflicts and quarrels are prohibited. Also, you can't spend a day alone, otherwise the whole year will pass like this. But having too much fun, overeating, and drinking a lot of alcohol is also not recommended.

The day is considered a good one for collecting medicinal herbs and water treatments. In the early morning it is good to wash your face with morning dew, and in the evening take a steam bath.

Earlier in July, Ulyanovsk Day was celebrated in Russia. Izvestia told about the history, traditions and prohibitions of this day.