July 9 — David Strawberry: It's time to harvest the first strawberry crop
On July 9, the church commemorates the Greek Saint David of Thessalonica, revered as a saint. At this time, the first strawberries are already ripening in the forests, which are appreciated for their taste and useful properties. In the national calendar, the name "David Strawberry" was fixed for this date. In 2025, it falls on a Wednesday. Read about how the holiday was celebrated in the old days and what signs are associated with it in the Izvestia article.
The history of the David Strawberry festival
Saint David lived in the 5th century in the Greek city of Thessaloniki. According to legend, in his early youth he took vows at the monastery of the Holy Martyrs Theodore and Mercury. And for the next 70 years he lived in a hut, which he set up under an almond tree. The saint spent all his time in constant prayer, observing strict fasting.
For his devotion to the Lord, David received the gift of miracle-working and could heal from various diseases. A lot of people came to see him. He gave health to some, and gave useful advice to others to strengthen their faith. In adulthood, he reached complete dispassion and could perform various actions, for example, pick up burning coals without causing any harm to himself.
The righteous man died around the year 540. His relics are kept in the monastery of St. Theodora in Thessaloniki. In Russia, as in other lands, David of Thessalonica was revered as a miracle worker. Every year on Memorial Day, believers went to church to pray to the saint. Most often, he is asked to get rid of mental and physical ailments.
David Strawberry in 2024 — customs and omens
In early July, strawberries began to ripen in central Russia. This berry was surrounded by many folk beliefs and traditions. In ancient times, strawberries were considered not only a delicious summer treat, but also a healing plant. Tinctures were prepared from the leaves and fruits, which helped with colds, edema, joint pain and rheumatism, they were also brewed as a fragrant tea.
Strawberries were often endowed with magical qualities. There was a belief that if two fused berries meet in the forest, they must be eaten together with a loved one, then no one can separate the couple. To attract good luck and prosperity, strawberry leaves were put in a pocket. It promised prosperity and well-being for the whole year.
According to folk customs, berry picking was allowed only after the plant reached full strength — that is, after the feast of David the Strawberry. Until that time, it was forbidden to collect strawberries.
Special importance was attached to the weather signs on this day. If it was raining, it was assumed that the whole summer would be wet and rainy. The good sunny weather promised warmth and clear skies until autumn. And if the flowers of the convolvulus were closed in broad daylight, an overcast and rainy evening was expected by the evening.
Russian folk signs on July 9th
In the villages, it was believed that one should not wear other people's jewelry on David Strawberry, especially to try on wedding rings. Otherwise, there will be discord in your personal life. You can also not get married — the marriage will soon break up. Girls and women should not wash their faces with plain water. Our ancestors preferred to wash their faces with dew or strawberry broth, which made their skin look fresh and radiant.
Another ban of the day is related to finances. On a holiday date, it is not recommended to borrow money — it will most likely not be possible to return it. In order not to know the lack, you can, as in the old days, put a few strawberry leaves in your pocket.
And, of course, on this day you should go to the forest for a healthy berry. It can be added to pastries, compotes, used for medical or cosmetic purposes.
Earlier in July, Agrafena Kupalnitsa was celebrated in Russia. Izvestia told about the history, traditions and prohibitions of this day.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
