November 30 - Gregory the Winterizer: history, traditions, omens
Every year on November 30, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Gregory the Wonderworker. In 2024, the celebration falls on Saturday. In the folk calendar, this day is called Gregory the Winterizer. About the history and traditions of the holiday read in the material "Izvestia".
Gregory the Zimopector - the history of the church holiday on November 30
St. Gregory the Wonderworker was born in the III century in Asia Minor. He grew up in a wealthy pagan family and received a splendid education. However, neither philosophy nor other sciences could quench his thirst for true knowledge. Finally, the young man found the answers he longed for in the Gospel and embraced Christianity.
Gregory traveled to the Greek city of Alexandria to continue his studies. Among his peers, he stood out for his modesty, unstinginess, and purity. This way of life angered the pagan youth. To defame the righteous man, the students sent to him a famous prostitute. Having met Gregory in the square, she began to demand payment for the alleged night spent with her. The saint gave her the money, and the girl immediately collapsed in a fit, and then confessed to the deception. After prayer, the demons left the harlot, and she recovered completely.
Having completed his studies, Gregory decided to retire to the desert to lead an ascetic life. Spending his days in fasting and prayer, he attained spiritual perfection and gained the gift of clairvoyance. The saint hoped to spend his entire life in solitude, but he was elected bishop of the city of Neocaesarea.
During his ministry, Gregory converted many pagans to Christianity and performed countless miracles. He healed the sick, settled disputes, and averted disasters. Through prayer, the saint stopped a river from overflowing and moved a stone mountain to build a new temple.
When persecution of Christians began under the emperor Decius, Gregory and his flock took refuge on a remote mountain. A pagan pointed this place out to the soldiers. Seeing that the persecutors were approaching, the saint came out into the open, raised his hands and began to pray. His deacon did the same. Several times the soldiers passed near the faithful, but found no one, and returning, they reported that the mountain was empty and only two trees grew on it.
Until the end of his days St. Gregory remained a wise counselor to his flock. He passed away peacefully in a deep old age.
Traditions of the folk holiday of Gregory the Zimopector
In Russia, the holiday in honor of Gregory the Wonderworker was called Gregory the Zimopector. In most regions of the country, snow had already fallen by this day, so villagers gathered for the rite of "rolling up winter". Young people tumbled in the snow and rolled down the mountains on sleds. They believed that the farther they could go, the colder the winter would be, but the happier and more productive the coming year would be.
Also on Gregory it was customary to go to the bathhouse to gain strength, to wash away all diseases and sorrows. In the evening peasants gathered at the table with family members. Since the holiday fell on the Christmas fast, meat and dairy products were not served for dinner. Instead, they enjoyed jam, honey and cakes cooked on water.
After dark, villagers tried not to leave the house unnecessarily for fear of meeting evil spirits.
What can and cannot be done on Gregory the Winterizer
The Orthodox Church does not establish special prohibitions on the day of Gregory the Wonderworker. However, believers should remember that the celebration falls on the Christmas fast, during which you can not eat meat, eggs and dairy products. It is allowed to eat fish and seafood, and on the day off you can drink a little wine.
In Russia, various bans and superstitions were associated with Gregory the Winterizer. It was believed that on this day you can not raise your voice at elderly relatives. Whoever violates this prohibition will face illness and financial losses.
On Gregory it was forbidden to get married, as after the beginning of Christmas fasting all weddings were postponed until Red Mountain. In order not to scare away future family happiness, unmarried girls did not try on other people's rings. Also on this day tried not to tell about their successes, fearing to become a victim of the evil eye or spoilage.
Folk omens of November 30 - Gregory the Zimopector
On the holiday, villagers paid attention to the weather, because, according to folk beliefs, as Gregory - so is the winter. A thaw promised a mild winter, and cold - a frosty one. If the ice on the river turned dark, they expected a rich harvest next year. Mice, nesting in flax, indicated an abundance of snow in winter.
Earlier "Izvestia" told about the history and traditions of Guriev Day.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
