November 29 - Matveev Day: history, traditions, folk omens

Every year on November 29, Orthodox believers honor the memory of the Apostle Levi Matthew, one of Christ's closest disciples. In the folk calendar, the holiday is called Matthew's Day. It marks the boundary between the fall and winter seasons. In 2024, the celebration falls on Friday. About its history and traditions read in the material "Izvestia".

History of Matveev Day on November 29

Information about the origin and life of Matthew before meeting with Jesus Christ is practically not preserved. According to tradition, he served as a tax collector. The Gospels say that the Savior, seeing him at work, called him to the ministry.

It is Levi who is considered the author of the book with which the New Testament begins - the very first of the four canonical texts that tell about the life and sermons of the Son of God. The Gospel of Matthew was written in Aramaic, followed by the Gospels of Mark, Luke, and John.

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The memory of the saint is honored twice a year - November 22 and May 2

After the death of the Master, Levi Matthew actively preached the Gospel, for which he was executed during the persecution of Christians. Information about the place of his death varies. According to one version, it happened in Ethiopia, according to another - in the city of Hierapolis in Asia Minor, according to a third - in the Roman fortress of Apsaros.

The memory of Matthew is honored by both Orthodox Christians and Catholics, though the latter have this holiday on September 21. It is believed that Levi is the patron saint of business people, connected with finance by the nature of their occupation.

November 29 in the folk calendar - traditions of Matveev Day

In the folk calendar, Matveev Day marked the beginning of the winter period, the end of all the troubles associated with the harvest and the transition to rest. It was customary to visit or invite relatives and neighbors to the holiday. It was believed that in this way one could protect oneself from loneliness in the future. Large families gathered around a common table and discussed business. People used to say: "Matvei is waiting for guests", "Good Matvei if he didn't feed his guests".

The holiday falls on the Christmas fast (in 2024 it will last from November 28 to January 6), so it was customary to eat Lenten food on Matvey.

Also on this day there was a tradition to go to church, to ask St. Matthew for prosperity and help in money matters.

What you can and what you can not do on Matveev day, folk omens

In Russia believed that on Matveev Day you can not "change" - to hold in your hands small coins and bills, so as not to bring on yourself money troubles or need. But it was supposed to give alms, to help the suffering.

They tried to spend this day cheerfully, easily and positively. It was believed that on the holiday one should not quarrel, gossip, condemn others, show anger in order not to cause misfortune. For the same reason, heavy work was forbidden on Matvei. It was also not recommended to look in the mirror often and wear bright, especially red, things, so as not to scare away good luck.

Villagers paid attention to the weather on Matvey's Day, determining what the coming winter would be like. If it was slushy on Matvei, they expected a cold January. Clear skies, as well as strong winds, meant severe frosts. Snow on November 29 heralded a warm December, and rain - a mild winter.

Earlier "Izvestia" told how in Russia celebrated Michaelmas Day.