December 8 - Klimentyev Day: history, traditions, omens

In Russia, on December 8, Orthodox believers honor the memory of the Holy Martyr Pope Clement I of Rome, Apostle of 70. In the folk calendar, the holiday is called Kliment's Day. It is believed that the harsh winter enters into its rights from this date. In 2024 it falls on a Sunday. About who is the spirit Treskun and why all business in the holiday should begin on an empty stomach, read in the material "Izvestia".

Clement's Day in 2024 - the history of the holiday

St. Clement was born in the early I century in a noble Roman family. In childhood he lost his mother and brothers - the ship on which they went to Athens, sank during a storm. The boy's father decided to go in search of them and vowed not to return to Rome until he found them.

Left alone, Clement studied philosophy and religion. Considering his relatives dead, he tried to find out what happens to a person after death. At the age of 24, the young man heard about Christ. He decided to learn more about his teachings, for which he traveled to Alexandria, where he listened to the sermons of the apostle Barnabas. Later in Judea, Clement met the holy apostle Peter, was baptized by him, and became his disciple.

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With the apostle's participation, Clement's family was reunited - first he met his mother, then his father, and later it became clear that two of Peter's disciples were his lost brothers.

Clement was ordained a bishop by the apostle and became head of the Roman Church around the age of 91. During the next wave of persecution of Christianity, he refused to sacrifice to the pagan gods by order of the authorities, for which he was exiled to hard labor in the quarries near the ancient Chersonese (modern Sevastopol).

However, even there the clergyman continued to instruct the believers. For this, a special envoy of Emperor Trajan ordered Clement's execution. He was tied to an anchor and drowned in the sea, so that his followers could not find and commit his body to the earth. But thanks to the prayers of the faithful, the sea receded from the shore, exposing his remains.

Traditions of Klimentyev Day, what you can and can not do on December 8

In Russia it was believed that on the feast of the holy martyr Clement, a harsh winter begins. Our ancestors began the day with a prayer to this saint. They turned to him for help in the affairs of the family and the upbringing of children, and also prayed to him for better health and financial well-being. In the olden days it was believed that all business on this day should begin on an empty stomach, as satiety reduces efficiency, so in the morning did not eat breakfast.

The main tradition on December 8 was a family dinner at a large generous table, after which they socialized and sang songs. The meal was fasting, because until January 6 the Orthodox observe the Christmas fast - from the diet excluded meat dishes, as well as milk and eggs.

Among the prohibitions on Clement was singing before the first meal, otherwise the day could end in tears. Also in the evening on this day tried not to sweep the floor, so as not to sweep out all the wealth.

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In the morning it was forbidden to lend money to the needy, and in the evening - to give or take something out of the house, including garbage. According to folk beliefs, dark forces could harm people through them.

In the villages believed that with the beginning of winter the evil spirit Treskun, who slept in summer, comes out to trade. It is he, walking across the fields, knocking and blowing in his fist, which is why strong cold winds begin on December 8. Therefore, it was contraindicated to complain about the cold - for this Treskun could punish a severe illness.

Omen on Klimentyev Day December 8

In Russia, various omens and superstitions were associated with Klimentyev day. If on this day there was a snowfall, expect a rainy summer. Dense snow cover on December 8 promised a good harvest next year. Early cries of roosters on the holiday heralded warming.

Earlier "Izvestia" told about traditions and folk omens on Katerina Sannitsa.