December 21 - Anfisa the Handmaid: history and traditions of the holiday
Every year on December 21, Orthodox believers honor the memory of the martyr Anfisa of Rome, who lived in the 5th century during the persecution of Christians. In Russian tradition, the image of the saint was transformed over time into a symbol of diligence, so in the folk calendar the holiday is called Anfisa the Handmaiden. In 2024 it falls on Saturday. Read about the history and traditions of this day in the material "Izvestia".
Anfisa the Handmaiden - 2024: the history of the holiday
The holy martyr Anfisa lived in the V century in Rome and was the wife of a prominent dignitary. According to legend, she believed in Christ after a sermon by St. Ambrose of Mediola, a famous Christian philosopher. It was he who subsequently baptized the young woman.
At that time the Arian heresy, which rejected the unity of God the Father and Jesus Christ, spread widely throughout the empire. It was condemned by the First Ecumenical Council, but nevertheless managed to acquire its followers and patrons. Among them was the wife of the Roman governor Sunilda. She suggested that Anfisa and her husband join the ranks of Arius' supporters.
The saint's husband agreed, fearing the consequences, and joined the heretics. Anfisa refused to do so, for which she was thrown into prison and soon executed.
The Church honors St. Anfisa, who bravely defended her faith, as an example of spiritual fortitude and fidelity to religious ideals.
What you can and can not do on Anfisa Handmade, traditions of the holiday on December 21
It was customary in Russia to start the festive day with a visit to the church. Believers prayed to St. Anfisa, asking for patience and strength to resist evil, as well as help in everyday affairs and family concerns. Special prayers were read for the health of loved ones and prosperity in the home.
In the Russian folk tradition, St. Anfisa was honored as the patroness of women's household and creativity. Therefore, on this day it was customary to devote time to household chores and needlework.
On December 21, women devoted time to sewing, knitting, embroidery. It was believed that the work started on this day will bring good luck if it is brought to the end. And it was necessary to do needlework alone to avoid the evil eye and loss of luck. The people even had a saying: "A girl sews on Anfisa, but an extra eye at that sewing - for the evil eye". It was believed that such embroidery had magical and protective properties.
Anfisa Handmaid's Day was traditionally used to finish pre-holiday chores: cleaning, washing, preparing preparations. It was believed that putting the house in order symbolizes the desire for harmony and renewal. Inactivity on this day, according to beliefs, could turn out to be a failure, but it was not accepted to start large cases on December 21.
Also on this day it was forbidden to refuse to help the suffering, so as not to bring misfortune on themselves. Under the ban on Anfisa was any disorder, including unkempt appearance - people believed that chaos in the house or clothes can attract misfortune in the next year.
In addition, the holiday was not accepted to laugh loudly and make noise, on Anfisa should have observed silence in order not to attract the attention of dark forces.
Folk omens of December 21
On Anfisa Handmade people observed nature, making weather forecasts for the coming winter and summer. So, if the day was sunny, they knew that winter would be frosty but clear. Snow and blizzard meant an unpleasant summer. Strong wind heralded snowstorms in January, and singing of tits - frosts. If the cat slept all day, they expected warming soon.
Earlier "Izvestia" told how and when in Russia celebrate the Memorial Day of Nicholas the Wonderworker.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
