Vasily's Day in 2025: history and traditions of the holiday
Every year on January 14, the first day of the year according to the Julian calendar, Russians celebrate St. Basil's Day. It is established in memory of St. Basil the Great, one of the greatest theologians in the history of the Church. He wrote many theological works, he is credited with the creation of the modern iconostasis and the important prayer "Creed". History and customs of the oldest holiday - in the material "Izvestia".
A brief biography of St. Basil the Great
St. Basil's Day, celebrated on January 14, is an important date both in the Orthodox tradition and in Slavic folk culture. Today on this day also falls on the old New Year, the date coincides with the beginning of the year according to the Julian calendar.
St. Basil's Day is associated with the memory of St. Basil the Great - one of the Fathers of the Church, Archbishop of Caesarea of Cappadocia, known for his asceticism, theological works and charity. He is also considered the creator of the iconostasis in its modern form and the author of the Creed prayer.
St. Basil the Great was a prominent fourth-century Christian thinker who left a rich legacy. The Liturgy of St. Basil the Great is still served in the Orthodox Church 10 times a year.
St. Basil the Great was born around 330 in the city of Caesarea Cappadocia (modern Turkey) to a wealthy Christian family. His parents, Basil the Elder and Emelia, came from noble families and were known for their righteousness. Basil's mother and grandmother Macrina became venerated saints. In all, there were 10 children in the family, three of whom were also later canonized (Gregory of Nyssa, Peter of Sebastia, and sister Macrina the Younger).
The future Archbishop Basil received a good education. First he studied in Caesarea, then in Constantinople and Athens. There he befriended Gregory the Theologian, with whom he maintained a spiritual connection throughout his life. He studied rhetoric, philosophy, medicine, and the pagan sciences, which gave him a deep understanding of Greek culture.
After returning home, Basil reflected on the emptiness of secular life. Under the influence of his sister Macrina, he decided to leave his career and devote himself to God. The man traveled throughout Egypt, Syria, and Palestine, studying monastic life and asceticism. Soon he founded a monastic community on the banks of the Iris River in Cappadocia, where he developed the "Statutes of Monastic Life," the foundation of Eastern monasticism.
Around 364, Basil was ordained a presbyter, and in 370 he became Archbishop of Caesarea. His ministry fell on a difficult period of struggle with Arianism - a heresy denying the divinity of Jesus Christ. He actively defended the doctrine of the Trinity, approved at the First Council of Nicaea (325).
Basil wrote many treatises, in one of them he substantiated in detail the equality of the Holy Spirit with God the Father and God the Son. He reformed the administration of the church, promoted the creation of liturgical texts, and established the liturgy that today is called by his name and recited on especially solemn days. He also fought against graft in church circles and ensured strict observance of the canons.
Archbishop Basil was known for his concern for the poor. He founded a charitable complex called Basiliada, which included hospitals, orphanages and strange houses. He personally distributed food to the needy and helped in the treatment of the sick.
Basil the Great left more than 300 letters concerning theological, pastoral and personal issues. His letters are a valuable historical source. In addition, he wrote many sermons that touch on the issues of morality, spiritual life and charity.
He was characterized by strictness to himself and great demandingness to those around him, especially to the clergy. He led an ascetic life, often refusing food and sleep for the sake of prayer and labor. The saint's health was undermined by strict fasts and hard labor. He suffered from illnesses, but continued his activities until the end of his life.
Basil the Great died on January 1, 379 (according to the Julian calendar) at the age of about 49 years. His passing was a great loss to the Church, but his writings continued to influence the entire Christian world. He was canonized shortly after his death. His memory is celebrated on January 1 (according to the Julian calendar) and January 14 (according to the Gregorian calendar) - the day of his death, as well as on January 30 - together with Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom (the Day of the Three Saints).
In the world, St. Basil was considered the patron saint of agriculture and prosperity, which influenced the folk traditions associated with this feast. Before the adoption of Christianity in the Slavs, this day coincided with the celebration of the New Year according to the solar calendar. In honor of the celebration, rituals related to the harvest, purification and prediction of the future were held, which our ancestors transformed into a holiday in honor of the saint.
The ancient names of the day are Ovsen, Tausen, Bausen, because the ancient rites of sowing or sowing were called "ovsenkaniye", "go tausen", "usenkat", "click ovsen". The peasants, who made this round, used to say under the windows of the houses: "Give out a pig and a hog for Vasilyev's evening", or else: "Put the intestines and legs in the upper window". The visitation was held in the morning of January 1. Early in the morning the children, having gathered together, went to the houses to sow a few grains of oats, buckwheat or rye from a sleeve or a sack, saying: "O God, sow, O God, all kinds of fat, that in the treasury and in the great, and there would be fat for the whole baptized world". All "sown" grain was collected and stored until sowing - it was added to the first sower. The purpose of this ritual was to "curse" a good harvest in the new year.
History and traditions of Vasilyev Day
From the evening of January 13 (Generous Evening), children and young people went door-to-door congratulating their hosts on the holiday, singing songs and wishing them prosperity. In return they were given sweets, pies or money. Malanka" was especially popular - a costume performance with cross-dressing, where cheerful images symbolized prosperity and joy.
On the morning of January 14, men or boys went around the houses, scattering grain (wheat, oats, rye) to wish fertility, wealth and happiness. Only men did this, as it was believed that a woman's first step would bring bad luck.
Nourishing and meaty dishes were served on the table, as the Christmas fast was already over by this time. The main dish was pork, as the pig in folk beliefs symbolized wealth and fertility. Kutya was prepared by adding butter, cream and meat to it. Slavs used to set fire to juniper or other herbs, going around all the rooms with a prayer. The action was aimed at cleansing the room from everything negative and evil. Cattle were also cleansed by leading them around the fire or sprinkling them with holy water.
On the night from January 13 to January 14, girls guessed at their fiancé, using candles, mirrors, shadows from paper and grain. It was believed that Vasily's Day was one of the best times to predict the future.
Archpriest Maxim Kozlov, first deputy chairman of the Russian Orthodox Church's study committee, said on the Pravmir portal that the Church's attitude to any fortune-telling at any time of the year - on coffee grounds, on the mirror, on playing cards, with the help of some new-fangled numerology or even with the involvement of innovations and nanotechnology - is negative.
He explained that superstition contradicts the Christian faith in God, and human attempts to penetrate into the spiritual world are considered "unequivocally unhelpful".
What you can and can not do on Vasily's Day
It is believed that January 14 is a good day for any endeavor: buying, wedding, building a house. Helping the needy on this day was considered a pious deed that attracted God's blessing.
On this day it is forbidden to quarrel and quarrel, as any conflict can set the tone for the whole coming year. During the celebration of Vasiliev Day, one should not lend money, as this can attract other financial losses. It is also not allowed to sweep out the garbage from the house, so as not to sweep out the family happiness together with it. You should clean the house in advance.
St. Basil's Day: omens and superstitions
Vasily Day combines Christian and pagan traditions, reminding of the importance of starting the year with pure thoughts, in harmony with loved ones and nature. There are also weather omens for Vasily's Day.
If the sky is starry on the night of January 14, it may portend a good harvest of berries this year.
The south wind on the day of Vasiliev Day promises a hot summer. If the streets are covered with snow in the morning on this day, you can count on a successful year. Clear weather without precipitation may portend a meager bread harvest. If fog descended on this day, it means a good harvest of grain crops.
If a dog howls on the night of January 14, it means blizzards and severe frosts in the coming days. Loudly singing sparrows predict a warming soon, and a cat near the door - early spring. If you happen to find a coin or money on the street on this day, it is a sign of financial prosperity for the whole year. Losing anything can bode well for loss.
Vasily's Day was popularly called the Pig Holiday, as the main dish on the table was pork. If there was an abundance of meat and fatty food on the festive table, the year promised to be fertile. In the morning on Vasily's Day it is necessary to wash with cold water to be healthy and vigorous all year long. It was also believed that if on this day to wash from silver or copper dishes, it will bring health and longevity.
The Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) does not support following pagan omens and superstitions, as they contradict the essence of faith. According to the Church's teaching, omens are a form of idolatry because they distract people from the true God.
However, many Orthodox Christians continue to believe in omens that were formed hundreds of years ago.
Basil: the meaning of the name, character traits
The name Basil has a rich history and deep meaning, going back to ancient times. It comes from the ancient Greek word βασίλειος (basileios), which translates as "royal", "regal", "royal", "royal". This name is related to the Greek word "βασιλεύς" (basileus), meaning "tsar" or "ruler". It is often found in Russian literature and culture, which emphasizes the popularity and significance of this name.
The name Vasily carries associations with greatness, leadership, and nobility. It symbolizes wisdom, inner strength and high status, both literally and figuratively. The characterization of the name is based on its historical and cultural context. Owners of the name Basil are usually wise and judicious. They are often characterized by high intelligence, a tendency to reflect and deeply analyze situations. Name holders strive to help others and find joy in serving people, often showing generosity and compassion.
As the meaning of the name suggests, Basilians have an innate tendency to take responsibility and lead. Due to their tenacity and determination, they are able to succeed even in difficult cases or circumstances. They also possess a natural magnetism that attracts people.
Sometimes the desire for leadership can turn into stubbornness or arrogance. They are also characterized by excessive demanding - both to themselves and to others, which can cause conflict. A tendency to introspection can lead to excessive anxiety and doubt.
The name Basil is often associated with a strong spiritual component. People with this name usually succeed in professions that require intelligence, organizational skills, and the ability to inspire others. Their spiritual and emotional strength helps them cope with challenges and lead others.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
