August 14 — the beginning of the Dormition Fast: traditions, food rules, folk signs

At the end of summer, Orthodox believers begin the time of the Dormition Fast, which precedes the great church holiday of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is one of four multi-day fasts, as strict as the Great One. When does the Dormition Fast begin in 2025, how long will it last and what rules should be followed during this period, Izvestia tells.

When does the Dormition Fast begin in 2025

Every year, the Dormition Fast begins and ends on the same date. It lasts exactly two weeks, from August 14 to August 27. This year, it starts on Thursday.

On this day, the feast of the Origin (wear) of the Precious Trees of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, better known to the people as Honey Savior or Makovey, will be celebrated.

Shortly after that, the Apple and Nut Rescues come. Therefore, the Dormition Fast is often called Spasovka.

What to eat on the first day of the Dormition Fast

From the very first day of fasting, meat and dairy products are excluded from the daily diet. The statute also prohibits the consumption of fish, with the exception of the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord (August 19).

Usually there are a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits on the table, in particular grapes, and other gifts of summer. This includes the honey of the new harvest, which is illuminated in the church on August 14 after the festive service.

A small amount of wine and lean pastries without the addition of butter, eggs and milk are also allowed.

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What can and cannot be done during the Dormition Fast

According to tradition, believers attend the service on the holiday and bring honey with them to light it in the church. Only after that it can be eaten.

According to an ancient custom, on the first day of lent (Honey Savior), honey is served to loved ones, and also shared with the poor. No wonder the people said: "I saved the Honey and the beggar is glad to have honey."

It is customary to start a homemade meal with a spoonful of consecrated honey. It is believed that it has special healing properties, giving health for many months.

Since poppy and medicinal herbs are harvested in August, herbal tea is often brewed instead of regular tea, adding honey instead of sugar, and baking with poppy seeds is prepared.

Both on the first and subsequent days of the Dormition Fast, conflicts, quarrels should be avoided and participation in entertainment events should be avoided.

Fasting is a time of prayer and abstinence, so weddings and weddings are not held during this period. Anniversaries and other similar events should also be postponed to another time.

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Folk signs on August 14th

In the old days, weather signs were given great importance at the beginning of the Dormition Fast. They were used to judge what autumn would be like. According to observations, if it rains on August 14, then the upcoming season will be rainy. If the sun is shining, autumn will be dry and warm.

Other signs of the day:

• migratory birds have gathered in flocks — cold nights are coming soon;
• strong wind in Honey Saved you from a snowy winter;
• lightning flashes in the sky — this is a bad sign for future crops;
• a bird flew into the house, leading to a positive change in life.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the Christmas of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, which was celebrated at the beginning of the week.