August 29 — Orekhovy (Bread) Spas: what not to do, strong prayer
Orekhovy Spas is the last of the three Spas, which are celebrated annually at the end of summer. It symbolizes the end of the harvest and the harvest of hazelnuts. Traditionally, nuts are consecrated in the church on this day, as well as bread made from new harvest flour. Therefore, another name for the Savior is Bread. In 2025, it will be celebrated on Friday, August 29. Izvestia tells us what traditions, signs and beliefs are associated with this day.
Nut (Bread) Day is celebrated on August 29 Saved
According to the church calendar, the Transfer of the Uncreated Image of Jesus Christ to Constantinople is celebrated on this date. The story of the image known as the "Savior Made with Hands" is connected with the miraculous healing of the ruler of Edessa, King Avgar.
According to legend, the king became seriously ill and, having heard about the miracles of Christ, ordered a messenger to be sent for him. Jesus could not appear in person, but sent a towel (ubrus) with which he wiped his face. The Face of the Savior is imprinted on the fabric. Having applied himself to the canvas, the ruler was immediately healed.
Remembering this event, the people called the celebration the Savior on canvas, or the Canvas Savior. In some regions, the name Assumption Day was widely used in connection with the completion of the two—week Dormition fast. Sometimes the holiday is called the Third Savior, by analogy with the First — Honey (August 14), and the Second — Apple (August 19).
On the eve of the celebration, it was customary in the villages to consecrate a new crop of nuts and freshly baked loaves in churches. Also at this time, active harvesting of products for the winter and sowing of winter crops began. Our ancestors believed that this day was especially blessed for starting work, and they expected a rich harvest next year.
What can you do on Orekhovy Spas in 2025
Following the tradition, believers attend church services on the holiday and light bread, nuts and seeds. As in the past Honey and Apple Holidays, it is customary to thank the Lord for the gifts of the earth and share the fruits with loved ones and those in need. It is believed that good deeds come back a hundredfold on such days.
What else can I do?:
- to harvest nuts for the winter — the fruits are dried, crushed, then added to various dishes, and tinctures are made, in particular, on walnuts and pine nuts.;
- organize a festive dinner — there must be nuts and fresh pastries on the table, often relatives, friends and neighbors join the feast.;
- to wash in the bath — but you need to steam with hazel brooms, according to beliefs, they not only strengthen your health, but also protect you from the evil eye.
What you can eat on a Nut (Bread) Saved
The Nut Savior, unlike the first two Saviors, does not fall on the Assumption Fast, so there are no restrictions on food on the holiday. You can prepare dishes from fish, meat and pastries with the addition of eggs and milk.
In addition, it is allowed to drink red wine and other alcoholic beverages. For example, mead and sbiten, which are considered traditional drinks on a holiday.
What to cook for a Nut (Bread) Saved
Traditionally in Russia, they baked fresh bread, pies with nut filling and prepared nut pastille. Other popular snacks are porridge with nuts and dried fruits, honey bread with nuts and seeds, apple and nut salad, nut pie with honey, as well as drinks based on honey, spices and herbs, often with a nutty flavor.
Consecrated bread, nuts, apples and honey must be placed at the head of the table. It is advisable that they be on a separate platter. It is recommended to start the meal with them. There is a belief that if you taste every dish, then any wish will come true, and prosperity and well-being will come to the house.
Is it possible to work at home and in the garden on Khlebny Spas
There is no strict prohibition on working in the house and in the garden on the third day of August. However, on major church holidays, it is recommended to refrain from heavy physical labor. Household chores, except cooking and urgent tasks, are also better completed before August 29 or postponed to another day.
Is it possible to wash on a nutty Spas
Similar recommendations apply to cleaning and laundry. You can clean the house and wash your clothes in advance to keep the holiday clean. Church-bound people usually do this to free up the day for attending church services, festive prayers, and a home-cooked meal with their loved ones.
A strong prayer for the Nut (Bread) Saved
It is important to remember that the Walnut Savior is a holiday when one remembers the appearance of the Savior Not Made with Hands and the transfer of the holy image from Edessa to Constantinople. On this day, you need to think about your soul and take time to pray. The prayer can be addressed to the Lord or to the icon of the Savior Not Made with Hands.
Prayer for the Third Savior
"Oh, Most Gracious Lord Jesus Christ, our God! You have sometimes washed Your most holy face with water and wiped it with a cloth, and you have been pleased to depict it wonderfully on the same cloth to Prince Abgar of Edessa for the healing of his ailments: behold, we also, Your sinful servants, who are possessed by our mental and bodily ailments, O Lord, and we seek Your face with David in the humility of our souls We call upon our people: do not turn Your face away from us, and do not turn away from Your servants in anger: be our helper, do not cast us off, and do not forsake us. Oh, merciful Lord, to our Savior! Picture to Yourself in our souls, that we may dwell in holiness and righteousness, Your sons and heiresses of Your kingdom, and so to You, our most merciful God, together with Your beginningless Father and the Most Holy Spirit, we will not cease to glorify forever. Amen to that."
On Orekhovy Spas, you can also read prayers dedicated to the blessing of the harvest, the preservation of prosperity and family well-being, and the health of loved ones.
Folk omens on August 29 — for the last Rescue in 2025
There are many traditions and superstitions associated with the holiday that have survived to the present day. The hazel tree was of great importance in popular culture. It was considered sacred, and the branches were used in a ritual to protect the house from evil spirits. They were often hung over the entrance to the house or in barns.
They used nuts to predict the future, wanting to predict future events. Thus, a bitter or rotten nut warned of possible troubles and illnesses, a sweet promised success in love affairs, and a double nut promised wealth to the finder.
Other signs of the day:
- a thunderstorm on Orekhovy Spas portends a warm autumn;
- calm water in rivers and lakes — for a mild winter;
- a rich crimson sunset — for a snowy winter;
- If the cranes have already flown south, then frosts will break on the Protection of the Virgin (October 14).;
- if the birds went south after the Rescue, it means that the winter will be warm and the spring will be cold.
Earlier, Izvestia reported on the signs of the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
