A special holiday on February 1 is Makariev Day: history, traditions, omens
Every year on February 1, Orthodox believers remember St. Macarius the Great of Egypt, a famous Christian ascetic whose works and spiritual teachings have shaped the monastic tradition for centuries. In the national calendar, the holiday is considered a special border of winter and bears telling names — Makar-vesnokazchik, Makariev day. In 2026, it falls on a Sunday. Read about its history, traditions, signs and strict prohibitions in the Izvestia article.
What is the church holiday on February 1st?
St. Macarius of Egypt lived in the fourth century and entered the history of the church as one of the greatest ascetics and teachers of spiritual life. He was born in lower Egypt into a pious Christian family and from his youth was accustomed to work, prayer and humility.
Macarius was married, but he was widowed very early. After that, he decided to give his inheritance to the poor and devote himself entirely to God by going into the desert. At first, he asceticized near his native village, then became a disciple of St. Anthony the Great, whom church tradition calls the father of monasticism.
Over time, Macarius gained his own disciples, founded monasteries in the Nitrian and Skete deserts, and became the spiritual mentor of entire generations of monks. Because of his rare combination of youth and spiritual maturity, he was called the "young elder" or "boy elder."
Macarius became famous as a strict ascetic and a sensitive mentor. The reverend's theological legacy consisted of about 50 "Spiritual Discourses," seven instructions, and two epistles. Their main theme is the inner life of a Christian and the struggle with passions. In some of them, he interpreted biblical images allegorically, showing how ancient texts reveal themselves in the experience of modern man.
Humility was the key to his teaching. Makarii emphasized that external deeds (fasts, vigils, strict lifestyle) are not so important if a person does not learn meekness and mercy. He instructed the monks that it was possible to overcome devilish temptations not by the strength of the body, but by crushing pride and sincerely turning to God.
In the middle of the fourth century, the monk was among those who suffered from the church troubles associated with the spread of the Arian heresy. Her supporters believed that Jesus Christ was the first and highest creation of God, not equal to him.
Under Emperor Valens, who shared the views of Arius and relied on supporters of this heresy in the episcopate, pressure began on defenders of Orthodoxy. Macarius the Great openly confessed that Christ was consubstantial with the Father, and enjoyed great prestige among the monks of Egypt, which made him an uncomfortable figure. At the insistence of the heretic bishop of Alexandria, Lucius, the monk was deprived of the opportunity to openly instruct his flock and exiled to one of the Egyptian islands inhabited by pagans, but there he continued to preach, heal and instruct.
After the end of the persecution, Macarius returned to the desert, continued to lead monasteries and did not give up spiritual work until old age. The saint died at about the age of 90-97. Shortly before his death, according to legend, Anthony and Pachomius the Great appeared to him, predicting the day of his death.
Traditions of the national holiday Makariev day on February 1st
In the national calendar, Makariev Day was perceived as a transition point, when winter was still in force, but the peasants were already beginning to prepare for spring, field work and the future harvest. Hence the other names of the holiday — Makar-vesnokazchik, Makar Yasny.
The morning traditionally began with a visit to the temple. Believers placed candles for St. Macarius, prayed for peace of mind, protection from temptations, deliverance from evil people and spiritual blindness. The saint was entrusted with requests for strengthening in faith, guidance to young people, academic success and the acquisition of useful knowledge.
In Russia, St. Macarius Day was considered a time of purification and spiritual renewal. Upon returning from the temple, the housewives began cleaning the house, carefully sweeping out the trash, getting rid of all the excess that had accumulated over the winter. According to beliefs, illnesses, failures and quarrels left the family with him. Then the room was fumigated with wormwood, thyme or juniper "to purify and protect from the evil eye."
In Russia, on February 1, it was customary to bake loaves and sweet pies with poppy seeds, which were considered a symbol of prosperity and protection from evil. The ancestors believed that a piece of this bread brings happiness and well-being to everyone who tastes it.
Makariev day was often called a guest day — relatives and neighbors gathered together, brought treats, held tea parties together at the samovar, and talked. For tea, they took spring or well water and dipped a smoldering aspen splinter into it. It was said that such water could protect against diseases and the evil eye, and give strength after the winter cold.
Tea was often brewed from rosehip, St. John's wort, chamomile. If there was a cold in the house, the samovar was "inflated with a felt boot." It was put on the lid, and the resulting steam and smoke warmed the patient's clothes, hoping for a speedy recovery.
At the table, they not only discussed household chores, but also told funny stories and "tall tales" about evil spirits, who, according to legend, had not yet had time to finally "calm down" after Christmas.
It was also customary to hold rituals for health and good luck on the holiday. Before leaving the house, it was necessary to say: "I'm leaving the house as a gentleman, and I'll return to the house as a boyar." It was believed that this conspiracy attracts prosperity and good luck. Also, to attract money for the whole day, they put a coin in their shoes, under the heel. On February 1, the ancestors tried to determine how the fiscal year would turn out. To do this, dry logs were thrown into the oven. If they flared up quickly and burned with a steady flame, it was considered a good sign — there would always be money in the house.
Special attention was paid to children. They were washed with holy water and crossed three times. Holy water was also sprinkled on the threshold and windows, and sometimes on pets to protect them from diseases.
St. Macarius Day was also considered a time of prophetic dreams. We tried to remember what we dreamed about on the morning of February 1. They searched for answers to important life questions in their dreams. They didn't share good dreams. The ancestors believed that saying it out loud could "dispel" luck.
What not to do on the Macarius Day holiday on February 1st
In Russia, on Makariev day, there were a number of prohibitions, the violation of which could "set the tone" for a whole year. Therefore, the ancestors were especially attentive to the behavior of February 1.
First of all, dark, mourning-colored clothing was prohibited. She was associated with failures and losses. It was believed that anyone who dressed in black on St. Macarius Day risked financial difficulties, protracted conflicts and a cooling in family relations.
What else you can't do on February 1st:
- cutting your hair can "cut off" your health;
- quarreling and swearing — there is a risk that the disagreement will drag on for a whole year.;
- to lend money, you can "give away" your happiness with it.;
- gossiping and discussing others leads to troubles and illnesses;
- to refuse alms leads to a decline in the house.
Folk signs for February 1st
On Makariev Day, the peasants carefully observed nature, judging by the weather on February 1 what kind of spring it would be and how fruitful the year would be.:
- clear weather for early spring;
- snowstorm or strong wind — winter will be delayed;
- hoarfrost on the trees — to a rich harvest of honey;
- snowfall without wind — the year will be calm;
- snow melts from the roofs — for a bountiful harvest;
- thunder on this day leads to a strong flood;
- the cat sleeps all day — to the cold weather.
Earlier, Izvestia reported on the traditions and signs of Afanasyev Day.
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