A special Russian holiday on August 22 is Matvey the Snake Sucker: history, customs, signs

On August 22, Orthodox Christians honor the Apostle Matthew, one of the closest disciples of Jesus Christ. This day was popularly known as Matvey the Snake. According to beliefs, snakes are especially active at this time, attacking cows and sucking all the milk out of their udders. These superstitions are reflected in the name of the holiday. In 2025, it will be celebrated on Friday. Izvestia tells us what customs and signs are associated with this day.

Matvey Zmeesos — what is celebrated on August 22

Matthias was born in the 1st century in Bethlehem. From early childhood, he studied the Law of God under the guidance of Simeon the God-receiver. Later, he preached the gospel in Jerusalem and Judea. Prior to his election as one of the 12 apostles, Matthias was one of the 70 disciples of Jesus. After Judas' betrayal, he became one of the closest disciples of Christ.

Matthias was repeatedly persecuted and persecuted for spreading the new faith. One day, he was captured by pagans and forced to drink a blinding potion. However, by the will of the Lord, Matthias remained alive and healed the other prisoners who were blinded by this drink.

But he still failed to escape the fate of many preachers who suffered during the persecution of Christians. According to the hagiography, Matthias was stoned to death. According to other sources, he, like Christ, was crucified on the cross. The believers took the body of the apostle and buried it with honor. There are fragments of his relics in Rome, the German city of Trier and in the Church of the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles in Moscow.

During his ministry, Matthias performed many miracles. He cast out demons, cured illnesses, and even resurrected the dead. Therefore, prayers are addressed to him with requests for healing from serious illnesses, especially poisoning and eye diseases. They also pray to him for spiritual enlightenment and strengthening in faith, correct life choices, and help in doubts and temptations.

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How Matvey the Snake was celebrated in Russia

In Russia, there was a belief that evil spirits were activated on a church holiday. Disguised as snakes, she enters cowsheds and sticks to the udders of cows, drinking all the milk. Therefore, Matthew (in the folk tradition — Matthew) was nicknamed the Snake-sucker. Other names for the celebration are Matvey the Stormy, or Matveev Day.

There were many superstitions associated with this day. For example, it was believed that milking a cow alone was not worth it to avoid the evil eye. And the bucket was not placed on a table or chair after milking, fearing that the cow would lose milk. Pets were protected in every possible way and were not driven out to graze, leaving them in the barn.

There was also a belief that one should not drink herbal decoctions on Matthias, as they allegedly become poisonous. They also tried not to go into the woods unnecessarily. In the old days, it was believed that on a holiday you could encounter snakes and be attacked by them.

The name Matthew Stormy is associated with weather changes that were often observed in late summer. On the eve of autumn, clear days were often followed by inclement weather and heavy rains. Our ancestors noticed that if it rained on Matthew, then there would be no heat until next year.

What can and cannot be done on Matvey the Snake

Matvey Zmeesos Day is traditionally considered a good day for visiting fairs, making deals and earning money. On this day, it's good to finish all the things you've started and devote it to household chores. For example, start drying herbs for the winter — dill, parsley, green onions and other herbs from the garden.

In the old days, pancakes and fritters were baked on the holiday, symbolizing the sun. According to beliefs, they brought prosperity and well-being to the house. However, considering that the Dormition Fast continues on the Feast Day of the Apostle Matthew, all dishes should be prepared without adding eggs and milk. Also, fish and meat should not be eaten.

What else can not be done:

• cook sour cream, cottage cheese and butter, as they will spoil quickly.;
• Drinking alcohol and overeating can lead to health problems.;
• looking at the moon to avoid feeling unwell and having a headache;
• don black clothes and wear metal jewelry — this is how you can attract troubles and misfortunes into your life.;
• brag about your successes and achievements in front of others, otherwise luck will turn away;
• quarreling with loved ones, in the old days they were afraid that communication might then completely stop.

Folk signs on August 22

Weather signs, including animal behavior, were given great importance during the holiday. They were used to determine what the upcoming autumn and winter would be like. If the day turned out to be quiet, then we knew that autumn would delight Indian summer. If a southerly wind blew, then a lot of snow was expected in the coming winter. And the cold north wind foreshadowed a harsh winter with severe frosts.

Other signs of the day:

• the new moon is visible in the sky — it will be hot until the end of August;
• the night is cloudless, and in the morning there is no dew — cloudy weather.;
• marmots are screaming loudly — summer will still please with warmth;
• suddenly the fish stopped pecking — the weather will change dramatically;
• It's already warming up on the road — it's going to rain;
• frogs croak loudly — to dampness and slush.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the national holiday of Marina Pimena.