Jay Day: What to Do on December 11 to Attract Money into the Home 0 9

On December 11, Orthodox churches commemorate Saint Theodor of Simonov, who founded the Simonov Monastery in the Moscow region. He was a talented icon painter, having created numerous icons for his monastery and other churches.

Theodor of Simonov (or Rostov)

Bishop Theodor (in the world, John) was related to Saint Sergius of Radonezh and was his disciple. Sergius, in turn, was the brother of Stephen — Theodor's father. The exact date of the bishop's birth could not be established, but most historians suggest that he was born in 1339.

According to historical sources, his family was one of the most pious and respected in Radonezh. His parents sought to provide their son with a quality education and achieved this brilliantly. At the age of seven, John (Saint Theodor) began his studies. His mentors noted his successes and believed that he significantly surpassed his peers.

Having lost his parents early — they passed away when John was barely a teenager — he came under the guardianship of Sergius of Radonezh, who noticed his inclination towards religion. The next stage of the young man's life took place in the Trinity Monastery. At the age of 12, he was baptized, and his uncle decided to name him Theodor.

In 1370, receiving a blessing from Saint Sergius and Metropolitan Alexius, Theodor founded a monastery in the village of Simonovo near Moscow in honor of the Nativity of the Mother of God. Later, it was moved to another location, which became known as New Simonovo. This monastery was dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

After the Battle of Kulikovo, when the army led by Grand Duke Dmitry Donskoy achieved a brilliant victory, Theodor became the spiritual advisor to Donskoy. In 1387, he was appointed Bishop of Rostov. In Rostov, Theodor of Simonov founded the Christmas Convent for Girls, which still exists today.

The bishop, who cared for his flock, left behind a good memory and many miraculous icons, including one depicting Sergius of Radonezh. He passed away in late November 1394, and his relics were laid to rest in the Rostov Assumption Cathedral.

What to Do on the Day of Theodor of Simonov

On December 11, the day of remembrance for Theodor of Simonov, our ancestors would rise early and head to church. At this time, as now, festive services are held in honor of the bishop. People turn to the saint with requests for strengthening their faith in God. They pray to him for health and help in difficult times.

Jay Day: Folk Calendar

Not every bird has its own holiday, but the jay is a pleasant exception. This small and agile bird with a sharp beak was loved and revered by the people. The jay was considered a bringer of good fortune. Our ancestors believed that under its wings were little mirrors, into which one could look and see their future. Additionally, jays were called "mockers."

Jays, distinguished by their bright and memorable appearance, are considered one of the most popular birds in the world. They can skillfully mimic the songs of other birds, and are cunning and resourceful. Perhaps that is why there are many proverbs dedicated to them. One of the most famous — "Saw a jay, expect trouble" — seemingly has a negative connotation. However, in reality, it is a warning: upon seeing the bird, one should think about whether there is any danger nearby.

In ancient times, people believed that if on December 11 (November 28 in the old style) a jay flew to the window and began to screech loudly, it foretold good luck for the family. Wise people, upon hearing the song of this bright bird, would quickly leave the house and follow it, believing that the jay could show the way to happiness.

Jay Day: What Can Be Done

In ancient times, on Jay Day, people would tell fortunes with coins. Although the church did not approve of this, fortune-telling continues to exist to this day. It was done simply: a handful of coins was thrown into the nearest snowdrift, and then they began to retrieve them. If the largest coin was the first to be found, it meant that the person who threw the money into the snow could expect financial well-being. If the smallest coin was found first, then one should not expect any profit.

On Jay Day, girls could tell fortunes about their future husbands, and spouses could learn what awaited their family. The jay was considered the protector of newborns and could predict the future of children.

Also, on Jay Day, people would tell fortunes with beans. They would take bean seeds, lay them out on the table, and divide them into three piles, each with its own significance: one pile represented personal life, the second represented work, and the third represented health. After dividing, they would begin counting. If an even number of seeds was found in a pile, they rejoiced, understanding that good luck and financial gain awaited them. If the number was odd, they would feel sad.

In ancient times, on Jay Day, housewives would bake lean cookies in the shape of birds, symbolizing the nimble jays. These treats were shared with children, relatives, and neighbors. It was believed that such bird-shaped cookies would bring good luck. The more of them baked and given away, the more joy there would be in the family in the coming year.

Jay Day: Folk Omens

Jay Day can tell not only about the weather but also about fate. For example, if at this time the ashes in the stove quickly extinguished, it foretold a soon warming and joyful news from children.

If someone heard a bell from the well, it was a sign of luck and wealth. If by Jay Day there were many snowdrifts in the forest, ancestors understood that there would be a good wheat harvest the following year.

What Not to Do on Jay Day

There are many prohibitions. One of the main ones concerns quarrels and family disputes. On Jay Day, it was strictly forbidden to resolve issues with a spouse. It was believed that scandals would scare away the lovely birds, and a house where quarrels occur would be plagued by misfortune and conflicts throughout the year. Wise ancestors categorically prohibited on Jay Day:

Lending money and borrowing. Finances may not return, and the family will face poverty.
Confessing love. This prohibition applies to unmarried young men. It was believed that confessions of feelings could interrupt romantic relationships.
Doing household chores: washing, cleaning, dusting. Elders said that this could be done at another time. Violators of this prohibition would face misfortunes and financial difficulties.
Disregarding the advice of elders. This could lead to a difficult situation from which it would be hard to escape.
On Jay Day, unmarried women were forbidden to go out with their hair down. It was believed that after this, they would have to search for their husbands for a long time. Changing bed linen was also prohibited, as it foretold illness.