Nikon's Day: How to Attract Luck and Success on December 24 0 8

On December 24, solemn services are held in Orthodox churches in honor of Saint Nikon of Pechersk, who was the abbot of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and its chronicler.

Nikon of Pechersk

Nikon of Pechersk was born into a pious Christian family. His parents, who sincerely loved their son, believed in his bright future, and this expectation was justified. He received an excellent education, became a priest, and a companion of Anthony of Pechersk, the founder of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.

However, in 1096, the Polovtsians invaded the lands of Kyiv, and Nikon, along with Saint Eustratius and the monks of the monastery, was captured. They spent three years in captivity, enduring hunger and suffering.

To prevent Nikon from escaping, his master cut the tendons in his legs. But one day, the saint disappeared, which became a true miracle for the astonished guards, who did not know how to explain it.

When the people of Kyiv made peace with the Polovtsians, Nikon's former master came to the monastery and recognized his captive among the monks. The Polovtsian was astonished that Nikon was still alive. After conversing with him, he was baptized and remained to serve Nikon until his death.

Folk Calendar: Nikon's Day

In the past, Nikon's Day was considered surrounded by mysticism. The day before was celebrated as the Feast of Saint Anna, the mother of the Virgin Mary, which was popularly called “Dark Anna.” This name is not accidental: December 22 (December 9 in the old style) marks an important event — the Winter Solstice.

This is the time of the longest night of the year, when wishes are made and evil forces are activated. In ancient times, people believed that on the eve of Christmas, evil spirits roamed the earth, and they were also present on Nikon's Day. Therefore, all tasks were tried to be completed before dark, to avoid going outside at night.

To drive away the evil spirits, people prayed to Saint Nikon of Pechersk. “Nikon stands by the icons,” they would say, asking the saint to protect them from the evil spirits that roamed the earth.

On this day, lamps were lit, and people asked the sun to descend to earth to scare away and drive off the evil. People believed that as long as the day did not begin to lengthen, witches would fly over houses on brooms, causing snowstorms and blizzards.

Nikon's Day: What Can Be Done

On Nikon's Day, people would definitely visit the church. During this time, they prayed for the repose of the souls of deceased relatives. It was believed that Saint Nikon, the patron of this day, would help relieve mental anxieties, fears, and sadness.

In the morning, people would wear clean clothes, knowing that unclean forces cling to slobs and dirty people. The day before, it was necessary to tidy up the house.

Women on Nikon's Day would engage in cooking, avoiding fish and meat dishes during the Christmas fast. All dishes were prepared from fasting products.

Nikon's Day: Folk Omens

Our ancestors knew that if on Nikon's Day reflections were visible on both sides of the sun, frost would soon arrive. If several squirrels climbed into one hollow, snowstorms would begin the next day.

Nikon's Day: What Cannot Be Done

Since ancient times, it has been strictly forbidden for women to engage in household chores after sunset on Nikon's Day. Elders said that anything done against these prohibitions would attract evil forces. Moreover, there was a danger of sustaining serious injuries.

Men were forbidden to hunt or fish on Nikon's Day. In the forest, one could encounter wolves, and by the water bodies, one could become a victim of a water spirit.

Also, on Nikon's Day, it was forbidden to guess or practice divination, to wear old or unwashed clothes, to curse, to quarrel, and to fight. People believed that such actions would sow enmity among relatives and bring misfortune, illness, and poverty into the home.