On January 12, Orthodox churches commemorate Anisia of Thessalonica, who lived in the late 3rd to early 4th century in Greece and suffered for her faith in Jesus Christ. In the folk calendar, this day is called Anisya's Day. In the past, it was associated with prohibitions and omens concerning health.
On January 12, Orthodox churches commemorate Anisia of Thessalonica. This girl, born into a wealthy Greek family, possessed otherworldly beauty. Her parents, being Christians, provided her with an excellent education.
Her father and mother sought a suitable groom for her, hoping for a bright future for Anisia. However, fate had other plans: her parents passed away early. Left alone, the girl distributed her inheritance to the poor and settled in a modest dwelling, where she spent her days in prayer and fasting.
One day, during a large pagan festival, she was stopped by an emperor's soldier. Struck by Anisia's beauty, he asked where she was going. The girl replied that she was going to pray to Jesus Christ.
Enraged, the soldier attempted to forcibly take her to a pagan shrine. When she resisted, he plunged a dagger into her abdomen. Later, a chapel was built at the site of her death. The relics of Saint Martyr Anisia of Thessalonica rest in Thessaloniki, in the Basilica of Saint Demetrius.
Folk Calendar: Anisya's Day
Anisya's Day in Russia had various names. It was called Anisya Winter, Anisya the Stomach, or Onisya the Cut.
On Anisya's Day, which was celebrated on December 30 according to the old style, peasants slaughtered pigs and geese. From the entrails of the birds, ancestors could predict the weather. If the spleen was smooth, it meant that the end of January and February would be harsh.
Similarly, the liver indicated the weather, becoming denser towards the middle. If the liver was thick on the side of the abdomen, it foretold frosts until spring. Empty stomachs in birds and pigs indicated that spring would come late.
Anisya's Day: What Should Be Done
In ancient times, Anisya's Day was associated with visits. Some visited relatives, while others received them at home. Since there was plenty of meat, generous feasts were arranged. It was believed that the more diverse food on the table, the more generous the year would be.
Anisya's Day was associated not only with gatherings. According to beliefs, this was a time of the rampage of evil spirits, which became active during the Holy Nights.
It was believed that after the Day of Judgment, which falls on January 11, witches and sorcerers roamed in search of easy prey. Therefore, on Anisya's Day, ancestors feared encounters with strangers. Finding a scarf on the doorstep was considered a bad omen, as it could mean that sorcerers were casting a spell.
Anisya's Day was considered a time for healing from stomach ailments. Therefore, in the morning, people went to church, praying to Anastasia of Thessalonica, asking for help in healing their ailments.
This did not prevent them from recalling pagan healing methods closer to the evening. Ancestors believed that if on Anisya's Day one went to a crossroads and loudly pronounced the name of the sick relative, they would soon recover.
Anisya's Day: Folk Omens
On the night of Anisya Winter, peasants looked at the sky. If the stars were not visible, it foretold a change in the weather. If it snowed on Anisya's Day, summer would be rainy. If the south wind blew, summer would be warm and fruitful.
What is Forbidden on Anisya's Day
It was strictly forbidden to pick up items found on the street, especially at crossroads. This could lead to picking up a curse or the evil eye.
Old people said that on Anisya's Day, one should not salt food, so as not to invite misfortune. It was also forbidden to:
Complain about the frost or bad weather, asking for warmth soon. This could lead to even greater cold. “Do not ask Anisya for warmth, for the cold has come,” they used to say.
Wipe oneself with someone else's towels — this leads to illness.
Loan money — it is unlikely to be returned.
Accept gifts from strangers or acquaintances — this leads to misfortunes.
