On January 16, the Orthodox Church remembers the prophet Malachi and the great martyr Gordius of Cappadocia. This day in the folk calendar is called Gordeyev Day. In the past, it was believed that during this time one should beware of strangers, as they could harm the family. Additionally, it is important to keep one's tongue behind their teeth, avoiding boasting about one's successes and pride.
On January 16, Orthodox churches commemorate the memory of two saints: the prophet Malachi and the great martyr Gordius.
According to legends, the prophet Malachi lived in Judea at the turn of the 4th and 5th centuries. He was disliked and feared by pagans because he rebuked priests for their lack of reverence towards God and condemned people for vices such as adultery. Malachi, who passed away at a young age, predicted the birth of Jesus Christ and the appearance of the Forerunner.
The great martyr Gordius of Cappadocia, born into a Christian family, dreamed of a military career. However, when pagans began to persecute Christians, he started to openly preach Orthodoxy. After being imprisoned, he refused to renounce his faith and preferred death at the hands of pagans.
Folk Calendar: Gordeyev Day
Gordeyev Day, which coincides with the period of the Holy Days, was considered one of the most dangerous due to the activity of dark forces. It was said that during this time, hungry witches and sorcerers, returning from festivities, would attack cows to drink their milk. The animals would perish afterward, leaving their owners in despair without their providers.
To avoid misfortune, on Gordeyev Day, candles made of lard were hung over the gates, serving as protective charms. A bowl of cottage cheese was placed in front of the gates.
After this, people would turn to the household spirits, asking them to protect their livestock: “Grandfather household spirit, feed my cow, feed and nurture her, lead her gently. Run, milk, through the veins and into the udder, from the udder into the milking bucket and onto the thick sour cream,” they would say, fearing the dark forces.
Gordeyev Day: Ancestors' Traditions
On Gordeyev Day, also known as Gordey, Malakhov Day, and simply Malachi, various rituals were conducted concerning not only cows. It was believed that during this time, one could remove curses, the evil eye, and expel demons from people suffering from seizures. Healers were busy on Gordeyev Day, with no shortage of clients.
To ensure the next year would be prosperous and successful, oatmeal porridge was cooked on Gordeyev Day, which was fed to domestic animals. People also indulged in this food. On this day, it was essential to eat cottage cheese or dishes based on it. Otherwise, happiness could bypass the family.
Additionally, on Gordeyev Day, people visited the bathhouse. It was believed that water cleanses the body, and steam helps to rid oneself of sad thoughts and melancholy.
Gordeyev Day: Folk Omens
In ancient times, it was known that if it snows in the morning on Gordeyev Day, it will suddenly get cold at night. If there are many bright stars in the sky on the night of Malachi, it predicts clear weather.
If a titmouse taps on the window, it foretells unexpected news. And if one dreams of a witch at night, their personal life will improve.
On January 16 (January 3 in the old style), name days are celebrated for: Irina, Gordey, Vasily. It is believed that these individuals have complex personalities. They can be difficult, but if one finds the “key,” they can consider themselves lucky. They are reliable friends and good spouses, with whom it is easy to work. However, it is unwise to offend them — it can be dangerous.
Prohibitions on Gordeyev Day
Gordeyev Day was considered one of the most frightening during the Holy Days. Elders, fearing that Gordey would take away all the best, forbade boasting about successes and financial well-being.
It was believed that pride could lead to punishment. People said, “Satan was proud — he fell from heaven.” The following actions were strictly prohibited:
Working after sunset. This prohibition applied to women, who could fall ill.
Holding joyful feasts. This could attract witches and kikimoras.
Talking to strangers and accepting treats from them. At this time, evil spirits could take on human forms and cause trouble.
Washing floors and throwing out garbage. Along with dirty water and waste, one could throw away luck and success.
Engaging in handicrafts: sewing, knitting, embroidery. One could get injured, and such wounds take a long time to heal.
Wearing new clothes. They could either tear or get stained.
On the night of Gordey, prophetic dreams occur. However, they should not be shared with anyone. One should try to decipher the meaning of the dreams to understand what to follow and what to avoid.
