The Day of Feodosy: What Not to Do on January 24 and Other Traditions 0 8

On January 24, Orthodox Christians honor St. Feodosy the Great — an emperor who lived in the 5th-6th centuries. He became known as the founder of communal monasteries, hospitals, and shelters for the poor, as well as a fighter against paganism.

This day also commemorates early Christian saints — St. Feodosy the Cenobiarch, St. Feodosy of Antioch, and the martyr St. Feodosy of Sirmium.

Folk Calendar: The Day of Feodosy

The folk holiday dedicated to St. Feodosy the Great and other saints was celebrated with particular respect. Usually, strong frosts occurred at this time, which forced people to stay at home. However, this was not the only reason.

The Day of Feodosy, also known as “Feodosy the Springtime” or simply “Feodosy,” was considered a time when evil spirits could roam the earth, emerging from the underworld during the Holy Nights. Our ancestors believed that evil spirits were looking for victims.

What to Do on the Day of Feodosy

In ancient times, the Day of Feodosy began with a prayer service in the church. People asked St. Feodosy the Great and other saints for help in family matters, raising children, and healing from illnesses.

Upon returning home, peasants would stoke their stoves and gather in large groups to discuss everyday affairs. Women engaged in handicrafts, while men discussed the upcoming fieldwork — winter was already preparing to give way to spring.

Youth shared funny stories, as when evil spirits roam outside, it’s the perfect time to entertain with tall tales.

Closer to evening, they drank tea made from forest berries with jam, and more affluent people added honey. Over time, a tradition developed to end the evening of the Day of Feodosy with tea, believing that tea consumed on this day would protect against colds and other illnesses.

“We miss tea without it,” “Drink some tea — you’ll forget your sorrow,” “Keep goodness in your home, and warmth in your tea” — these proverbs have come down to us from a distant past.

The main treat of the Day of Feodosy was a pie filled with greens collected in the summer. Such baked goods strengthen health and provide energy.

There was also a ritual that came from pagan times. To protect oneself from ailments, an old shoe was taken and hung on a tree near the house, saying: “As no one needs this old shoe, so may my enemies have no concern for me. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

The Day of Feodosy: Folk Omens

Although people rejoiced at the approaching end of winter, a thaw on the Day of Feodosy was considered a bad omen. Experience showed that such weather could negatively affect the harvest.

The weather conditions on the Day of Feodosy predicted what November would be like. There are also other signs associated with Feodosy the Springtime. For example, warm weather foretold an early spring and abundant rains. “Beware of January’s spring — a lean winter is long-lasting,” “Warm days in January do not bode well,” — this is how our ancestors thought.

The Day of Feodosy: What Not to Do

On the Day of Feodosy, one should not freeze, as the cold can negatively affect health. If an illness “sticks” on this day, it will be difficult to get rid of it. It is also forbidden to:

Go into the forest alone — there is a risk of getting lost and not returning home.
Wear dirty, unkempt clothes — this attracts negativity, illness, and dark forces.
Change jobs or places of residence — all changes will bring misfortune.
Cut nails or hair — it shortens life.
Lend money — it leads to financial problems for several months ahead.
Argue with loved ones — it leads to a deterioration of relationships for a long time.
Stare at oneself in the mirror for a long time — it leads to troubles related to appearance.

One of the important prohibitions was to keep an eye on black cats. Our ancestors made sure that on the Day of Feodosy even the gates to the yard were tightly closed, as black cats were associated with dark forces.