Tatiana's Day and Babiy Kut: What You Can and Cannot Do on January 25 0 12

On January 25, Orthodox churches commemorate Saint Tatiana of Rome, who was born in the 3rd century, when Christians faced persecution from pagans. The daughter of a Roman consul, she decided to dedicate her life to serving Jesus Christ, which led to her falling out of favor with idolaters.

During the reign of Emperor Alexander, there were brutal persecutions of Orthodox Christians. Once, by the order of the ruler, pagans captured Tatiana, brought her to the temple of Apollo, and tried to force her to worship his statue.

The prayers of the consul's daughter, who refused to obey, caused an earthquake that destroyed part of the temple and the statues of pagan idols.

The tortures and torments inflicted on Tatiana left no marks on her body. The miracles occurring around her even led her executioners to believe in God. Ultimately, the pagans decided to execute the martyr, and her father, who had brought her to faith in Jesus Christ, was killed alongside her.

Folk Calendar: Tatiana's Day and Babiy Kut

The holiday dedicated to the holy martyr Tatiana of Rome was considered a women's day. It was known by various names: Tatiana's Day, Babiy Kut, Tatiana of the Baptism, Solnysh. In ancient times, various rituals related to dreams of marriage were performed during this time.

Babiy Kut is the place by the stove where kitchen utensils were stored and where housewives carried out their tasks. It was also called 'solnyshko' (little sun).

Girls dreaming of getting married would make brooms from bird feathers and small pieces of fabric on Tatiana's Day. They needed to discreetly leave them in the house of the young man they liked, trying to do so without his mother's suspicion.

However, not all young women managed to deceive the older women. Those who were not favored by the young man's mother especially had a hard time, and such a girl was often not allowed to cross the threshold.

It was believed that any wish could come true on Tatiana's Day. To do this, one had to climb to the highest point in the area, face the sun, and speak their dream aloud.

There was another tradition related to future marriage. On Tatiana's Day, girls would take out the mats from their homes and clean them in front of the whole village, so they could proudly carry them back. If there were boys who helped with this, the girls sighed with relief, realizing it was time to prepare for the matchmakers' visit.

Tatiana's Day: What Needs to Be Done

Everyone knew that Tatiana of Rome is the patroness of women. Therefore, the holiday dedicated to the holy martyr began with prayers in church.

It was believed that Saint Tatiana helps strengthen family bonds and guide husbands on the right path. People ask the great martyr for advice in raising children, and she also helps heal ailments, including women's issues.

The people knew that prophetic dreams occur on the night of Tatiana's Day. But for them to come true, one could not speak about them. It was necessary to simply remember the dream and try to understand its meaning.

After the church service, housewives would tidy up their homes, wash dishes, and clean pots. When everything around began to sparkle with cleanliness, they would start preparing food.

The 'Bolshukhi' — as the older women in the family were called — would bake a loaf symbolizing the sun. When it was ready, the fragrant bread would be broken into pieces and distributed to all family members. Everyone should receive at least a little.

At this time, the tables were not overflowing with dishes, but everything necessary for a good, hearty meal was present: hot soup, pies, stewed vegetables, meat, crumbly porridge, pickles, and jam.

To ensure peace and tranquility in the family, women would go to water bodies to fetch water on this day. 'Tatiana bakes the loaf, beats the mats, and leads the round dance,' they used to say.

On Tatiana's Day, it was customary to feed birds and stray dogs. It was believed that the feathered and furry creatures could bring happiness and good fortune into the home.

Tatiana's Day: Folk Omens

In ancient times, it was said that if it snows on Tatiana's Day, the summer will be rainy. If a snowstorm begins, it will lead to a summer drought. If Tatiana's Day is clear and frosty, a good harvest can be expected in the summer.

The weather was also determined by the behavior of animals and birds. If dogs began to howl, people knew that severe frosts would hit any day now. If hens hide under the perch, February will be harsh, and spring will come early. If titmice circle above the trees, the weather will soon turn bad.

Tatiana's Day: Students' Holiday

Tatiana's Day became a holiday for students thanks to the opening of Moscow University in 1755.

The date, coinciding with the folk holiday, became the basis for student youth to allow themselves to have fun on January 25 (January 12 in the old style), and rumors about this spread throughout the state.

If initially only Moscow students celebrated, over time, all other students joined in. On this day, young men and women drank mead, sang, danced, and held noisy gatherings.

One of the main omens of this day was 'Shara.' In the evening, one had to open the window and shout, 'Shara, come!'

If some joker replied, 'I'm coming,' one could hope to pass exams even without knowing what the assignment was about. Another good luck omen was a coin that students placed under their heel.

Tatiana's Day: What Not to Do

In ancient times, ancestors strictly prohibited the consumption of alcohol on Tatiana's Day. It was believed that the unclean spirits, who roam the earth after the holidays, would come for the smell of alcohol and bring much trouble to the family.

Both the elders and the youth knew that on Tatiana's Day, it was forbidden to throw out trash. With it, one could discreetly part with what they had learned.

On Tatiana's Day, students were forbidden to behave quietly. To attract the attention of Saint Tatiana, it was necessary to have fun and make noise.

It was also forbidden to quarrel, gossip, and resolve conflicts. Such people could fall into trouble.