On January 30, Orthodox churches commemorate Anthony of Cherepovets and Anthony the Great. These saints, who lived in different eras, left behind many good deeds. In the folk calendar, this day is known as Anton Peresimnik, as well as Antonina-half. In ancient times, special rituals were performed, one of which protected against curses, while another helped attract finances.
On January 30, Orthodox churches commemorate two saints named Anthony: Anthony of Cherepovets and Anthony the Great. These saints lived in different historical periods: Anthony of Cherepovets in the 16th century, and Anthony the Great in the 3rd century. However, they are united by many good deeds.
Folk Calendar: Anton Peresimnik
The folk holiday dedicated to the saints Anthony has various names: Anton Peresimnik, Antonina-half, Anton's day, and simply Peresimnik.
These names emphasize that half of winter is already behind. “January is the beginning of the year, the middle of winter,” “January is the middle of winter: it cuts winter in half,” “Antonina has come – winter is halfway,” our ancestors used to say.
Nevertheless, it was not recommended to relax, as they knew: “January puts on a fur coat to the feet, paints cunning patterns on the windows, entertains the eyes with snow and tears the ears with frost.”
Anton Peresimnik: What Needs to Be Done
To please winter and not offend spring, on this day they baked round loaves and buns from a mixture of rye and wheat flour, which symbolized the sun. They generously added butter, eggs, and milk to the dough.
It was believed that small rosy buns would bring happiness and health. They were distributed among family members, offered to relatives, neighbors, and travelers.
Part of the baked goods was necessarily taken to church, where prayers were held in honor of Anthony of Cherepovets and Anthony the Great. It was believed that the saints strengthen the spirit, bring peace to families, and heal the sick.
In ancient times, a special ritual was performed on Anton Peresimnik to deceive evil spirits. A person leaving the house first would back away from the porch, stepping on their heels, thus signaling that the owner had returned.
To ensure everything went well, housewives worked diligently: they washed, cleaned, did laundry, and tidied up the children. To “invite” money into the house, they would place coins or bills in their wallets.
On the night of Anton Peresimnik, prophetic dreams are said to occur, which can sometimes be difficult to interpret. It is important to remember what was dreamed, as over time the riddle will be solved.
Anton Peresimnik: Folk Omens
Anton Peresimnik can tell about the weather. However, the elders advised not to trust this day too much: “Peresimnik will give hope, warm you up, and then deceive you – it will freeze everything,” the peasants said. There was another proverb describing Anton's day: “Cunning Anton from all sides.”
Antonina-half: What Not to Do
Anton Peresimnik, following the Day of Wizards celebrated on January 28, is also considered quite dangerous. The elders claimed that at this time witches and wizards wander the earth, casting curses on people.
Therefore, they did not trust the sweet words of strangers, did not accept food and items from them. On this day, it is forbidden to:
Say hurtful words to each other. At this time, they have special power and can return like a boomerang, bringing illness and troubles.
Be lazy and procrastinate – this will lead to a loss of luck.
Boast about successes – they may leave the house.
Engage in handicrafts: sewing, knitting, weaving – this leads to illness.
On Anton Peresimnik, women avoided cooking dishes from beans, knowing that it could lead to a deterioration in well-being. Men tried not to leave the house.
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