On January 31, Orthodox believers commemorate Athanasius the Great, who lived in the 4th century. He is considered the founder of the Greek Church. In the folk calendar, this day is called Afanasy Day or Athanasius Lomonos. Our ancestors tried to stay home during this time, and if they went out, they always took a protective amulet.
On January 31, the Orthodox churches commemorate the memory of Archbishop Athanasius the Great, who lived in the 4th century. He was born into a pious Christian family and absorbed faith in God and the foundations of Orthodoxy from an early age.
According to traditions, as a teenager, he actively preached Christianity among peers from pagan families and baptized many of them in the sea. At the age of 21, Athanasius became a deacon of the Alexandrian Church, and after the death of his predecessor, he was elected as the primate of this church, later becoming the Bishop of Alexandria.
Leading the Alexandrian Church, he continued the struggle against heretics, which had begun long before his election, for which he was exiled.
Upon returning from exile, he continued to openly denounce the Arians, both during sermons and through letters and theological treatises. Athanasius the Great, who outlived four emperors, led the Alexandrian Church until his death.
Folk Calendar: Afanasy Day
Our ancestors considered Afanasy Day particularly difficult. They believed that at this time, the unclean forces that crawled out from under the ground during the Holy Days, when people were merry, were especially dangerous. Therefore, they tried to spend more time at home, with family.
If they had to leave the house, they took thistle with them, harvested in the summer. This plant was carried in pockets, lapels, and the lining of clothes.
On Afanasy Day, a twig of thistle was always placed on the threshold: sorcerers and witches feared it like fire. This amulet was considered a reliable protection against all troubles and misfortunes.
What to Do on Afanasy Day
On Afanasy Day, dedicated to the memory of the founder of the Greek Church, it is recommended to visit the church and participate in the service. Primate Athanasius the Great is considered the patron of families.
Since ancient times, people have turned to the saint for help in choosing a life path. He helps those who find themselves in difficult life situations, grants wisdom and patience, and fosters enlightenment for both children and adults.
In the past, it was customary on Afanasy Day to feed ducks and geese well with grain. This gave rise to the folk holiday being called Goose Day or simply Afanasy.
Additionally, this event has another name — Athanasius Lomonos. It was called Lomonos because on January 31 (January 18 according to the old style), severe frosts usually occurred. “Frost catches the lazy by the nose, while it takes the hats off the nimble,” our ancestors said, hinting at the need to be active in cold weather.
Despite the priests' prohibitions, on Afanasy Day, people lined up to visit healers. Firstly, to remove the curse after the Holy Days, and secondly, to stock up on potions that protect against evil spirits.
On Afanasy Day, it was customary to cleanse the home of everything that could have been brought in by people with bad energy. Although such concepts were not in common use, there was plenty of anger, envy, and negativity.
Afanasy Day: Folk Omens
Thoughtful farmers, considering the future harvest, knew: if on Afanasy Day the snow crackles underfoot from the frost, there will be a lot of wheat in the summer. If there is a thaw outside the windows, the summer will be rainy, and the harvest will not be pleasing.
If on Afanasy Day a blizzard howls outside, spring will arrive late. If there are no clouds at sunset, it foreshadows a prolonged cold snap. However, the cold did not frighten the peasants, as they knew that frozen ground would yield a better harvest.
Afanasy Day: What Not to Do
On Afanasy Day, our ancestors tried to sleep less, knowing that they might inadvertently sleep through their happiness. They avoided eating with a knife, believing that sharp objects possess magical power that could bring discord. On Afanasy Day, it is forbidden to:
Baptize boys — when they grow up, they may quickly lose their “masculine strength”.
Place things (any) crosswise — this will lead to health problems.
Look into a broken mirror — the souls of deceased relatives may settle in the house.
Change residence — it will be difficult to find peace and tranquility in a new home.
