Aksin'ya Day: What to Do on February 6 for Financial Well-Being in the Family

On February 6, Orthodox churches commemorate the two saints Xenia – Xenia of Milan, who lived in the 5th century, and Blessed Xenia of St. Petersburg, born in the 18th century. This day in the folk calendar is called Aksin'ya Day. In the past, during this time, people engaged in household arrangements, checked food supplies, and completed domestic tasks.

On February 6, Orthodox churches honor Saint Xenia of Milan, who lived in the 5th century, and Blessed Xenia of St. Petersburg, who was born in the 18th century.

It is known that the Venerable Xenia of Milan left Rome and went to the island of Kos, where she took monastic vows and founded a community.

Blessed Xenia of St. Petersburg was renowned for healing incurable diseases and helping the wrongfully convicted. Many of her miracles contributed to improving people's lives.

Folk Calendar: Aksin'ya Day

Aksin'ya Day, which falls in the middle of winter, was also called Half-Winter. In ancient times, it was believed that by February 6 (January 24 in the old style), half of the winter supplies should remain.

To check this, ancestors conducted an inventory of supplies. The inspection began the day before, on the day of Agafia the Half-Baker, which is celebrated on February 5.

Those who did not manage to do this on Agafia made up for it the next day. “Half-winter is half, but does not divide winter evenly – it will be harder for a man by spring,” people used to say.

If the grain supplies were insufficient, and the hosts understood that they would not last until spring and the sowing season, they urgently replenished the granaries, as it would be significantly more expensive in spring.

Aksin'ya Day: What to Do

In ancient times, Aksin'ya Day began with prayers in the church. People turned to Xenia of Milan and Xenia of St. Petersburg for help in raising children.

Both saints helped in healing diseases. The main thing was that the prayers were sincere and came from the heart.

Our ancestors knew that Aksin'ya Day should be dedicated to household chores. It was believed that if many useful tasks were accomplished on this day, there would be prosperity, happiness, and love in the home, and everyone would be healthy.

Aksin'ya Day: Folk Signs

In folk tradition, Aksin'ya Day was also called the Spring Indicator. By observing the signs of nature, one could understand what kind of weather to expect in spring. The stars indicated this. If there were many stars in the sky on the night of Aksin'ya, it foretold a warm spring.

If there were few stars, it meant that spring would be cold. If a snowstorm began on Aksin'ya Day, ancestors understood that spring would be prolonged, and summer would be unproductive.

If sparrows hide in the brush, it means they sense a snowstorm. If cats cannot find a place for themselves, it foretells frost.

What Not to Do on Aksin'ya Day

Aksin'ya Day does not favor greedy people. To avoid angering Venerable Xenia of Milan and Blessed Xenia of St. Petersburg, ancestors tried to show generosity in both feelings and treats.

It was considered a grave sin not to show compassion to the poor and not to notice an outstretched hand. On Aksin'ya Day, it is forbidden to:

Laugh at people, humiliate the weak and helpless – this will lead to life's difficulties.
Speak poorly of relatives – problems will arise in the family that may lead to the dissolution of marriage.
Change the bedding – this leads to sudden illness.
Tie knots – this leads to the death of a loved one.
Engage in needlework, cut hair and nails – this leads to illness.
Be lazy and idle – this leads to loss of money and poverty.

However, on Aksin'ya Day, efforts were made to protect elderly people from work. They were supposed to rest and restore their strength and health.