On February 11, Orthodox Christians celebrate the day of St. Lawrence of the Caves, who lived in the 12th century. This saint became famous for his ability to perform miracles and heal the sick. In the folk calendar, this day is called Lawrence Day. In the past, during this time, people protected themselves from evil spirits and baked cabbage pies.
On February 11, Orthodox Christians commemorate St. Lawrence, known as the hermit of the Caves.
The saint from the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra was known as a healer of all ailments, especially eye diseases. He not only healed but also freed people from curses and the evil eye.
According to legends, he healed a man possessed by a demon. This man, who found himself near Lawrence of the Caves, suffered from internal passions. In a fit of rage, he could uproot a tree and throw it several meters. He calmed down only when Lawrence took him to the relics of the saints in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
There are accounts of numerous miracles associated with the name of the saint that occurred during his lifetime. People came to him from afar.
It is known that in the second half of his life, St. Lawrence was transferred to the Minsk region, where he became the bishop of Turov. After his death, his body was transferred to the Kyiv-Pechersk Monastery, and the relics of the saint remained incorrupt.
Folk Calendar: Lawrence Day
In the past, the event dedicated to St. Lawrence had various names. In some regions, it was called “Lawrence,” while in others — “Frosty Bylinka” or “Frosty Beating.”
This holiday was considered a women’s day. Therefore, on February 11 (January 29 in the old style), women and girls set the tone for the celebration. They were to be pampered with gifts and given special attention.
Older and wiser people claimed that everything around depended on women. They could attract good fortune to the home and protect it from evil forces.
Lawrence Day: What Can Be Done
Lawrence Day was considered a family holiday by our ancestors. In the morning, everyone would go to church together, light candles, and remember their relatives — both living and deceased. They prayed, paying tribute to St. Lawrence of the Caves.
It is customary to ask the saint for healing from diseases, help in strengthening family ties, and support in raising children. Since ancient times, it has been believed that the saint helps in treating eye ailments.
On Lawrence Day, women engaged in baking. They prepared the dough in the evening, and in the morning, before going to church, they baked pies with cabbage filling. Every family member was to eat a piece of pastry, which, according to ancestors, helped attract money and good luck.
Some of the pies were to be given to the poor and travelers met along the way. The leftovers were taken to the henhouse.
There was another tradition related to food. The day before, men would go fishing. If they managed to catch fish, the whole family rejoiced.
Our ancestors knew that if on Lawrence Day any fish dish was eaten, peace and tranquility would reign in the house for the entire year. And if a quarrel did occur, it would not escalate into a scandal, as the household members would remain silent as fish.
In the past, Lawrence Day was considered a rather dangerous time. It was associated with the activity of evil spirits that emerged from the ground on the night of February 11 and roamed the earth in search of a victim.
It was believed that on Lawrence Day, witches made mounds of dry grass covered with snow. These mounds could bring a lot of trouble to the owner. To ward off witches, people would stick thistles in various parts of the fields.
To prevent the entry of evil spirits into the home, housewives would sweep the floor with brooms made of thistles, and at the entrance to the house, they would hang bundles of St. John’s wort — both plants were considered protective charms with magical powers that repelled witches and sorcerers.
Lawrence Day: Folk Omens
The elders knew that on Lawrence Day, one should watch the moon. If it is waxing, the weather in the first half of the following month will be the same as on Lawrence Day. If the event coincides with the new moon, the weather, like on Lawrence Day, will last throughout the second half of the month.
On February 11, people also observed the smoke from the stove and the firewood. If the smoke goes in a curve — it indicates a thaw. If the logs do not ignite well, it serves as another sign that warming is near.
Lawrence Day: What Should Not Be Done
Lawrence Day has not only omens but also prohibitions. For example, on this day, the elders forbade scolding oneself while looking in the mirror, as well as thinking negatively while near it. In the past, it was prohibited:
To quarrel, involving others in the dispute — leads to illness.
To use sharp and pointed objects — leads to strained relationships in the family.
To prepare meat dishes — leads to food shortages.
To leave children alone for a long time — leads to fright and tears.
To break boiled eggs against each other — dreams and plans will not come true.
Women were forbidden to engage in physical labor on Lawrence Day. The elders warned: if you disobey, not a trace of beauty will remain.
