On February 16, Orthodox churches commemorate Saints Simeon the God-Receiver and Anna the Prophetess. These names are associated with important events that took place on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. The holiday is also known as the Guardian of Infants, and during this time, it is customary to pray for the health of newborns and small children. In the folk calendar, this day is called Pochinki.
On February 16, Orthodox believers commemorate Saints Simeon the God-Receiver and Anna the Prophetess. These righteous figures are connected to events that occurred the day before, on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. On this day, in the temple, where the Most Holy Theotokos and Joseph the Betrothed came on the 40th day after the Nativity of Christ, they met with the priest Simeon.
According to tradition, when Simeon, who knew several languages, was translating the book of the prophet Isaiah into Greek, he came across the phrase: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son.” Thinking there was a mistake in the text, he decided to correct it.
However, an angel who appeared at that moment stopped Simeon and explained that there were no inaccuracies in the prophecy. He also promised that Simeon would certainly see the Messiah.
Simeon is believed to have lived for over 300 years and was a priest of the Jerusalem temple. Anna the Prophetess was also in this temple, praying and fasting around the clock.
It is known that at the time of the meeting with the Most Holy Virgin Mary, who came with the infant Jesus, Anna was 84 years old. She, upon meeting the Holy Family along with Simeon, told the townspeople about the appearance of the Savior.
Folk Calendar: Simeon and Anna, Guardian of Infants
The feast day of Simeon and Anna, dedicated to these two Jerusalem saints, is also called the “Guardian of Infants.” On February 16 (February 3 in the old style), our ancestors would go to church to ask Saints Simeon the God-Receiver and Anna the Prophetess for the health of newborns and young children.
On this day, people would address the righteous with the following words: “Anna, take Simeon as your helper and drive away all ailments from my little one. Let him grow strong as an oak, and let all diseases fall away from him like husks. Let them fly far away and not cling to his insides. My word is law; whoever opposes it, let them go away.”
Why the Holiday is Called “Pochinki”
The third name of the holiday, “Pochinki,” arose because preparations for spring fieldwork began at this time. There was no more time to delay, or else one could miss the opportunity.
Usually, on the day of Pochinki, horse harnesses were checked. It was said: “Simeon and Anna are repairing the harness”; “Grandfather rises at dawn, repairs the summer harness and the century-old harrow.” The well-known saying “Prepare sleds in summer, and a cart in winter” is also related to Pochinki.
Pochinki: What Needs to Be Done
Pochinki is a holiday for hardworking people. Our ancestors began this day at dawn. No one stayed in bed; everyone, including the elderly and children, had their own responsibilities. Men engaged in heavy work: repairing tools, mending shoes, and cleaning the barn.
Women took care of household chores. They also repaired, but mainly clothing. Typically, they tidied up, washed, and cleaned. Of course, they prepared food.
On the day of Pochinki, it was customary to cook a jelly-like porridge. It was made from a mixture of barley, millet, and rye flour. To ensure that the dish, known as “salamate,” was not bland, aromatic herbs, garlic, and rendered fat were added.
Our ancestors believed that on the day of Pochinki, evil spirits hunted horses. To protect the animals from misfortune, they tied the owner’s boots or a whip to them.
The house spirit could also harm the horses. To appease him, a treat was left in a secluded place: porridge, milk, a piece of pie, or bread.
Those who feared they could not cope with problems on their own would call healers. After letting blood from roosters, they sprinkled it on a broom and swept the corners of the yard. It was believed that after this, evil spirits would bypass the house, and the house spirit would calm down for a long time.
Pochinki: Folk Omens
Our ancestors believed that Pochinki could predict the weather for spring and summer. For example, if sparrows were noisy outside at this time, it meant that spring would come early. If cats were lazy and slept longer than usual, it foretold a hot summer.
If one heard the noise of the forest, it indicated prolonged frosts. If hoarfrost enveloped the trees at night, it foretold imminent cold. If cats scratched the floor, it indicated a snowstorm.
What Not to Do on the Day of Simeon and Anna
In ancient times, it was known that on the day of Simeon and Anna, one should not wear black clothing, or else misfortune could befall them. At this time, it was also forbidden to:
Pick up money dropped by someone else — the financial problems of others will become yours.
Ask for a loan — it leads to complete poverty.
Sleep in late — it leads to loss of luck and fortune.
On the day of Simeon and Anna, one should not quarrel, especially couples in love. This may lead to a breakup.
