On February 21, Orthodox churches commemorate Saint Zachariah, who lived 500 years before the birth of Christ. In the folk calendar, this day is called Zachar the Sickle-Bearer. In the past, people prepared for the upcoming fieldwork during this time by checking their inventory and the quality of seeds.
On February 21, Orthodox Christians commemorate Saint Zachariah — an Old Testament prophet who lived 500 years before the birth of Jesus Christ and predicted events related to the Savior. It is known that he did much for the enlightenment of the Jewish people and their moral development. The prophet was killed by the Jews, who did not forgive him for his admonishing sermons.
Folk Calendar: Zachar the Sickle-Bearer
In the folk tradition, the holiday dedicated to the Old Testament prophet is called Zachar the Sickle-Bearer. This is related to one of his prophecies, in which he described a scroll flying through the air resembling a large sickle. Therefore, on February 21 (February 8 according to the old style), peasants paid special attention to this object.
Women going to the fields during the harvest prayed to Saint Zachariah, asking for a good harvest. Men, at this time, inspected their tools, sharpened them, cleaned them, and sprinkled them with holy water. “Do not sharpen sickles when going to the harvest”; “If you do not trim the crooked sickle in time, you will not reap a sheaf in the field,” the wise men would say.
People believed that the saint, seeing their efforts, would not leave them alone with their difficulties. Therefore, they worked with special enthusiasm and passion.
Zachar the Sickle-Bearer: What Needs to Be Done
Orthodox holidays required respect for traditions. On the day of Zachar the Sickle-Bearer, it was customary to visit the church and pray to the saint. He contributed not only to a good harvest but also to the strengthening of marital bonds.
According to superstition, for the sickle to work flawlessly, which was especially important during the harvest, it was taken outside at night to show it to the moon.
Zachar the Sickle-Bearer: Folk Omens
The elders, observing the weather year after year, knew: if there are frosts on Zachar the Sickle-Bearer, March will be warm, and winter will soon be over. If a large moon with a reddish hue was seen in the sky at night, it foretold an imminent thaw.
Zachar the Sickle-Bearer: What Should Not Be Done
The folk holiday has its prohibitions. For example, on the day of Zachar the Sickle-Bearer, the elders strictly prohibited fishing. It was believed that dangers could lurk for fishermen near water bodies. At this time, it is also forbidden to:
Engage in financial matters — there is a great risk of being left without funds.
Be angry, envy others' successes — this leads to health problems.
Look in the mirror — this prohibition applies to girls, who may face troubles related to their appearance.
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