Alexey the Fish: What Should Be Done on February 25

On February 25, Orthodox churches commemorate the memory of Saint Alexey. In the folk calendar, this day is known as Alexey the Fish. At this time, our ancestors prepared fish pies, tidied up their homes, and listened to the chirping of sparrows. The night of the holiday was considered special. Let’s tell you why.

On February 25, Orthodox believers commemorate Saint Alexey, who lived in the 14th century. According to tradition, he was born in Moscow into a wealthy boyar family. The future Metropolitan of Moscow contemplated becoming a monk in his youth. At the age of 12, he had a prophetic dream predicting that his entire life would be dedicated to serving people.

At 15, Alexey decided to become a monk and devoted the next two decades to ascetic life. One of his mentors was the elder brother of Sergius of Radonezh — Stefan. Later, when Alexey founded the Spaso-Andronikov Monastery, Sergius of Radonezh's disciple — Andronik — became its first abbot.

Metropolitan Alexey of Moscow and all Russia is remembered by the people for his good deeds. He built churches and monasteries, helped the poor, and established relations with the Tatar khans. Possessing the gift of miracles, he healed people. According to tradition, he cured eye diseases and even blindness.

After the death of Grand Duke Ivan (John) II Ivanovich in 1359, Alexey became the guardian of his son Dmitry, who later received the title of Don. He is believed to have embodied secular and spiritual authority. Alexey repeatedly reconciled princes who quarreled over land. Thanks to him, Moscow was recognized as the center of Orthodoxy and the unity of Russia.

Folk Calendar: Alexey the Fish

In the folk tradition, the day of remembrance of Saint Alexey was called “Alexey the Fish” or “Alexey's Day.” However, there were other names: “Alexey,” “Day of Alexey,” “Meletius.”

The holiday received the name “fish” not by chance: the people knew that from February 25 (February 2 in the old style), the active melting of snow begins, and many fish appear in the water bodies. “Fish on the table — health in the family,” “If there is luck, there will be fish,” they said in Russia.

Alexey the Fish: What Should Be Done

On the day dedicated to Saint Alexey, people would definitely visit the church. They pray to Saint Alexey, Metropolitan of Moscow, for strengthening faith, healing from illnesses, especially eye diseases. They ask for help in raising children, protecting widows, orphans, and infants.

Our ancestors knew that to invite money and luck into the home, it was essential to eat fish dishes on Alexey's Day. Therefore, in the morning, men would go to the water bodies, while women would prepare food.

The kings of friendly feasts were rasstegai — pies with fish filling. Their distinctive feature is the presence of a hole resembling a little pocket at the top.

This hole was left so that during cooking, broth or melted butter could be poured inside. If necessary, the “hole” in the pies could be stretched.

It is believed that this hole gave the pastry its unusual name. However, there is another version: according to it, “big pies” owe their name to the way the dough was prepared, which the housewives stretched by hand.

Despite the fact that during holidays people tried to rest, on Alexey's Day, they worked. At this time, they cleaned their homes of unnecessary things and tidied up. Also, on Alexey the Fish Day, they would take the seeds for sowing out into the frost, believing that such seeds would yield a good harvest.

The same was done with yarn. It was customary to say: “Freezing the yarn after Vlasiy (his day was celebrated the day before) — you will have money for Maslenitsa.” It was believed that frozen threads would be straighter, and the products made from them would be beautiful and comfortable.

Alexey the Fish: Folk Omens

According to beliefs, on the night of February 24 to 25, prophetic dreams are seen. They should be remembered but not told to anyone. Thus, good dreams will come true, while bad ones will remain only in personal memories.

Our ancestors, who could predict the weather by omens, knew: if the stars on the night of Alexey the Fish appear red — it means a snowstorm. If fog spreads over the ground during the day — summer may be rainy. If frost is visible on the windows in the morning — it indicates a change in weather: thaw will be followed by frost and vice versa. If sparrows become noisy — it indicates warming.

Alexey the Fish: What Should Not Be Done

In ancient times, there were omens that our ancestors tried not to violate. Thus, according to people, they could protect themselves and their families from troubles and illnesses. On Alexey's Day, it was strictly forbidden:

To wear old clothes — past troubles and grievances will remind of themselves.
To quarrel or conflict — a series of troubles will befall the family.
To deceive or make up stories about people — all negativity will return to the home threefold.
To consume meat — it leads to illnesses and troubles.
To make plans or start new ventures — everything will fall apart before it can truly be realized.