On February 26, the Orthodox Church commemorates St. Martinian of Caesarea, who lived in the 4th-5th centuries. In the folk calendar, this day is called Martynov Day. At this time, our ancestors engaged in household chores and contemplated their thoughts.
On February 26, Orthodox churches honor St. Martinian of Caesarea, who was born in the ancient Jewish city of Caesarea. Little is known about the saint.
According to traditions, he became a monk at an early age and spent most of his life in solitude, first in the desert and then on a remote island. This decision was deliberate, as Martinian constantly faced temptations, and only away from people did he find peace of mind.
It is known that at the age of 18, he was tempted by a harlot named Zoe, who did this as a bet. She claimed that she had nowhere to spend the night and asked for permission to stay in the cell until morning. In the morning, she began to seduce the young monk.
Realizing that it was difficult for him to resist temptation, Martinian stood barefoot on hot coals. Realizing that his action was beyond reason, the girl began to ask for forgiveness. She repented and soon went to a monastery, where she lived until her death.
After this, Martinian secluded himself on an uninhabited island. There, among the silent rocks, he wove baskets, which he then exchanged for food with the owner of a small schooner. Seeing the monk's efforts, Christ rewarded him with the gift of miracles. Martinian used this gift for good, helping people rid themselves of bad passions and serious ailments.
Shortly before his death, he left the island and went on a pilgrimage, where he began to heal people. The saint died in Athens.
Folk Calendar: Martynov Day
The name of the folk holiday dedicated to St. Martinian was adapted by our ancestors, calling it “Martynov Day” or simply “Martyn.”
At this time, people knew that fuss, deceit, bad thoughts, and base passions were not welcome. To avoid temptations, they tried to spend this day in the company of family, relatives, and friends.
Martynov Day: What to Do
In ancient times, ancestors spent this day on household chores. They tidied up, men cleared the yard of snow and cleaned the barn. But before starting their daily tasks, they went to church, lit candles, and said prayers.
They turned to St. Martinian with requests for strength to avoid temptations and also asked to heal sick relatives. The saint was considered the patron of families and the tamer of passions.
There was a belief that on Martynov Day one could improve their eyesight. For this, on the night of February 26 (February 13 in the old style), people would go outside and look at the sky. If it was starry, they would ask the celestial bodies to shine brighter. It was believed that this ritual would help restore vision.
Another ritual was related to deceased relatives. People, looking at the sky, would name the stars after their deceased loved ones. Elders would say that the deceased would come to help and assist in resolving difficult matters.
Martynov Day was considered a good day to start new ventures, make large purchases, and anything related to finances. Therefore, people would prepare for such tasks in advance.
Martynov Day: Folk Omens
The weather on Martynov Day can tell about spring. One should pay attention to the behavior of cats and other characteristic winter signs. For example, if cats sneeze often, it foretells a cold snap. If the snow begins to melt on Martyn, it means that spring is near.
If it is cloudy and cold on this day, spring will be rainy. And if the cheerful trills of tits are heard, it indicates early warmth.
Martynov Day: What Not to Do
One of the main prohibitions of Martynov Day is work. Those who spend it in chores will be happy and wealthy. However, if one begins to be lazy and avoid household tasks on Martyn, luck will not be on their side. On Martynov Day, it is forbidden to:
Cut hair, braid hair, change hairstyles — this leads to problems from which it will be difficult to find a way out.
Engage in any kind of handicraft — this leads to illnesses.
Be sad and remain alone — in such a state, one can spend the whole year.
On Martynov Day, elderly people who knew the peculiarities of this time forbade leaving children alone. They said that the dark forces that linger around on Martyn could scare them.
Friends can help avoid loneliness. Therefore, on February 26, people gathered friends, had lunch together, drank tea, and told each other all sorts of stories that they made up on the spot.
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