On February 27, Orthodox churches commemorate Saint Cyril the Equal-to-the-Apostles – a philosopher and enlightener of the 9th century. In the folk calendar, this day is known as Cyril the Spring Indicator or Women’s Whims. At this time, our ancestors prepared sbiten, and women brought gifts to midwives who assisted in childbirth.
On February 27, Orthodox believers pay tribute to Saint Cyril the Equal-to-the-Apostles, known in the world as Constantine, nicknamed “the Philosopher from Constantinople.” The name Cyril was given to him after his baptism, and he became a renowned Byzantine missionary.
Saint Cyril the Equal-to-the-Apostles is celebrated for many deeds, among which is the creation of the first Slavic alphabet, developed together with his brother Methodius. Together, they translated the Gospel from Greek into Old Slavic.
According to legends, when the envoys of Prince Rostislav arrived in Constantinople with a request to send teachers to explain the Christian faith, the patriarch decided that Cyril and Methodius would be the best suited for this task.
These enlighteners were engaged in translating church literature from Greek to Slavic, teaching people to read and write, and conducting services. Thanks to their efforts, communication between peoples became possible, and the need for literacy arose.
Folk Calendar: Cyril the Spring Indicator
The holiday dedicated to Saint Cyril the Equal-to-the-Apostles was known as “Cyril the Spring Indicator,” “Cyril the Pointer,” “Women’s Whims,” “Day of Mutual Gratitude,” and simply “Cyril.” Our ancestors, at this time, relying on signs, could predict what weather awaited them in spring.
In ancient times, peasants, realizing that winter was coming to an end, tried to keep the snow in the fields so that it could moisten the soil. Men went out into the fields to pack down the snow cover. “Snow settles – it enriches the fields,” said the folk wisdom.
The name “Women’s Whims” is also not accidental. On the day of Cyril the Spring Indicator, women visited midwives who assisted them in childbirth, bringing gifts as a sign of gratitude. Usually, pies, sausages, and boiled pork were brought as treats, while wealthier people gifted handkerchiefs and embroidered towels.
Men also contributed: they prepared special beer for the midwives, using water from seven holy springs.
The people knew: those who neglected traditions risked losing peace. Their children could grow up sickly and capricious.
Cyril the Spring Indicator: What Needs to Be Done
On the day of the memory of Saint Cyril the Equal-to-the-Apostles, our ancestors would definitely visit the church. Before the service, they lit candles and bowed low to the holy image.
Before the icon of Cyril, they prayed for help in learning, for the health of children, for victory over fears, protection from enemies, and the cleansing of the soul. Saint Cyril also helped to protect the home from troubles and misfortunes.
On February 27 (February 14 in the old style), they brewed sbiten. This tradition, along with recipes, was passed down from generation to generation. Each family prepared it in their own way, keeping the method of preparation a secret.
The ingredients of sbiten, which was served hot, necessarily included honey (of various sorts), molasses, herbs, and spices. Little is known about the “secret ingredients,” but they were likely related to medicinal plants. Many added cranberry, lingonberry, or currant to the sbiten.
It is not surprising that sbiten turned out not only tasty and aromatic but also incredibly healthy. At the end of winter, when people were more often ill, this was especially important, as the drink provided strength and aided recovery.
They treated household members and relatives with sbiten. If they managed to prepare a lot, they sold it. The drink was in demand, and people willingly paid for it.
It was believed that on the night of Cyril the Spring Indicator, prophetic dreams would come. It was forbidden to tell them, as good dreams might not come true, while bad ones could bring many troubles.
Cyril the Spring Indicator: Folk Signs
Cyril was called the Spring Indicator because this day predicted the weather for spring and summer. If the day turned out to be good, one should not rejoice: it would be cold and inclement in spring. If the frost was strong, it foretold a hot summer.
If birds were chirping cheerfully outside the window, one could be sure – they sensed the approach of thaw. The people also knew: if on Cyril the Spring Indicator the fields were densely covered with snow, the summer would be bountiful.
Cyril the Spring Indicator: What Not to Do
There are few prohibitions in the folk holiday celebrated on February 27. The main ones concern health. On Cyril the Spring Indicator, it was forbidden in ancient times to:
Change one’s hairstyle – it would lead to health problems.
Be sad and gloomy – the whole year would pass in sorrow.
Cut nails – one could shorten one’s life.
Consult healers with complaints about toothache – they would either not help or worsen the situation.
On Cyril the Spring Indicator, elders forbade feeding birds with leftover bread or pastries made the day before. This was considered a bad omen associated with the loss of someone close.
