On February 29, Orthodox churches remember John Cassian the Roman, who lived in the 4th–5th centuries. This day in the folk calendar is known as Kasyan Day. In the past, this time was considered quite dangerous, surrounded by many myths, mysteries, and prohibitions.
On February 29, Orthodox Christians remember Saint John Cassian the Roman, a Christian monk and theologian who became one of the founders of monastic precepts and lived in the 4th–5th centuries in Gaul. According to tradition, he was born in Gaul to a respected and wealthy family.
From an early age, Cassian showed interest in the sciences. In his youth, with his parents' consent, he went to John Chrysostom in Constantinople to hear his sermons.
Under John Chrysostom, who was almost his peer, Cassian learned virtue. It was thanks to this experience that he realized what it truly means to love people and believe in Jesus Christ.
He spent a long time in solitude, engaged in labor, prayer, and silence. In adulthood, Cassian traveled extensively, visiting monasteries in Egypt and Cappadocia. He left behind significant works in which he outlined how monks should live. Among them are: "On the Incarnation of Christ Against Nestorius," "On the Statutes of the Coenobites," and "Conferences of the Egyptian Fathers."
Folk Calendar: Kasyan Day
Kasyan Day, which is celebrated once every four years, was known by various names among the people: "Kasyan the Unmerciful," "Kasyan the Envious," "Crooked Kasyan," "Kasyan the Grudge-Bearer," "The Terrible," "The Stingy." These names eloquently reflect the character of the holiday and foreshadow what can be expected during this time. However, there are also more neutral names, such as "Kasyan the Leap Year" and simply "Kasyan."
Proverbs created by the people confirm this: "Kasyan has come, limping and breaking everything in his own way," "Whatever Kasyan looks at, it withers," "Poor offspring in Kasyan's year." In the minds of peasants, the image of Kasyan did not evoke sympathy, but it easily took root, as it reminded them of Koschei, who became one of the characters in Russian folk tales.
There was an opinion that the saint remembered on February 29 (February 16 in the old style) is offended that he is honored only once every four years. There are proverbs about this: "The good miracle worker Nicholas has two holidays a year, but the unmerciful Kasyan has one every four years," "Kasyan is drunk for three years, and on the fourth, he sobers up."
Kasyan Day: Folk Omens
The omens of Kasyan Day can tell about the weather. For example, if on this day the trees in the forest crack, people begin to worry, realizing that frosts are not far off.
According to folk beliefs, if a strong gusty wind blows on Kasyan Day, one should stay at home, otherwise, one may encounter troubles and illnesses.
If the forest noise resembled rustling, it foretold an imminent thaw. Fog on Kasyan Day was a joy, as it indicated a good harvest in the summer.
On February 29, name days are celebrated: Ilya and Porfiry. People born on this day are characterized by sharp minds and resourcefulness both in daily life and beyond. They are usually kind, accommodating, and open personalities.
They do not hold grudges for long and are ready to help everyone in need, even their offenders. However, their character has traits that can cause caution: impulsiveness and emotional instability.
Myths and Legends Associated with Kasyan
The image of Kasyan is surrounded by myths and legends that are diverse and contradictory. According to one legend, Kasyan was an angel but betrayed God by telling the unclean forces about the Almighty's intention to drive them from heaven.
Realizing his betrayal, Kasyan repented and was forgiven, but as punishment, an angel was assigned to him, who struck him on the forehead with a hammer for three consecutive years, giving him a respite on the fourth year.
According to another legend, when Kasyan met Saint Basil the Great, he marked his forehead with a cross, and Kasyan gained the ability to burn demons as soon as they appeared in his path.
In one of the provinces, a legend arose explaining why Kasyan Day is celebrated once every four years. Once, when Cassian and Nicholas the Miracle Worker were going to the Almighty, they met a simple peasant in a shabby shirt whose cart was stuck in the mud.
He asked the saints for help, explaining that he was late for a meeting with God. Kasyan refused him, saying that one does not come to God in such a state. Nicholas the Miracle Worker said nothing but simply helped free the stuck wheel. Upon learning of this, the Lord saw in Kasyan's behavior greed and arrogance, commanding that his holiday be celebrated once every four years.
Kasyan Day: What Not to Do
Our ancestors believed that on Kasyan Day, it is better not to undertake anything, as any action may lead to unpredictable consequences. The elders were convinced that one should not get up early on this day, as this time was considered the most dangerous due to the rampage of dark forces. To maintain health and family well-being, they followed the traditions of their ancestors, remembering that: "It is better to sit at home today than to lose everything tomorrow."
To avoid misfortunes, sleep was helpful, so people tried to sleep longer. This did not happen often, and the ban on early rising was taken with pleasure.
It was believed that on the night of Kasyan, prophetic dreams occur that come true very quickly. The main thing is not to talk about one's dreams, especially the good ones.
On Kasyan Day, there was a danger of encountering evil, especially after sunset. Therefore, closer to evening, people tried not to go outside. On this day, they were afraid to let strangers into their homes, who could turn out to be sorcerers taking on human form. After such uninvited guests, luck and well-being could leave the house. On Kasyan Day, it was forbidden to:
get married — the union will be unstable and short-lived;
start any business — it will collapse, leaving a bad aftertaste;
make large purchases — they will turn out to be unsuccessful;
utter the name of the unclean — it will immediately appear in the house and cause trouble.
They were wary of stray cats and dogs, as evil spirits could inhabit them. They were cautious of objects lying on the ground. On Kasyan Day, they did not covet wallets or things, no matter what they were. They could also carry a curse. Moreover, other people's money could become the cause of losing one's own finances.
On Kasyan Day, one should not talk about one's plans. They will not only not come true but may turn into an obsession. This prohibition also applies to people born on February 29.
