On March 7, Orthodox churches commemorate Saint Polycarp of Smyrna, who was born in the late 1st century and lived in Asia Minor. This day in the folk calendar is known as Polycarp's Day or Sour Maidens. In the past, young women dreaming of marriage prepared special pies and divined about their betrothed.
On March 7 (on leap years — March 8), Orthodox Christians remember Saint Polycarp of Smyrna, who was called "the leader of all Asia in Christianity." He was a disciple of the Apostle John, from whom he learned the canons of faith.
A kind woman named Calista instilled in him the faith in Christianity, who took him in after the death of his parents. The boy was baptized at an early age. After the death of his adoptive mother, he distributed his inherited property to the poor and began to lead an ascetic lifestyle, dedicating his time to strict fasting and prayers.
After meeting the Apostle John the Theologian, he was appointed a deacon and later became the bishop of Smyrna. He was considered the most respected theologian in his homeland.
Polycarp of Smyrna died at the age of 86, becoming a martyr. Pagans who tried to convert him to their faith tortured and burned him. His legacy includes the religious work "Epistle to the Philippians."
Folk Calendar: Polycarp's Day
In ancient times, Polycarp's Day was also called "Sour Maidens" or simply "Polycarp." The name "Sour Maidens" is not accidental; it has its explanation.
On this day, girls who had not met suitors were sad and cried. They knew that if they did not manage to arrange their fate and get married before Maslenitsa, they would have to remain single until the end of spring. Weddings were not held during Great Lent, and marriages were also not performed. "Put away your dresses, girl, close the chests," the elders said, forbidding the young ladies to be sad and cry.
The holiday "Sour Maidens" also got its name because it was believed that if the maidens did not manage to get married, they had "soured."
Girls who dreamed of leaving their parental home eagerly awaited the evening to go out into the yard and spin on their heels. This was a special ritual during which they had to say: "Young moon, entwine around me suitors, as I entwine around you."
There was another custom related to marriage. On Polycarp's Day, girls had to carry out the trash through the threshold, saying: "I drive young men into my house, not thieves, come to me suitors from other yards."
Polycarp's Day: What Can Be Done
Polycarp's Day, like other Orthodox holidays, began with a visit to the church. People prayed to Saint Polycarp, hoping for help in raising children, strengthening family ties, and healing from illnesses.
On this day, girls baked pies from sour dough, but not for pleasure, rather with a specific purpose. The dough, which was supposed to rise three times, was scooped three times with a thimble while saying the name of the boy they liked.
These pies were to be shared with unmarried friends. It was believed that this could bring them closer to marriage or meeting a good young man. Pieces of sour dough pies were accepted as gifts from unmarried friends, and an exchange took place.
In the evening of Polycarp's Day, girls gathered snow in their skirts and shook it as if through a sieve. After "sifting," they would throw it away, saying: "I scatter millet on the maiden's braid. Where my suitor is, there the dog gives a bark." They then listened for the dog's bark, believing that the suitor should be sought where the dog barks.
Polycarp's Day: Folk Omens
On Polycarp's Day, people observed the birds, which were considered the main weather predictors. People knew that if sparrows began to build nests on this day, winter was almost over. The arrival of spring was "told" by the magpies that flew into the forest.
If the birds climbed under the roofs of houses, it meant that a snowstorm would soon begin. Fog that descended to the ground foretold a rainy summer. If the roofs of buildings were "decorated" with icicles, it indicated that winter was not going to leave.
Polycarp's Day: What Should Not Be Done
There were prohibitions regarding rituals associated with "sour maidens." Elders claimed that they should not be performed exclusively in a female circle. It was necessary for a man to be present; otherwise, the ritual would not yield the desired results. On Polycarp's Day, it was also forbidden to:
Be rude to women, offend them — leads to serious illness.
Be sad, mourn — leads to unexpected bad events.
Killing spiders — deprives oneself of happiness and luck.
Walk in dirty clothes — leads to poverty and disorder.
On Polycarp's Day, men were forbidden to raise their voices at their daughters, as it was believed that this could break the girls' fate. And nothing good awaited the father; he could suddenly go bankrupt.
