On March 19, the memory of the great martyr Constantine of Ammonia is commemorated in Orthodox churches. In the folk calendar, this day is known as Constantine's Circles. In the past, our ancestors walked around wells in circles and awaited the arrival of storks.
Saint Constantine, venerated by Orthodox believers on March 19, was one of the 42 great martyrs who lived in Ammonia. According to legends, they belonged to noble families, preached Christianity, and became victims of persecution for their faith. The Saracens, who besieged the city of Ammonia in Byzantium, captured the warriors.
42 Christians fell into the hands of the enemies and were sent to Syria, where they spent seven years in torment and torture, trying to force them to renounce their Orthodox faith. When the Saracens realized they could not break their spirit, they executed the captives. Among the most revered martyrs are the warriors Constantine, Callistus, Theodore, Theophilus, and Vaso.
Folk Calendar: Constantine's Circles
The folk holiday dedicated to the great martyr Constantine of Ammonia is known in Russia as “Constantine's Circles” or “Day of Circles Around the Well.” This name is associated with an ancient tradition related to water.
In the past, on March 19 (March 6 according to the old style), peasants would walk around wells, trampling the snow to prevent dirty water from entering them during the thaw. The first circle was to be made by a man, a young man, or a boy named Constantine.
There was a special ritual: Constantine would approach the well and begin to walk around it in circles, trampling the snow while saying:
“Do not spit in the well – it will be useful to drink water.”
“Do not drink from someone else's well – your own water will not flow.”
“If you throw moss into the well – it will rain.”
It was believed that after such a ritual, the water in the well would become tasty, clean, and clear. On the day of celebrating Constantine's Circles, it is especially beneficial.
On March 19, not only was the snow trampled, but wells were also consecrated, and deceased relatives were remembered. Dinner was not eaten completely; part of the food was to be thrown into the well, considering it a treat for the deceased, who, according to beliefs, watch over the living from the bottom of the well.
Constantine's Circles: What to Do
Constantine's Circles began with a prayer service in the church. During the service, believers would turn to Saint Great Martyr Constantine of Ammonia and his companions, asking for help in strengthening their faith and strength. The great martyrs are also asked for help in raising children and strengthening health.
On Constantine's Circles, wells were consecrated, baths were visited, and the deceased were remembered. Dinner was not eaten completely; leftover food was thrown into the well to become a treat for the dead, who, according to folk beliefs, watch over their descendants.
Constantine's Circles: Folk Signs
Folk signs can suggest what kind of weather to expect in the summer, as well as foretell luck, happiness, and financial well-being. Birds could “tell” about this. It was believed that storks arrive on this day, especially in southern regions where spring comes earlier than in the central part. In any case, seeing a stork was considered a good sign.
Newlyweds perceived this as a sign of soon-to-be additions to the family, while elderly people believed that peace and financial well-being would reign in the house. Luck and prosperity would not leave them.
The tapping of a woodpecker on Constantine's day foretells that spring will not come soon, the chirping of sparrows – a thaw, and a white hare in the forest – snowfall.
Constantine's Circles: What Not to Do
The holiday of Constantine's Circles, dedicated to the great martyrs from Ammonia, has its own prohibitions. One of them concerns swearing, which has never been welcomed. On the days of commemorating the deceased, this is considered a violation of all norms. On Constantine's Circles, it is also forbidden to:
Drink from someone else's cup – this will lead to discord with its owner over money.
Use water from someone else's wells – this will lead to greed.
Walk unwashed and in dirty clothes – to illness.
Pregnant women were forbidden to approach wells on Constantine's Circles, as it was believed that this could complicate the pregnancy. Mothers were advised not to spend the whole day with their child, as this could lead to the child growing up selfish and mean.
