On March 29, the Orthodox Church commemorates Saint Martyr Sava of Egypt (Hermopolis), who lived in the 3rd century. In the folk calendar, this day is called Sava's Day, also known as Sledge Day. In the past, during this time, people predicted what the summer would be like, divined for luck, and sought to acquire something.
On March 29, Orthodox Christians commemorate Sava of Hermopolis, who lived in Egypt in the 3rd century. According to legends, he was the ruler of the city of Hermopolis. When the persecutions of Christians began during the reign of Emperor Diocletian, Sava, along with six followers, went to a remote village.
However, they were betrayed by a beggar whom Sava had always helped by providing money, food, and clothing. For his betrayal, he received two gold coins. When the Christians were captured, the pagans tried to force them to make sacrifices to idols. Upon receiving a refusal, they brutally beat the Christians and threw them into the Nile.
Folk Calendar: Sava's Day
The folk holiday dedicated to the great martyr Sava of Egypt was called Sava's Day or Sledge Day in Russia. The first name is associated with respect for the saint who gave his life for his faith.
Sledge Day was named so because on March 29 (March 16 in the old style), peasants began to repair their sledges, preparing them for spring work. On this day, men would inspect the sledges, reinforce the wheels, and check the shafts. “On Sava's Day, leave the sled, move the sledge,” people would say, hinting at the need to switch to summer “transport.” By this time, the sledding paths were usually completely destroyed.
On Sledge Day, it was necessary not only to check the reliability of summer transport but also to drive it around the village. This was done with special significance, listening to the sound of the creaking wheels. People knew: if the front right wheel creaks — it means money, if the front left — it means illness, if the back left — it means debts, and if the back right — it means good luck in all endeavors.
Sava's Day: What Can Be Done at This Time
Every folk holiday is accompanied by its own signs, prohibitions, and permissions. In ancient times, it was customary to visit the church on Sava's Day — this marked the beginning of the day. In prayers to the great martyr Sava of Hermopolis, people asked for healing from diseases and help with matters related to sowing. It was believed that the saint helps in raising children.
In ancient times, on Sava's Day, not only was the readiness of sledges checked, but people also said goodbye to winter transport — the sleds. Before putting them away in the barn, men would inspect the runners to determine if repairs were needed.
Sava's Day is considered a good day for purchases. Everything bought on March 29 is believed to be of high quality and will last a long time. Therefore, people would save money in advance so that they would not be left with empty wallets by Sava's Day and could buy something — this was considered a good omen.
Despite the morning visit to the church, no one refused to engage in divination. It was believed that on Sava's Day, one could learn many interesting things about the future and the fate of children. Since not everyone knew how to divine, rural craftsmen were in high demand at this time, with lines forming to see them.
Sava's Day: Folk Omens
If it is warm on Sava's Day, people rejoice, knowing that spring will be warm. If fog blankets the ground in the morning, it foretells a rainy and cool summer.
If clouds race across the sky, it means that good weather after Sava's Day will not last long. If there is a lot of precipitation at this time, one should not expect a good harvest in the summer.
Sava's Day: What Should Not Be Done
The main prohibitions of Sava's Day concern finances. To avoid being left without means, people did not lend money or borrow, understanding that what is borrowed must be returned. On Sava's Day, wise elders prohibited:
Eating closer to evening — leads to loss of money.
Heating the stove. Despite the cold weather, people endured, knowing that fire in the stove could lead to a fire. Therefore, houses were well heated the day before.
Riding on sleds (the sleds are not to blame). Such entertainment will inevitably lead to financial difficulties.
Transplanting indoor flowers — they will not take root.
Baking bread — leads to illness among loved ones.
Moving — it will be difficult to settle in the new place.
Starting new acquaintances and romantic affairs — leads to troubles caused by new acquaintances.
In ancient times, on Sava's Day, people were afraid to throw out garbage, believing that along with it, they could throw away family well-being and financial luck.
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