On April 9, Orthodox churches remember Matrona of Thessalonica, who lived in the 3rd and 4th centuries and suffered for her faith in the Savior. In the folk calendar, this day is called Matriona Nastovitsa or Polurepitsa. In the past, at this time, people would count the remaining turnips to understand how to last until the new harvest. Folk signs suggested how to preserve money and family comfort.
On April 9, Orthodox believers commemorate the great martyr Matrona of Thessalonica, who lived at the turn of the 3rd and 4th centuries. She was a slave serving a Jewish woman named Pavtilla. When Pavtilla learned that Matrona was secretly attending church despite prohibitions, she ordered her to be beaten and locked in a small room, leaving her to die alone.
After the Christian woman's death, the mistress's servants threw her body off a high cliff into the sea. However, Pavtilla did not have long to rejoice in her victory: one day, while on the same mountain from which Matrona was thrown, she accidentally stumbled and fell down.
Folk Calendar: Matriona Nastovitsa
In Russia, the holiday dedicated to the great martyr Matrona of Thessalonica is called Matriona Nastovitsa. At this time, our ancestors engaged in bleaching fabrics, laying them on the ground covered with snow, which at that time was so hard that it was called "nast".
This folk holiday had other names as well: Polurepitsa, Matrona's Day, and simply – Matrona. The second name is associated with one of the main vegetables favored in peasant families, namely turnip. By April 9 (March 27 in the old style), the remnants of turnips were divided into two parts: one was left for planting, and the other was used for food.
Turnips were valued no less than potatoes. People knew that they could feed and heal. Respect for this vegetable, which has healing properties, was passed down from generation to generation. Housewives fried, boiled, and steamed turnips. The saying "Easier than steamed turnip" has its origins in ancient times. There are other proverbs dedicated to the vegetable:
"For a hungry Fedot, even a turnip is a treat."
"Turnip is meat, cut and eat."
"Eat turnip instead of rye, but do not keep what is not yours."
"Not everyone gathers turnips."
"The turnip boasted that it is good with honey."
The healing vegetable is also mentioned in the famous Russian folk tale "The Turnip," which begins with the simple lines: "Grandfather planted a turnip. The turnip grew big and enormous. The grandfather went to pull the turnip: he pulls and pulls, but cannot pull it out!" What happened next is known to both adults and children.
What to Do on Matriona Nastovitsa
Orthodox people began the morning with prayers in churches. Remembering the great martyr, they lit candles and prayed, reflecting on the strength of the spirit of Matrona of Thessalonica. They turned to her for help in raising children and healing from serious ailments. They asked the great martyr for support in growing turnips and having a good harvest.
The saint helps to organize household matters, manage the household skillfully, and strengthen the family. The holiday of Matriona Nastovitsa was considered an ideal time for domestic chores. During this time, it was customary to wash floors, dust, clean pots, and get rid of unnecessary things. On Matriona Nastovitsa, these items were taken outside, and in the evening a fire was lit into which all this junk was thrown.
Matriona Nastovitsa: Folk Signs
The holiday dedicated to Polurepitsa can tell about the weather. Usually, at this time, rivers show their character: they rise and swell, threatening floods and inundations. "The pike breaks the ice with its tail," "The spring ice, like a stranger's threshold, is unreliable," our ancestors said.
Some information about the weather could also be provided by lapwings, which were called "nastovitsy" in Russia. "The lapwing has arrived, bringing water on its tail." Our ancestors noticed: if on Matriona Nastovitsa these birds start to cry in the evening, the next day will be clear. If they fly low, it will be a long time before it rains.
Matriona Nastovitsa: What Not to Do
On Matrona's Day, it was strictly forbidden to quarrel. Elders warned that it would be difficult to reconcile. On Matriona Nastovitsa, it was also not recommended to:
Be lazy and idle – as punishment, diseases and poverty will come.
Change bed linen – this may "turn over" fate, and not always for the better.
Engage in idle chatter, talking about nothing – this will lead to prolonged conflicts.
On Matrona Nastovitsa, our ancestors advised the young: on this day, it is not worth thinking about jealousy. Such thoughts can ruin the lives of lovers and those who are already married.
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