On April 16, Orthodox churches commemorate the memory of Nikita the Confessor, who lived in the 8th-9th centuries. In the folk calendar, this day is known as Nikita the Waterman. Our ancestors would appease the evil spirits dwelling in the water, as well as their 'master' — the water spirit. This time was considered dangerous, especially for those who, despite warnings, approached bodies of water.
On April 16, Orthodox Christians commemorate the abbot of the Midik monastery, Nikita the Confessor. This saint, who lived in the 8th-9th centuries, is remembered for his virtuous life and sincere faith in the Savior.
According to legends, Christ bestowed upon the abbot the gift of miracle-working. Through prayers, he restored speech to the deaf-mutes, healed the insane, freed two women from demons, and helped many people suffering from illnesses.
Folk Calendar: Nikita the Waterman
In the folk tradition, the holiday dedicated to Nikita the Confessor was known by various names: Nikita the Waterman and the Feast of the Water Spirit. This name is associated with events occurring at this time. By April 16 (April 3 in the old style), the active melting of snow usually began, leading to floods.
Due to the icebreaker, rivers started to flow, creating danger. People knew that if the river overflowed its banks, it could cause a lot of trouble, sweeping away everything in its path. Therefore, on the day of the memory of Nikita the Confessor, people would go to church early in the morning to light candles, pray, and ask for help from the saint. It was believed that Nikita the Confessor would help avoid disasters related to natural elements.
Nikita the Waterman: What Can Be Done
In ancient times, there were many traditions associated with Nikita the Waterman. For example, in the morning, it was customary to cook porridge in milk, bake bread, pack treats in a canvas bag, and go to the nearest body of water to drop the gifts into the water. This was done to appease the water spirit.
On the shore, a fire was lit, and a round dance was started, singing songs about the water spirit. The meaning of these songs was to praise the creature dwelling in the depths of the rivers.
People would return home with reeds found on the shore. It was believed that if they burned it and wafted the smoke through their dwelling, it would help the inhabitants avoid the bitter fate of drowning in the river or lake.
Fishermen especially tried to please the water spirit. They understood that the discontent of the spirit dwelling in the river waters could threaten their fishing fortunes. The water spirit was appeased with oil, which was poured into the water at dawn.
There was a ritual associated with horses. A few days before Nikita the Waterman, fishermen would buy the thinnest and most emaciated horse, fatten it up, and on April 3 (in the old style), braid bright ribbons into its mane, smear it with honey, take it to the water, and drown it. If the water did not accept the animal, it was considered a bad omen. After that, one could expect failures in fishing and hunger.
Nikita the Waterman: Folk Omens
The omens of Nikita the Waterman are also connected with natural phenomena. Elders knew that the height of a possible flood could be determined by the height of the nests of sandpipers or the burrows of moles. Rodents would not dig the earth below the boundary of possible river overflow.
People knew: if it rains on Nikita the Waterman, spring will be rainy. If horses are snorting in the stable, worsening weather can be expected in the coming days. If there is a lot of birch sap in the forest, there will be many short rain showers in the summer.
Nikita the Waterman: What Should Not Be Done
The main prohibitions of Nikita the Waterman are related to water. People knew that on this day, one should not make noise while near a body of water. This could awaken the water spirit and provoke its wrath. Therefore, when approaching the water, they would switch to whispering.
However, it was not forbidden to hold round dances praising the water spirits. It was believed that songs dedicated to them were pleasing to the ears of the rulers of the underwater kingdom. On the day of Nikita the Waterman, our ancestors prohibited:
Washing with running water — leads to loss of luck and fortune.
Throwing crumbs from the table into the trash bin — leads to poverty.
Offending animals and birds, including domestic ones — leads to illness.
Folk beliefs that have come down from ancient times are full of strange and sometimes funny superstitions. It is certainly not advisable to take them at face value. But knowing how people lived several centuries ago, what they believed in, and what they feared is indeed interesting. Isn’t it?
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