On May 1, Orthodox churches honor Saint Cosmas, the Bishop of Chalcedon. In the folk calendar, this day is called Kuzma the Gardener. In the past, peasants began to sow carrots, beets, and turnips, but before starting the sowing work, they would drop copper coins into a stream. Let’s take a closer look at this tradition.
On May 1, Orthodox believers commemorate Saint Cosmas, who lived in Constantinople in the 9th century. It is known that in his youth he decided to become a monk and dedicated his life to fighting against iconoclasts.
Emperor Leo the Armenian, learning about the defiant bishop, ordered the removal of icons from the church. After receiving a refusal, he sent Cosmas into a long exile, which negatively affected his health.
Returning sick, Cosmas of Chalcedon continued his fight for the veneration of icons. Until the end of his days, the bishop, canonized after his death, remained faithful to Jesus Christ.
Folk Calendar: Kuzma the Gardener
The holiday dedicated to Saint Cosmas of Chalcedon is called "Kuzma the Gardener." Our ancestors associated this day not only with the beginning of sowing work but also with cuckoos, which at this time began to call in groves and forests. Therefore, it was also called cuckoo day.
The cuckoos served as a signal for the beginning of flax sowing: if the cuckoo started calling in the morning, it meant it was time to go to the field. If this happened in the evening, it was advisable to wait.
Kuzma the Gardener: What Can Be Done
In the morning, it was customary to visit the church, pray to Saint Cosmas of Chalcedon, and ask for help in matters related to raising children, managing the household, and health. Saint Cosmas is considered the patron saint of gardeners.
According to ancient traditions, early in the morning, before visiting the church, people would go to secret springs, which they called vow springs. By dropping coins into the water, peasants expressed their gratitude for help. It was believed that after this, they could begin sowing work.
Since the holiday of Kuzma the Gardener is associated with the beginning of gardening work, all actions performed on this day had a direct or indirect relation to this theme. "Kuzma has come – he looked into the cellars, took a shovel – dug up the ground by the house."
In some regions, seeds intended for planting were soaked in holy water for three days. All actions related to future sowing were carried out at sunrise, when there were no envious people around. Our ancestors believed that this could seriously harm the endeavor. In this regard, they said: "The envious eye is harmful, and envy, like rust, will eat up the entire harvest."
Peasants were convinced that if on Kuzma the Gardener one accidentally ate even a single seed from those prepared for planting, then nothing more could be done, as the entire harvest would be ruined: it would be eaten by worms.
Kuzma the Gardener: Folk Omens
In ancient times, the upcoming weather was judged by various signs. Warm weather at the beginning of May foretold a cold snap at the end of the month and vice versa. "On Kuzma, plow in a shirt – sow in a fur coat." If May was cold, people knew that the year would be bountiful.
Abundant rains also foretold a good harvest. By the way, the first rain was to be used to wet the hair, so that it would be thick like May grass. Getting caught in it was considered lucky. People believed that this served as a guarantee of success and financial well-being.
Kuzma the Gardener: What Not to Do
The folk holiday has many prohibitions. On the day of Kuzma the Gardener, unmarried girls and boys were not allowed to stay alone for long, otherwise, they would not meet their soulmates that year.
In the past, only women engaged in planting at this time. Men were strictly forbidden to engage in such work, so as not to spoil the results of labor. On Kuzma the Gardener, it is prohibited to:
Wear stale clothes – life may change for the worse.
Play gambling games – the day is dangerous for thrill-seekers who risk going bankrupt.
Argue, speak in raised voices – one may lose their voice for a long time.
Be idle, lie in bed for long – the punishment will be poverty.
Change hairstyles – leads to memory problems.
Sing, have fun, dance – one may cry the whole year.
Fish or hunt – there is a high chance of getting injured.
Signs and beliefs are an integral part of any folk holiday. It is not necessary to believe them, but everyone decides for themselves. However, knowing what our ancestors rejoiced in and what they feared will likely not hurt anyone.
