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Poppy Day: What Can and Cannot Be Done on This Holiday – Note for Orthodox Christians
16.07.2024 00:05
Today, Orthodox believers honor the memory of Saints Mokiy and Mark.
People call this celebration Poppy Day.
In Rus', on this day it was customary to treat strangers with any delicacies that contained poppy seeds.
In addition, poppy seeds were supposed to be placed in the shoes of future spouses.
The Holy Martyrs Mocius and Mark were born and lived in Ancient Rome at the turn of the 3rd-4th centuries AD.
Mokios and Mark were devout Christian believers. For this, they eventually fell into disfavor with the cruel pagan emperor Maximilian.
Idolatrous fanatics tried to turn the preachers away from religion, but they chose the path of Christianity, for which they were subsequently sent to the scaffold.
However, at the moment of execution, a child appeared, preventing the executioners from fulfilling their cruel duty.
For this the child was beaten, however, strengthening the faith of Mocius and Mark that they were doing everything right in rejecting paganism. After a short time, both were executed.
What you shouldn't do on Poppy Day
On this day, many people followed certain rules:
- did not start any new business or concerns;
- did not go hunting, did not harm animals, even stray ones;
- did not receive guests or hold celebrations.
It was on July 16 that it was considered a grave sin to commit ungodly acts, namely, to harm plants, even weeds. Otherwise, according to beliefs, you can lose your savings.
What can you do on Poppy Day?
Today, couples wishing to get married are encouraged to perform this ritual.
In addition, you should mow the grass if it grows on the site. You can cook any dish with the addition of poppy seeds.
It is also worth providing assistance to everyone who needs support.
