Fast in Honor of the Dormition
The Dormition Fast for the believers began on August 1 according to the New Julian calendar. It will last until August 14 inclusively, and on August 15, Orthodox Christians will celebrate the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This fast is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, therefore, for two weeks, meat and dairy products are excluded from the diet.
Customs, Name Days, and Prohibitions
On the same day, Honey Spas is celebrated, which is known by the people as Makovey. Traditionally, poppy seeds are blessed in churches, and then relatives and neighbors are treated to dishes with poppy. August 1 also marks the name days of Dmitry, Leonty, Alexander, Timothy, Fyodor, and Sophia.
There are folk prohibitions associated with Makovey. On this day, one should not:
- consume alcohol;
- look in a mirror in the evening;
- quarrel, use foul language, or get into conflicts;
- perform heavy physical work.
What Else Is Important to Know About This Day
August 1 coincides with International Twins Day and International Blues Day. In church history, this date is connected with the seven Maccabean brothers and their mother Solomonia. They lived during the times of the Syrian king Antiochus Epiphanes, who persecuted the believers and forced them to worship idols. The brothers refused to renounce their faith and accepted martyrdom; Solomonia passed away after the death of her youngest son.
The Dormition Fast is considered an important period for Orthodox Christians: it turns thoughts toward the Virgin Mary and reminds of spiritual values, faith, and self-sacrifice. The customs associated with the blessing of poppy seeds and the celebration of name days also show how important community and family ties are for believers. Observing the prohibitions on this day reflects the traditional attitude towards morality and religious ethics.
An important aspect of Honey Spas are the folk traditions and rituals that help to understand the significance of this day more deeply. Find out what restrictions and prohibitions should be observed during this time to avoid disrupting spiritual practices and traditions. More detailed information about what not to do on this day can be found in our article on prohibitions on Honey Spas.