Church holiday Makovey: traditions. What to cook on Makovey?

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

In our time, there are a large number of church holidays. We will talk about one of them today. We will also consider what traditions exist associated with it. In addition, the theme of the meal will be touched upon, as well as what should be prepared on this day. So, what is this holiday - Makovei? Most people know it under a completely different name. They know him as Honey Spas. During this period, he althy honey is pumped in apiaries, and poppy is already beginning to ripen. There is an opinion that the Makovey holiday is a real harvest festival. Perhaps so. And if you decipher the word itself, it turns out "poppy holiday". Because the word consists of two parts: "poppy" and "wei".

Flowers and bouquets - amulets for home and family

What is so special about this peculiar Makovey holiday? On this day, all people collected bouquets of flowers of asters, carnations, marigolds, cornflower grass, mint, wormwood and yarrow. Residents of different areas added their plants and herbs. So there were bouquets with carrots, corn, peas, dill. They wove wreaths and added a candle to them. In each such folk “masterpiece”, the owner put hope for the productivity of the year and prosperity in the house. Buta mandatory attribute of such a bouquet was poppy, its ripe heads.

Such a bouquet was called in a special and very affectionate way - "poppy". With these flowers, all the parishioners went to the church for the service. There they consecrated the collected herbs. Arriving home, the bouquet is removed behind the icon. Such a poppy was used to protect their homes and cattle living in the yard. It was believed that these seeds could protect a newly born child from the "evil eye".

Therefore, they scattered poppies in front of the threshold of their houses. Many believed that if you scatter the seeds in a circle and stand in this "drawn" amulet, you can get rid of all evil, and forever. All consecrated herbs healed any diseases, purified well water and returned family happiness to the house. Exactly one year later, on the church holiday of Makovei, when a new bouquet was ready, the old one had to be burned.

Also, honey was brought to the church for consecration, a ritual dish - “shuliki”. This interesting pastry consisted of cakes, broken into pieces, filled with water with honey and crushed poppy seeds.

Each housewife prepared her own special meal on this day. Who baked pies, donuts and pies. But poppy seeds and honey were added to any cooked dish or dough. There is such an interesting tradition.

Holy water

On the Makovey holiday, they were especially careful with water. The middle of August is always characterized by hot weather. Due to the dry summer, mass diseases could begin. The water was consecrated, believing that it was purified by this rite. Therefore, there is another name for this holiday - Water or WetSaved. They tried to dig a new well for this very day, they prepared holy water for the sick, pregnant women and children. In addition, haystacks with hay and straw were sprinkled with it so that mice would bypass and not build their nests in shocks. On this day in Byzantium, during a period of drought, the cross on which Jesus was crucified was used to purify the water.

He althy honey

Why the poppy is considered a sacred plant on the holiday of Makovei, this is understandable. But that's why they treated honey equally in Russia - it's not clear. Probably because it is a very useful product of the work of bees. And earlier, honey was added to almost all dishes, they replaced sugar, and even used in cooking various meat dishes.

What is served on the table on a holiday?

But Makovey's holiday is known and celebrated not only in Russia. In Georgia, Ukraine and Romania, Orthodox traditions are also observed and celebrated in their own way. In every house, porridge made from cornmeal with the addition of honey and poppy seeds is always served at the table. Such a dish was cut with a knife, as it was very thick. Drinks also contained honey and herbal teas.

So, if the housewives want to please their loved ones with original cuisine, you should remember that it will be very useful on August 14, the Makovey holiday is a special day. Therefore, you need to prepare tasty and he althy dishes. I just want to give one piece of advice: before adding poppy seeds to the dough, it should first be crushed and soaked in water. Juiciness and flavor are guaranteed.

Another explanation of the name

At the OrthodoxChristians have their own explanation for the event to which the holiday is dedicated. It is worth turning to the Old Testament. They honor and remember the holy martyrs, the seven Maccabee brothers, who refused to accept the pagan faith, because they believed only in the True God. The brothers, along with their mother Solomonia and teacher Eleazar, were put to death that day. From that day on, people begin to observe a two-week strict Assumption fast. Therefore, the day of August 14 is rightfully considered and celebrated as the church holiday Makovei.

In our time, this is one of the biggest events for Orthodox believers. In all churches and temples, the Life-Giving Cross must be carried out, worshiped and asked to get rid of all diseases and forgive sins. On this day, horses and other cattle were bathed for the last time, and they themselves washed in rivers and lakes to gain strength and he alth.

Shuliki - delicious pastries for children and adults

August 14 - Makovey holiday. He pleases with delicious pastries, especially for children. Unusual shuliki, which were mentioned earlier, can be prepared and served at the table. The dough is prepared lean and fresh. It is suitable for baking in the oven and for frying in a pan. Yeast dough is prepared as follows. You will need one glass of water, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of s alt, three tablespoons of vegetable oil, three cups of flour and 1 teaspoon of yeast.

You need to knead a cool dough. Roll out, cut into small pieces and send for baking inoven. This is only one part, the so-called blank. Now you need to prepare the poppy seed sauce. Take 200 grams of poppy seeds. One glass of water and sugar. Grind the poppy seed in a coffee grinder. Place everything in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Then add poppy seeds and simmer for 5 minutes over low heat. Pour the baked dough pieces into the cooked sauce. That's it, the dish is ready. Now you can safely serve it on the table.

Small conclusion

Now you know when Makovey's holiday is coming. On August 14 it happens. This holiday was one of the most "sweet" in the time of Russia. Hospitable hosts treated guests, friends and relatives not only with freshly harvested honey. What goodies women did not come up with! After all, you need to have time to eat, then fasting will come. Children and adults enjoyed poppy-seed cakes, buns and gingerbread with pleasure. Pancakes were served at the table for the holiday of Makovei. On August 14, poppy seeds were poured into all the fillings for pies. And in clay pots, sweet honey of various varieties was always served.