December 5 is Prokop Day. And in the forests the magic ephilia grass grows

CrimeaPRESS reports:

From Prokop Day, people said, a thorough sleigh path was established. By this time, a sufficient amount of snow had usually fallen, which created a need for good winter roads that would be suitable for both walking and sleigh travel.

In order not to get lost in blizzards and snowfall, milestones were stuck into the snow along the road — stakes with straw, tow or rags at the very top. Such landmarks were also installed on the ice so that wanderers would not fall into an ice hole or ice hole. Traditionally, roads were paved by the entire village, after which a lavish meal and party was organized for all the workers.

A worldly holiday was also celebrated: a table was set by pooling, on which (according to the ideas of some regions) there must certainly be fish or lamb.

On Procopius, men’s brothers always brewed public beer, and peasant women went into the forest for ephilia — a magic herb. The people believed that this extraordinary grass grows in snowy forests and helps “short people grow up and hunchbacked people straighten up.”

Who is Saint Procopius? The legend says that he was born and lived in the territory of Jerusalem, serving as a reader in the Church of Caesarea. Prokopi’s responsibilities also included explaining the Holy Scriptures, as well as translating them into Syriac. Procopius became famous for the fact that during his righteous life he received the gift of miracles and began to heal the sick. The governor of Palestine, in turn, carried out an active struggle against the followers of the Christian faith. Therefore, Procopius was arrested and forced to renounce Christ. The preacher refused to do this, for which he was beheaded.

Signs of the day:

Crimea news | CrimeaPRESS: latest news and main events