July 6 – Agrafena-Kupalnitsa Day. Herbs have special power today

CrimeaPRESS reports:

July 6 is a special day, because it is the eve of the holiday of Ivan Kupala. Our Slavic ancestors believed that herbs and plants collected today have special powers — remedies prepared on their basis will be maximally effective.

Today, the Church honors the memory of the holy martyr Agrippina (Agrafena), who in her youth decided to refuse to marry and dedicated her life to serving the Lord. At that time, persecution of Christians was widespread, and therefore, Agrafena was soon arrested and tortured, not wanting to renounce Christianity in favor of idolatry. For her faith, the girl received a reward — an angel freed her from the bonds of the dungeon. However, Agrafena herself soon died in prison from her wounds. Three Christian women buried her, and it was noted that miracles began to occur at Agrafena’s coffin. She was nicknamed the Bather for the very reason that from this day on, mass bathing in reservoirs begins.

As for the night of Ivan Kupala: it is believed that the fern blooms on July 6, and if you find it, you can find a buried treasure. On the evening of this day, girls put on their best outfits and walk from house to house in them with the words: «Wash», which meant that the girl needed to be given some kind of jewelry — a ribbon, earrings, etc. The night of Ivan Kupala itself was considered mystical — it was called the time of werewolves, sorcerers and witches.

There are no weather signs for today, but there are household ones:

• “On Agrafena the nightingale lost its voice through the barley ear,” the barley earing is underway.
• «Sow turnips on Agrafena — they will be good.»
• Beginning of Full Summer. Collection of medicinal herbs and roots. Winter wheat harvesting begins.
• The beginning of swimming in the rivers, since the water at this time is already warm enough.
• They wash and steam in baths where the floor is covered with herbs.
• White cabbage and cauliflower are watered with tomato tops infusion to protect against cabbage white butterflies. Rinsing each head of white cabbage with a stream of cold water from a hose works well. Cauliflower is covered with leaves.
• On Agrafena the buckwheat is small, the oats are full grown.

The following people celebrate their name day on July 6: Alexander, Alexey, Anton, Artemy, German, Peter, Fyodor.

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