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- St. Lupp's Memorial Day: traditions, prohibitions, and the time to harvest lingonberries
St. Lupp's Memorial Day: traditions, prohibitions, and the time to harvest lingonberries
On September 5, Orthodox Christians remember Saint Luppus of Thessalonica, the devoted assistant of the Martyr Dmitry, who went through trials and a cruel execution defending his faith. In Russia, this day was popularly nicknamed the Cowberry Loop and became a symbol of the end of the harvest of northern berries. On this day, they honor the memory of the saint, observe prohibitions, pay attention to folk signs and cook many healthy and delicious dishes from lingonberries. Read more about the traditions of the celebration in the Izvestia article.
Who is Luppus of Thessalonica and why is he revered on September 5th?
Luppus of Thessalonica lived in the early 4th century in the ancient Greek city of Thessalonica, also known as Solun. He was the closest assistant of Saint Dmitry, who was considered the defender of the city and was martyred for Christianity.
After Dmitry's execution, Lupp took it upon himself to preserve the holy relics — the bloody tunic and the imperial ring, which became the personification of faith and miraculous power. Luppa was arrested for destroying pagan idols, subjected to terrible tortures, but he remained adamant and was baptized right on the scaffold, after which he was beheaded. Since then, every year on September 5, believers remember his feat. The Lupus of Thessalonica is considered in Orthodoxy to be a symbol of courage and perseverance.
Folk festival Loup Lingonberry: traditions and customs
In Russia, the memory of Saint Luppus was closely intertwined with the end of the lingonberry harvest, so the holiday received a second name — Lupus Lingonberry. This day was celebrated as a preparation for the winter season. In many houses, feasts were held, where the main treat was cranberries, served fresh, in jams, compotes, jelly and pies.
The berries picked on this particular day were considered especially curative. The ancestors believed that cranberries protect against diseases and treat various ailments. Traditionally, harvest rites and prayers for health were held before the holiday.
Bans on September 5th: how to keep your luck and well-being
Lingonberry Day is a time of spiritual peace and respect for the martyr's memory, so there were a number of prohibitions. It was impossible to borrow money, so as not to lose not only material, but also mental balance.
A national holiday is not suitable for starting new business, making important decisions or planning, since any innovation risked not coming true or being unsuccessful. Cleaning the house was also undesirable, because it was believed that this way one could "sweep away" luck and well-being.
Sharing secrets with strangers on this day was considered dangerous, because it could weaken the spiritual protection of the family. In addition, they avoided loud celebrations, preferring calm contemplation and moderation.
Weather signs on the Lingonberry Magnifier
There were numerous folk signs that helped predict the weather and harvest. The morning fog marked a wet and prolonged autumn. Dew on berries and leaves promised health and prosperity, and the singing of birds promised a warm autumn, while their silence hinted at early frosts.
An early and abundant harvest of cranberries foreshadowed a favorable year for gardeners and gardeners, while a poor harvest, on the contrary, warned of difficulties. The wind on this day often served as a harbinger of future changes in the weather, and the first frosts were a sign of the imminent arrival of winter.
When to harvest lingonberries and what to cook from them
Cranberries are not only a source of vitamins C and E, but also a natural antioxidant rich in minerals and organic acids. It helps to strengthen the immune system, improve digestion and cope with inflammation. To preserve all the beneficial properties of the berry, it is important to choose the right time and place to harvest it.
It is best to harvest lingonberries in early September, when the berry reaches its full maturity and has a maximum concentration of vitamins and antioxidants. Clean, environmentally friendly places are chosen for harvesting — forests with coniferous or mixed plantations, away from roads and industrial areas. Ripe cranberries should be dense, bright red and elastic.
Folk cuisine offers a lot of recipes with this berry. For example, lingonberry juice is a light drink that quenches thirst well and supports health. Lingonberry jam with spices and citrus fruits gives a rich taste and retains the properties of the berry until winter.
Pies with lingonberry filling are an original autumn delicacy that combines sourness and sweetness. And lingonberry sauce with red wine and spices will perfectly complement meat dishes. Cowberry compote with apples and cinnamon is suitable for cozy evenings.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
