November 8 — Dmitry Solunsky Memorial Day: the history of the holiday and traditions

Every year on November 8, Orthodox Christians celebrate the day of memory of the Holy Great Martyr Dmitry Solunsky, the patron saint of warriors and protector from troubles. This holiday unites church traditions, ancient folk rituals and signs associated with the onset of winter. The history and traditions of Dmitriev's Day are in the material of Izvestia.

Dmitry Solunsky Memorial Day: history and traditions

On November 8, Orthodox Christians of the Eastern Rite honor the memory of the Great Martyr Dmitry of Thessalonica, one of the most famous and revered saints of Byzantium and Russia. According to traditional hagiographical information, Dmitry (Demetrius) was born in the III–IV centuries in Thessalonica in the family of a Roman proconsul.

The parents, according to legend, were secret Christians and gave their son a Christian upbringing. After his father's death, young Dmitry took over his post and, despite his noble position and responsibilities to protect the borders of the empire, openly professed the Christian faith and helped the local community. For this, during the persecution of Christians under the Roman emperor, he was arrested and tortured.

According to church tradition, the martyr was speared in an underground prison, his body was thrown to the beasts, but the faithful secretly buried his relics. Over time, a temple was erected over the tomb, which became a pilgrimage center and created a powerful cult of the saint.

Byzantine and Russian traditions associated the saint's name with military prowess and the protection of the city. In the Miracles of Saint Demetrius, a body of hagiographic stories, numerous testimonies are recorded about the alleged apparitions of the saint during the sieges and troubles of Thessalonica, when his patronage saved the townspeople and armed garrisons.

What not to do on November 8th

Folk prohibitions related to St. Dmitry's Day have been preserved in the Russian and East Slavic traditions and relate to both domestic and ritual practices.

The main motive of the prohibitions is the respectful commemoration of the deceased and the avoidance of actions that could violate the boundary between worlds or attract trouble. Among the most common taboos: it is forbidden to arrange noisy festivities and weddings, it is not customary to have fun — the day was considered a time for prayer and memorial meals.

It is not recommended to wash clothes, wash floors and dishes, or take a bath — actions related to water, in popular beliefs, could "wash away" a memorial or good luck. Sewing, carding wool and other work with threads and fabric are prohibited — this was associated with resentment of "fate" and the risk of spoiling handicrafts.

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It is undesirable to engage in heavy physical labor, chop firewood, build, work with livestock — in some places it was believed that wolves were particularly dangerous on this day. In modern church practice, it is emphasized that many folk prohibitions are folklore in nature and are not church dogma. Prayer, attendance at divine services, and commemoration of the dead remain priorities.

Folk signs on November 8th

St. Dmitry's Day is traditionally associated with a large number of weather and economic signs, which in the past helped people navigate the approach of winter and plan household operations. Among the most common beliefs: if the weather is warm on November 8, the winter will be mild, early frosts portend a harsh winter.

A clear sky and a starry night were considered an auspicious sign for a good harvest next year. The abundance of snow or strong wind on this day was interpreted as a sign that winter would come quickly and be cold. There were local signs in a number of regions. If there are many traces of wild animals in the field by morning, then you should expect an invasion of pests.