July 1: A religious holiday, traditions, and the main restriction for women
On July 1 according to the new church calendar (July 14 according to the old calendar), Orthodox Christians in Ukraine commemorate Saints Cosmas and Damian, the unmercenary healers and miracle-workers. In folk tradition, this day is known as Kuzma and Demyan or Summer Kuzminki.
The holy twin brothers lived in Rome in the 3rd century and dedicated their lives to selflessly healing the sick. Having received the gift of healing from God, they never accepted money for their help, which is why they were called the Unmercenaries. The brothers were killed out of envy by their former mentor, a doctor, who tricked them into going into the mountains. According to the old calendar, the martyrs Leontius, Hypatius, and Theodulus were commemorated on this day.
The Main Prohibition for Women
In the folk calendar, Summer Kuzminki was considered a women’s holiday or “Grandmothers’ Gathering.” On this day, women were strictly forbidden from performing heavy physical labor.
Despite the height of summer, women were strictly forbidden from going out to work in the fields or gardens. According to folk beliefs, breaking this rule promised a difficult, barren, and turbulent year. The only permitted activities were preparing meals, making preserves for the winter, and cooking traditional communal porridge. Women were also advised not to engage in major cleaning, laundry, or needlework (sewing, knitting, embroidery) on this day.
What Is Permitted and Customary to Do on July 1
Women’s Gatherings: Girls and women would gather together, cook a communal porridge in a single pot using whatever each person brought, and hold a feast.
Charity: They treated relatives, neighbors, travelers, and the needy to the food they had prepared. It was believed that even a single selfless act on this day would bring happiness and prosperity to the home.
Prayer for Health: Saints Cosmas and Damian are invoked as the patron saints of medicine with requests for healing from illness, good health for children, and protection for livestock.
Other prohibitions and precautions for the day
In addition to the restrictions for women, there are general rules on this day that all believers tried to follow:
The Church forbids quarreling, gossiping, envying others, being greedy, or being lazy.
One must not refuse to help those in need.
According to folk beliefs, one should not make large or expensive purchases on July 1—it was believed that such items would quickly break or fail to bring joy.
Folk Beliefs for July 1
If a spider climbs down its web, the weather will be warm and clear in the coming days.
A reddish hue of the moon in the sky portends long and strong winds.
If the stars shine too brightly and twinkle at night, expect a quick thunderstorm or downpour.
The loud chirping of magpies indicates that the summer heat will linger for a long time.
The appearance of the first yellow leaves on the trees signals the early arrival of fall.
Demyan, Ivan, Kuzma, and Petro celebrate their name days on July 1. People born on this day are considered to be sensitive, compassionate, and reliable friends.
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