May 25: Today's Church Holiday, Traditions, Superstitions, and Key Taboos
On May 25 according to the New Julian calendar, Orthodox Christians commemorate John the Baptist, or John the Forerunner. On this day, they commemorate the third discovery of his holy head.
Among the people, the date is known as Ivan’s Day or Ivan-Honey Dew. Many traditions, omens, and folk taboos are associated with this holiday.
On May 25, the Orthodox Church commemorates the third discovery of the head of John the Forerunner—the prophet who foretold the coming of Jesus Christ and baptized Him in the Jordan River.
According to church tradition, after the saint’s execution, John’s head was buried separately from his body. The relic was later lost, but in the 9th century, Patriarch Ignatius received a revelation about its location after praying. After that, the relic was found and transferred to Constantinople. Part of the relic is currently kept on Mount Athos in Greece.
According to the Julian calendar, Saint Epiphanius, Bishop of Cyprus, is honored on this day.
On this day, believers pray to John the Baptist, asking for help with headaches, illnesses, and to break free from harmful habits.
In the folk calendar, the holiday is called Ivan-Honey Dew because of the sticky, sweet coating on plants, which in ancient times was called “honey dew.” People believed that it could harm the harvest, livestock, and even human health.
Therefore, in ancient times:
- they inspected their gardens in the morning and protected their crops;
- they did not let livestock out to pasture until the dew had lifted;
- children were forbidden to walk barefoot on the grass.
At the same time, ordinary morning dew was considered healing. People believed that walking through dewy grass at dawn helped strengthen health and purify the body of illness.
People also believed that wearing light-colored or white clothing on this day brought health, purification, and positive changes. This was especially true for those who were ill.
There are a number of folk prohibitions on this day:
- you must not quarrel, insult people, or feel envy;
- you should not refuse to help those in need;
- it is not recommended to engage in heavy physical labor;
- it is best not to use sharp objects—knives, axes, or saws;
- you shouldn’t do a deep cleaning, so as not to “sweep” prosperity out of the house;
- it is not advisable to wear black or dark clothing, as, according to tradition, this may bring sadness;
- It is not advised to visit a cemetery, as there are specific days set aside for commemorating the deceased.
Our ancestors closely observed the weather on this day:
- a red dawn foretells a hot summer;
- a cloudy morning means a rainy summer;
- heavy morning dew—the day will be warm and sunny;
- dry grass at dawn — rain after noon;
- thunder on May 25 — prolonged bad weather;
- loud croaking of frogs — a sign of warming weather;
- A scorching day — a sign of a rainy fall.
It was considered a particularly good omen if the rowan tree had bloomed profusely by this time—it promised a bountiful harvest.
Today is the name day for Ivan and Innokenty.
People believed that those born on Ivan’s Day have a strong character, know how to appreciate life, and maintain inner harmony.
As a reminder, May 19 marked several international observances around the world, including World Family Medicine Day and Notebook Day.
