What religious holiday is celebrated on July 17?
On Friday, July 17, according to the New Julian calendar, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine commemorates Saint Marina the Great Martyr of Antioch. She is considered one of the most revered early Christian saints and has become a symbol of strong faith and an unbreakable spirit.
On this day, all women named Marina are also celebrated. In the folk calendar, the holiday is known as Marina’s Day or “Fiery Marina,” and is associated with numerous folk beliefs and traditions.
The Holy Great Martyr Marina was born at the end of the 3rd century in the city of Antioch of Pisidia in Asia Minor. Her father was a pagan priest, and after her mother’s death, the girl was raised by a Christian wet nurse. It was she who introduced Marina to the Christian faith. At the age of 12, the girl consciously accepted baptism. When her father found out about this, he disowned his daughter.
A few years later, during a period of persecution against Christians, Marina was arrested. The governor, Olymprius, offered her the chance to renounce Christ and become his wife, but she refused. “My only Bridegroom is Jesus Christ,”—according to tradition, this is exactly how Marina replied.
After that, the young woman was brutally tortured. According to church tradition, the devil appeared to her in prison in the form of a dragon, but the saint defeated him through the power of prayer and faith. That is why many icons depict Marina alongside a vanquished serpent or dragon. Despite the torture, she did not renounce her faith. She was later executed by order of the local ruler. In the West, Saint Marina is known as Margaret.
Folk Traditions on July 17
In folk tradition, this day was called “Marina the Fiery.” Our ancestors observed that this period was often marked by severe summer thunderstorms, lightning, and squalls. Housewives often prepared fish dishes on this day. It was believed that this would bring prosperity, peace, and well-being to the home. They also closely watched the weather, as they believed it would indicate what the second half of summer and the coming winter would be like.
Folk Omens
Our ancestors believed:
- if it’s warm and sunny on Marina’s Day, the first half of August will be the same;
- a hot and dry day foretells a frosty winter with little snow;
- if clouds are moving quickly high in the sky, clear weather will soon set in;
- a thunderstorm on this day was considered a sign of an imminent change in the weather.
What, according to folk beliefs, should not be done
Several folk warnings were associated with this day. It was believed that one should not stare at lightning for too long during a thunderstorm. It was also not recommended to leave small children alone during bad weather.
Girls were advised not to walk with their hair down during a thunderstorm. According to ancient beliefs, this could invite evil spirits. In addition, on this day, people tried to avoid arguing, using foul language, lending money, or borrowing money, so as not to invite financial difficulties and family troubles.
For Orthodox Christians, July 17 is the feast day of Saint Marina of Antioch, who became a model of courage, faithfulness to her convictions, and spiritual strength. That is why believers commemorate her feat on this day, pray for protection and peace, and also congratulate all those named Marina on their name day.
