Honey Savior Day: Sweet Russian Traditions for Love and Wealth

August 14 marks Honey Savior Day (Medovy Spas) in Russia and in many Orthodox Christian communities—the first of the three “Savior” feasts and the start of the Dormition Fast.

Honey and a Wish for Love

According to old folklore, women smear a little honey on their shoe soles to attract marriage within a year. A loved one applies the honey, and then the woman takes seven steps around the house while saying, “So that men will stick to me.”

Honey Water for Prosperity

Men have their own money-drawing ritual: stir a spoonful of honey into water, take seven sips, and say, “Just as bees fly to honey, so wealth will come rushing to me.”

Part of the Dormition Fast

Honey Savior Day falls at the beginning of the two-week Dormition Fast, which leads up to the Feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary on August 28. In many places, people also bring fresh honey to church for blessing and enjoy the first honey of the season.