Orthodox Christians celebrate Saint Basil the Great, according to the old rite. Traditions and customs observed on this day
Orthodox Christians celebrate today, January 14, Saint Hierarch Basil the Great and the New Year in the old style. Several traditions and folk customs are connected to this day, which ends the cycle of winter holidays and marks the beginning of the new year according to the Julian calendar.
According to popular tradition, on the morning of January 14, children go with Semănatul or Sorcova - a branch of a decorated fruit tree. The hosts are touched with this sorcery, while they are blessed with health and abundance. The hosts are sown with wheat grains, corn kernels or oats, so that the New Year will be as good as possible. Many of these traditions have been preserved and are still observed today.
Popular custom says that today it is not good to throw the garbage or sweep the broom. Instead, it is good that the first person who crosses your threshold is a man.
Another custom is that after washing your face, it is good to wipe yourself with a towel in which you put a gold or silver penny, so that you are clean and healthy throughout the year. Also, if you sleep all day today, you risk being lazy all year.
As a rule, today, the householders participate in the Holy Liturgy, and the housewives use to prepare hearty meals, with pork dishes, sarmales, red wine, homemade cakes and swirled with nuts, jam or cheese.
According to statistical data, in our country, approximately 57 thousand men bear the surname Vasile, and another 18 thousand - Vasili. The name Vasilisa is popular among women, which is borne by more than four thousand women.
