How Tatiana's Day turned into Student's Day: the history of the holiday and folk signs

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

Several memorable events are celebrated every year on January 25 in Russia. The first holiday - Tatiana's Day - is the Orthodox holiday of the Holy Martyr Tatiana (Tatiana) of Rome, and the second is the Russian Day of Students. At first glance, these two holidays have nothing in common. But, if you understand their history, it becomes clear why they are celebrated on the same day.

History of the holiday Tatiana's Day

Tatiana's day is celebrated on January 25 not by chance. This date was chosen long ago, back in the 3rd century, in memory of the holy martyr Tatiana. Even proceeding from the word "martyr" one can guess that the events associated with this date are not so festive.

Saint Tatiana (Tatiana) - the daughter of a Roman proconsul, who is a fanatically believing Christian, was born at the end of the II century in Rome, during the flourishing of paganism. She was one of the first true Christians. In those days, pagan temples were built, pagan gods were worshiped, and Christianity suffered severe persecution and was practically banned. Having reached the age of majority, Tatyana devoted herself entirely to serving God. The girl served in the church, helped the sick, and also participated in the baptism ceremony. In 222, sixteen-year-old Alexander Sever began to rule Rome, as a result of which all power and power were concentrated in the hands of the fanatical persecutor of the Christian faith - the cruel prefect of Ulmiyan.

Having found out that the girl believed in Christianity, Alexander asked Tatiana to renounce her faith in order to save her life. But the young girl was adamant and did not give up her beliefs. For these principles, she paid in 226, having undergone terrible trials and torture.

Being in captivity of the pagans, Tatyana constantly prayed to the Almighty to help her withstand all these horrors. And then the Lord God sent an earthquake, healed the martyr from her wounds after all these tortures. Even the lions, who were supposed to tear her to pieces, began to lick her feet in a friendly manner. But one person who caused Tatiana suffering was torn to death by the lions. But all the same, the young Christian woman was executed in the form of an evil fate. In 226, January 12 (January 25, New Style), a poor girl's head was cut off. Over time, when Christianity was able to win the right to a legitimate existence from paganism, the church canonized the great martyr Tatiana. And since then, all believers have been celebrating Tatiana's day on the date she was executed. And in the modern world it has become customary to congratulate all Tatyans on their name days.

Folk traditions and signs on this day

Since ancient times, on this day, young unmarried girls have wondered about love and even bewitched the guys. They did this with the help of homemade brooms, which they made with their own hands from feathers and pieces of fabric. It was believed that if such a craft was quietly left in the kitchen of his beloved, then this year the young man would certainly invite him to get married.

Even on this day, women were inviting spring. They did it with the help of a loaf. It was baked in the form of the sun and the whole family was treated to it, thereby inviting the heavenly body to quickly warm people with its warmth. On Tatiana's day, they also predicted from such loaves what would happen to the owners in the near future. If a mound appeared on the loaf during baking, this meant good luck; flat surface of the product - to a measured and calm life; if it cracked, then expect discord and quarrels in the family, and if it began to burn, then the burnt crusts were given to a young girl to eat so that she could cope with any difficulties.

Even on this day, our ancestors predicted the weather. It was believed that if it snowed on January 25, then February would be very cold and frosty, and the summer would be rainy. If on this day the sunrise is sunny and the weather is warm, then you can expect an early and warm spring, as well as early arrival of birds and spawning of fish. If it is sunny but frosty on Tatyana's day, you can expect a good harvest.

It is also believed that all women born on Tatyana's day are real housewives and needlewomen.

What is forbidden to do on Tatyana's day

As in many church holidays, on Tatiana's day you cannot do housework. Therefore, cleaning, washing, ironing, and the like, it is better to do the day before, or after the holiday.

Since the Holy Martyr Tatiana helped everyone who needed help, it is impossible to anger her by refusing those who ask for help. Also, on this day, you cannot quarrel and argue. This is especially true for family and friends. Otherwise, the whole year the family will live in poverty and discord.

Why they began to celebrate Students' Day on Tatyana's Day

If everything is clear with Tatiana's day, then what have the students to do with it? The answer lies in the distant 1755. The Russian Empress Elizabeth approved the request of Count Ivan Shuvalov, who asked to sign a decree on the opening of Moscow University. And the day of signing was just 25 January. The count specially chose this date to coincide with this event with Tatiana's day. In this way, he wanted to make a gift to his mother - Tatyana Petrovna, who, moreover, celebrated her birthday on this day.

From that very moment, it is believed that Saint Tatiana is the patroness of all students. At the end of the 60s of the XIX century, January 25 became an unofficial student holiday. And, since the winter holidays for students began with him, this event was always fun and happy to be celebrated by young people. And until now this holiday, which has become known as the Russian Day of Students, is very much loved by students of universities. They celebrate it along with the International Students' Day, which is celebrated on November 17th.

Student rites and traditions

Like all holidays, students celebrate January 25, paddle and in a large company. Among the students there is a sign that those who did not drink on that day will find it much more difficult for the academic year. And, to make it very easy to learn, there is probably the most famous tradition among students - "the call for freebies." They do it this way: on January 25, students lean out of windows or balconies, holding their record book in their hand, waving to her and saying: “Freebie, come!”. If someone from the street answers this call: - "Already on the way", then this is considered a very good sign.

Another fun tradition for students is to draw a small house with a pipe on the last page of the classroom. It is believed that the longer the smoke, the easier this academic year will be for the record holder.

Despite the fact that these traditions are a little ridiculous and do not inspire much confidence, there is still some kind of magic in this all. Indeed, even if all this does not work, then the mood will definitely raise. After all, when is he still fooling around and having fun, if not in his student years?