Virgin Mary Ascension Traditions and Indicators for August 7th
August 7th holds a special significance in the Orthodox Christian faith, as it marks the commemoration of the Dormition of Righteous Anna, the mother of the Most Holy Theotokos (Virgin Mary). This day honours Saint Anna's peaceful "falling asleep," reflecting the saintly death of a righteous person and her entrance into eternal life [1][5].
Saint Anna is revered for her role as the holy mother who bore the Theotokos, symbolizing steadfast hope and holiness. Although she was not known for performing miracles during her lifetime [1], her death is celebrated as a reminder of the sacred lineage and mystery of Christ’s incarnation through Mary.
Traditional Orthodox Christian observances on this day include special church services and liturgies dedicated to Saint Anna, focusing on her role in salvation history and her righteous life. Prayers and hymns reflecting hope, righteousness, and maternal intercession are also common.
In popular Orthodox folk tradition, the Dormition of saints like Anna may inspire local customs such as blessing herbs or fields, symbolizing the saint's protective role over family and fertility. However, these customs are more broadly associated with other Dormition commemorations.
The emphasis on Anna’s “quiet strength of unwavering hope” highlights Orthodox spirituality’s focus on virtuous living and trust in God's providence, embodied in her faithful life and death [1].
As the evening approaches, women gather for a get-together, where older women share their secrets of child-rearing and family preservation with the younger ones. Pregnant women are exempt from all work, treated with the best dishes, and given specially embroidered handkerchiefs. They are also given amulets and encouraged to engage in handicrafts for future children.
On this day, if a pregnant woman washes her face with morning dew, her labor will be easy. If bees are actively bringing in nectar, the children will be hardworking. Special baked goods are prepared for pregnant women, and mothers bake special "Annin" cheese and honey pies, which they share with children and pregnant women.
It is advised not to leave children unattended, and refraining from quarreling and arguing is encouraged. Childless couples bring tiny shirts and swaddling clothes to the church, which are blessed at the icon of St. Anna. Prayer is recommended for the gift and health of children.
In a recent incident, a man from Bychkovo is facing punishment for gathering oak brooms on this day, a practice that is forbidden.
Sharing family wisdom with the young is encouraged on this day of spiritual reflection and veneration, underscoring the pivotal role of Saint Anna in Orthodox Christian folk and liturgical tradition [1][5].
- The gathering of women, shared wisdom about child-rearing, and focus on maternal intercession during Saint Anna's Dormition celebration reflect a connection between the home-and-garden lifestyle and Orthodox Christian traditions.
- Engaging in handicrafts for future children, the blessings of herbs and fields, and the significance of Saint Anna in passing down family wisdom resonate with the lifestyle aspects of home-and-garden and motherhood in Orthodox Christian folk customs.
