St John the Baptist, also known as John the Baptist, played an important role in Christian history, dedicating his life to service, prophecy and preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ. Church history records three cases of finding the head of this saint: the first in the fourth century, the second in the fifth century, and the third in the ninth century.
According to Church legends, St John the Baptist was beheaded because of the intrigues of the Jewish princess Herodias and her daughter Salome. After the Beheading of the Prophet, his body was buried in the city of Sebastia, and the head of St John the Baptist was secretly buried on the Mount of Olives by the wife of Hudza, a royal soldier.
Many years later, when they started digging a ditch on this place to lay the foundation for the church, they found the head of John the Baptist , which is considered to be the first discovery. After that the head was buried in the same place, but over the years the church fell into disrepair and the shrine was forgotten.
One day the Baptist himself appeared to two monks and pointed to the place where his head was buried. For a long time it was hidden in different places until it was hidden in a cave near Emessa, where pious monks later settled and founded a monastery there. In 452, Archimandrite Markel was shown in a vision by St John the Baptist the place where his head was hidden, and so the second finding took place.
What should not be done on this day
- No heavy work in the field, vegetable garden or at home. Sewing, knitting, embroidery is forbidden.
- Our ancestors believed that on the first and second finding of the head of John the Baptist you can not make a fire, because it could be the cause of loss of happiness.
- No loud feasts, singing, dancing or alcohol. Swearing, gossiping and settling relationships are not allowed.
- Also women and girls were forbidden to braid their hair, as it could lead to bad luck.
Omen of 24 February
- Snow is lying – Easter will be cold, and the year will be fruitful;
- Buds appear on trees – summer will be hot;
- Windy weather – it will be warming;
- Birds landing on the ground in the evening – summer will be warm and sunny.
In order not to miss the opportunity to congratulate family and friends on Angel’s Day, it is always worth having a calendar of names at hand. In February, every day someone celebrates his or her name day, so this month is generous with occasions for warm words and sincere wishes.