Memorial Day of Nil Stolobensky: traditions, prohibitions and the national calendar

The memorial Day of St. Nil Stolobensky in the church calendar is celebrated on December 20 (December 7, Old style) and is associated with the veneration of the ascetic, whose life and miracles are especially revered on Seliger. In the folk tradition, this date has also acquired its own rules. How to spend a day without fuss — in the material of Izvestia.

When they celebrate and what they remember

St. Nil Stolobensky's Memorial Day is celebrated on December 20, which is December 7 in the old style. On this day, they remember the death of the saint and his feat of solitary life on Stolobny Island in Lake Seliger, where he labored for decades.

A number of church directories also indicate separately the days associated with relics and cathedral veneration (for example, the finding of the relics on June 9). But it was the December date that became the "main one" in the mass consciousness: it repeats itself every year, and the national calendar has developed around it.

Church traditions of the Day

The ecclesiastical meaning of memorial day is to pray and turn to the saint as an intercessor, rather than searching for "special rituals" for good luck. He is approached with petitions for healing from the disease. ​

The image of the saint in church tradition is associated with severe asceticism. Hagiographic sources say that he avoided sleeping in a supine position and rested, leaning on hooks driven into the wall of the cell. The lives also mention stories about robber attacks and the miraculous enlightenment that followed, according to legend, including the story of the temporary blindness of the attackers after the appearance of the icon of the Virgin and their subsequent repentance.

If possible, memorial day is usually held in such a way that it does not turn into a formality.:

1. Attend a divine service (or at least set aside time for home prayer).

2. Give alms or help a neighbor with a deed.

3. Do not get involved in quarrels and the condemnation of others.

National calendar: what were you doing that day

In folk tradition, December 20 was perceived as the milestone before Christmas and the period when "noisy joys" should be postponed.

From that day on, the festivities and gatherings stopped, and the ban itself was explained by the approach of an important period. At the same time, household chores were not considered a violation of the day: on the contrary, people were preparing for the winter holidays and putting things in order.

The women cleaned the house and checked the blanks, the men handled household chores and supplies, and the unmarried girls took over sewing the dowry.

Folk descriptions of the day most often mention activities that are considered acceptable and appropriate. We are talking about general cleaning, stock sorting and preparing the house for the holidays, as well as quiet household chores without protracted feasts. Needlework and sewing are separately noted, which are traditionally perceived as a symbol of caring for the future.

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Bans: what is important to understand

In folk sources dedicated to the day of Nile Stolobensky, the ban on recreational festivities up to Christmas is often mentioned, as well as the saying "Ambrose threw the holidays away."

There are also private household restrictions in the calendar notes, such as recommendations to refrain from giving and accepting gifts so as not to "bring trouble," according to the legend, as well as individual omens concerning unmarried girls.

At the same time, such prohibitions belong to the sphere of folk beliefs and local traditions and are not strict church regulations. In a practical sense, Memorial Day is usually seen as an occasion for restraint and internal discipline, with an emphasis on prayer, acts of charity, and calm, no—frills preparation for Christmas.