On this Wednesday, Orthodox Christians honor the Great Martyr George the Victorious. In Russia, the holiday was called Yuryev’s Day or Egoriy Winter.
According to the lives, Saint George suffered for his faith during the Great Persecution of Christians under the emperor Diocletian. The most famous legend about his miracles is The Miracle of the Serpent.
On December 9, they pray for all the warriors and farmers. Since pagan times, on this day, young people soared in the bath with oak brooms and smeared with melted wolf fat. It was believed that in this way a person would absorb the fortress of the sacred tree and be filled with bestial courage.
On St. George’s Day, they tried not to go on a long journey. If the trip cannot be canceled, they tried to order a prayer service for a safe journey.
It is forbidden to be lazy and mess around on this day. By St. George’s Day, they tried to distribute all the debts in order to enlist the protection of St. George.
Name days are celebrated on December 9: Athanasius, George, Fedot, Julian, Yuri and Yakov.