Mjadovy Spas (Honey-Blessing Feast/Feast of the Maccabees), August 14. Мядовы Спас/Макаўе.
Combining Christian rites with pre-Christian traditions, the feast of Mjadovy Spas is the first of several harvest-related commemorations in the Orthodox liturgical calendar. Most celebrations in Belarus emphasize the blessing of honey and water and the ritual washing of one’s eyes to gain spiritual insight. Reflecting the strong local horticultural tradition in Davyd-Haradok, the parish of the Mother of God of Kazan focuses on the blessing of flowers. One can find examples of different types of Mjadovy Spas celebrations in, e.g., the photos of the day for August 12-14, 2014; November 18-20, 2013; August 14, 2011; August 12, 2010.
З-за моцнай традыцыі садаводства ў Давыд-Гарадку, прыход Маці Божай Казанскай сьвяткуе Мядовы Спас інтэнсіўным асьвячэньнем кветак.
Davyd-Haradok 2014. Давыд-Гарадок 2014 г.
How sweet these photos are and how nicely and neatly everyone is dressed.
It’s an extraordinary ceremony and a wonderful parish.