February 25 marks a day steeped in tradition and superstition, as the Orthodox calendar honors Saint Alexius of Moscow, a figure revered as a miracle worker. In the tapestry of folk customs, this day is affectionately dubbed "Fish Day," a nod to the culinary centerpiece of the occasion: fish. From hearty broths to flaky pastries, the table groans under the weight of seafood delicacies, a feast meant to nourish both body and soul.
But the day is not just about indulgence. It carries a peculiar ritual: seeds are laid out to brave the frost, a practice believed to toughen them for the spring planting. This act, as old as the soil itself, whispers of a time when survival hinged on the whims of nature.
The day is also a minefield of prohibitions, each one a thread in the fabric of folklore. Starting new ventures is a no-go, as is embarking on long journeys. The bathhouse, a sanctuary of warmth, is off-limits, and dark clothing is shunned, as if the shadows themselves might bring misfortune.
Beyond the rituals and restrictions, the day also celebrates name days for Alexey, Anton, Eugene, and Maria, a reminder of the personal connections that bind us to tradition.
As the frost bites and the fish simmers, Alexey's Day stands as a testament to the enduring power of custom, a bridge between the past and the present, where every act, no matter how small, carries the weight of centuries.
