Hail to Glaphyra, the Peasower!
May 9 restrictions in Glafir Amaziyska or Goroshnica: understanding permissible and prohibited actions
Mark this day, as we pay tribute to Glaphyra, a righteous figure in Orthodox faith. Born in the 4th century, she hailed from the upper echelons of society, serving as a handmaiden to Constance, the wife of Emperor Licinius. Despite the latter's deceptive tolerance towards Christians, Licinius harbored hidden enmity.
When he learned of Glaphyra's attraction, Constance took pity and sent her off to Armenia, disguising her as a man. During her journey, Glaphyra crossed paths with Saint Basil of Amasia, who she generously supported, donating her wealth for the construction of a church. Writing to Constance for aid, her plea fell into Licinius' hands, causing him to fly into a rage and order the arrest of Glaphyra and Basil.
Alas, before they could be captured, our dear Glaphyra passed away, leaving Saint Basil to bear the brunt of Licinius' wrath, ultimately losing his life in the form of martyrdom. In Russia, this day is celebrated as Glaphyra the Peasower, marking the start of peasants sowing their crops. Moreover, our ancestors held swallows in high regard, believing them to ward off misfortunes.
Signs to watch out for:
- A strong morning wind - signifies fair weather ahead.
- Cuckoo's call – heralds warmth.
- Cloud tops not visible – predicts a thunderstorm.
- Abundant morning dew – indicates a promising cucumber harvest.
- Sunbeams breaking through clouds – hints at a cloudless summer.
Actions to take:
- Prepare pea-based dishes - bolsters your body.
- Plant potatoes - for a prosperous root crop yield.
- Offer sustenance to swallows - for good fortune.
Actions to avoid:
- Clip your nails – harmful to your health.
- Engage in cleaning – invites troubles.
- Propose marriage – foreshadows an unhappy union.
- Handle sharp objects – anticipates the emergence of an enemy.
- Shun guests – drains your luck.
Embracing Tradition:
Intriguingly, Glaphyra stands as a symbolic figure from the early Christian era, though specific details of her life are scarce. Often affiliated with the Diocletian family, Glaphyra's recognition as “Righteous” highlights her religious fervor and contributions to the Orthodox community.
In Orthodox teachings, the righteous are revered for their piety and acts of faith, making Glaphyra a significant presence within Orthodox tradition. However, her historical significance likely encompasses a more symbolic representation of early Christian martyrdom and devotion during the Roman Empire. For a deeper understanding, it's advisable to delve into historical texts or scholarly works on early Christian history and Orthodox lore.
- In the spirit of Glaphyra, the Peasower, let's honor her legacy by adopting a lifestyle that respects the home-and-garden, where we can plant potatoes for a prosperous root crop yield and prepare pea-based dishes to bolster our bodies.
- As we look to the weather, let's take note of the signs, such as a strong morning wind indicating fair weather ahead or sunbeams breaking through clouds hinting at a cloudless summer. By understanding these signs, we can better maintain a harmonious lifestyle in alignment with the teachings of Glaphyra.
