Timothy Poluzimnik: No Haircuts or Loans on Feb 4

In the Orthodox calendar, this day marks the name day of Timothy — in memory of Saint Timothy, a disciple of the Apostle Paul and the first bishop of Ephesus. According to church tradition, at the end of the 1st century he suffered martyrdom at the hands of pagans. In the 4th century, the saint«s relics were transferred to Constantinople.

In folk tradition, the day acquired special significance and was considered the middle of winter. Hence the common saying: «Timothy knocks off winter«s horn». Despite the fact that half of the cold season, in peasants» view, was behind them, they advised against relaxing. It was believed that the most severe frosts, which came to be called Timofeyev frosts, began precisely from this day.

Numerous omens were associated with Timothy«s Day. Frosty windows that fogged up, for example, according to beliefs, foretold an imminent thaw, while patterns on the glass indicated prolonged cold. If the sun appeared on this day, an early spring was expected. Snowfall, on the other hand, was seen as a favorable sign for the future grain harvest.

Beekeepers paid special attention to the date. They listened to sounds from the omshanik (beehive wintering shed): quiet, even buzzing of bees was considered a sign of well-being, while restless humming was a cause for alarm. On this day, they also checked supplies of grain, vegetables, and feed, assessing whether they would last until the new harvest. If provisions turned out to be scarce, households went into an economy mode.

The day also had a ritual side in folk customs. Young girls slid down hills on donets (spinning wheel seats), observing who would go farthest. It was believed that this promised a good flax harvest and prosperity in the household. Prohibitions were also associated with the date. According to folk beliefs, it was not recommended to tell dreams on this day, as it was thought they might come true in the opposite way.

Women, however, were advised to refrain from sewing, knitting, and embroidery, so as not to «sew up» luck. They also avoided haircuts, interfering in others« affairs, loans and debts, especially salt. They also advised against setting out on a long journey — the day was considered intended for home and family.