One of the most sacred holidays in the Orthodox and national calendars is considered that 40 Martyrs of Sebaste, celebrated on the 9th March.
From Christian history is known that these 40 martyrs were soldiers. They lived under the Emperor Licinius he was a follower of paganism and wanted by all means to destroy Christianity. These saints were in service in the 12th legion in Armenia under the command of Fulminanta the Lightning. Since they were Christians, they refused to worship idols, and declared this openly to Governor Agricola.
When they were arrested, they were punished. They have been dropped naked in the icy lake near the city of Sebaste. On the shore, for a more severe punishment, stoked a bath. To save their bodies they had to abandon Christ and faith, and this did only one person. He came out of the lake and went to the bath, but right that moment he died. A guarding watchman saw crowns, descended from the sky. After that, he came to believe in Christ, plunged into the lake, and so they became 40 again. They were strong in body and spirit they tried to keep in the cold water not renouncing from Jesus Christ. Agricole – the military commander, seeing their firm spirit, ordered to break his knees, and then they were burned at the stake, and their bones thrown into the river. Such a cruel fate overtook these Christians only for dissent. Later people found the remains of Christians and buried with honours and respect.
Traditions, customs and superstitions
This holiday coincides with the ancient classical Martyrs holiday in Moldova. It marks the beginning of the agricultural year. Namely in these days, it is the end of Baba Dokia Days and begin Days of Ancestors.
This beautiful custom has ancient origins, as people began to respect Paternal Saturday and ancestral memory. This tribute plays the great importance and role for Christians. It is believed that the ancestors protect people living on earth, especially during the change of seasons.
In order to attract their help it is needed to bake kalatches - angels. Women bake so-called "sfintsishor" thereby to propitiate ancestors' souls, thus people themselves are provided with a good and successful life during the whole year. They are also called martyr, sfintsishor , bredulets, meaning the 40 martyrs killed in Sebastia. Usually these were treated to orphans or poor children, so these children are waiting for this holiday more than others.
Bukovina was known with cabbage baking that women cook and "sfintsishory" should to be with honey and nuts. People used to believe that it was the nuts that connected the two worlds - through the resurrection after passing away. Also treated for beckoned and beverages. By Thracian legend martyrs were 44. Christians went out in vineyards and orchards to drink 44 glasses of wine and poured the remaining wine to the roots of the trees. Even if you cannot drink – a sip is obligatory. This provides good blood and body health, stimulates the growth of the berry and fruit crops, and also helps to break the ice for Martyrs. This ritual took place at night, as its main objective was the awakening of nature, the joy of life and restoration of vitality. The drink was a symbol of sacrifices in the honour of the dead.
From other sources it is known that on this day, people prepared plough for tillage. You can sow garlic, relocate cabbage and if you follow the tradition, you can harvest 40 times more. Tradition includes 40 candles, alms of 40 "angels" and 40 bows. If on the holiday of the Martyrs on the 9th March there is good weather, then 40 days later on Easter also will be good weather. If on this day was thunder, then it will be a good summer for different plans, and if it were frosts, the fall will be warm and long. It is believed that the martyrs relieve from all the hassles. After Days of Dokia Woman begin Days of Ancestors and martyrs immediately start banging batons and hammers. Knocking on the ground, they call heat and push out cold in order that grass grew abundantly. Christians are forbidden to work, people avoid hard work, because all the saints come and take part in the service. That day Christians defrosted earth and water, were afraid to work, believing that they would have been hit with bludgeons.
This holiday of Martyrs plays a great role in the spiritual life of the people, as it creates an atmosphere of heaven and the earthly relationship. This connection is the most durable for the holidays. This bond is of great importance in spiritual growth at the time when the warm season comes.
Nowadays there is a nice tradition of baking 40 "sfintsishor" (angels) - dough figurines, as well as drinking for men 40 or 44 glasses of wine, which is a symbol of fertility and joy of life. All this takes place on the 9th of March. Usually angels made from yeast dough and in the form of eight – a number of cosmic equinoctial point. They are baked in the oven, with honey on top and with nuts. After the consecration of the church, they are given as showing memory and respect to those who are passed into another world. And this baking is given to family members, children, neighbours, relatives and to many others.
