Title: Steering Clear of the Fruit Deities' Displeasure: Guidelines to Follow
In the heart of Eastern Europe, the small country of Belarus marks the end of summer with a unique celebration known as Apple Spass. This traditional holiday, also known as the Feast of the Transfiguration or "Yablochny Spass," is celebrated on August 19 (August 6 in the Julian calendar).
During Apple Spass, the scent of honey fills the air, as apple trees are laden with fruit. This day is significant for the Orthodox tradition, marking the blessing of the first harvest of apples and other fruits.
One of the customs associated with Apple Spass is bringing apples and sometimes other fruits to church to be blessed by the priest. Eating these newly harvested fruits is only permitted after the blessing, as it is believed that they "ripen for people" only after this sacred ceremony.
Work and heavy labor are avoided on this day, as Apple Spass is considered a holy day. Some traditions suggest that people avoid eating apples before the day of Apple Spass as a sign of respect for the harvest blessing.
The holiday marks the beginning of the apple harvest season and is linked with prayers for a good fruit yield and health. Sharing one's harvest with family, neighbours, and those in need is a customary practice during Apple Spass. The saying "a pound of apples given to your neighbour might come back as a delicious apple charlotte" is a Belarusian proverb illustrating the concept of reciprocity.
The act of helping those in need on Apple Spass is associated with good fortune. However, spending the day lazily may negatively impact one's autumn, symbolizing the harvest season. Arguing is considered inappropriate, as it may result in receiving a "wormy apple."
If one desires to indulge during Apple Spass, they should stick to desserts such as apple pie. The day emphasizes sweetness, mildness, and generosity. The phrase "How you spend Apple Spass, so will be your autumn" is an old Belarusian saying, highlighting the importance of making the most of this special day.
While these customs are more considered "wise" rather than strictly enforced, they add to the rich tapestry of traditions that make Apple Spass a unique and cherished celebration in Belarus.
On Apple Spass, individuals bring blessed fruits, including apples, to their churches for holy blessings, believing that these fruits only ripen for consumption after this sacred ceremony. Moreover, the Belarusian lifestyle during this holiday revolves around desserts like apple pie, aligning with the themes of sweetness, mildness, and generosity, as shown in the saying "How you spend Apple Spass, so will be your autumn."
