Every year on August 14, Russia celebrates Honey Spas—the first of the three August Spas. This holiday beautifully blends Orthodox Christian traditions with ancient Slavic folk customs, marking both a religious feast and the beginning of the autumn harvest season.
Why Is It Called “Honey Spas”?
The word Spas comes from Spasitel (Спаситель), meaning “Savior”—a reference to Jesus Christ. The full name of the holiday is The Origin of the Honorable Trees of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, but it is popularly known simply as Honey Spas.
Traditionally, the fresh honey was brought to church to be blessed before being shared with family, friends, and neighbors.Traditionally, the fresh honey was brought to church to be blessed during the liturgy. Priests would sprinkle holy water over the jars, and only after this consecration was the honey considered fit to eat. It was then shared with family, friends, and neighbors—a gesture of generosity that was believed to bring good fortune. The blessing of honey also marked the beginning of the Dormition Fast, a two-week period of abstinence leading up to the Feast of the Assumption on August 28. This is why Honey Spas is sometimes called the “wet” or “water” Spas—because on this day, not only honey but also water in wells, springs, and rivers was blessed.
Folk Sayings and Signs
- Rain on Honey Spas promises a bountiful year ahead.
- Swallows begin preparing for migration—autumn is near.
- After this day, nights grow cooler, and summer slowly gives way to fall.
- The more generously honey is shared, the happier and more prosperous the year will be.
How Is Honey Spas Celebrated?
💐 Wildflower bouquets – Herbs like mint, thyme, calendula, and poppies are brought to church.
🥐 Honey treats – Gingerbread, pancakes, pies, and buns are baked.
💛 Sharing and giving – Treating others and helping those in need is especially important on this day. The more generously a person shares their blessed honey, the more prosperity and happiness they are believed to receive in return.
💧 Blessing of water – In many regions, wells, springs, and rivers are blessed, which is why the holiday is also called “Spas on the Water.”
🍯 Honey is blessed – The new harvest is consecrated during church services. After the liturgy, the blessed honey is shared with family, friends, and those in need, as it is believed to bring health and good fortune.
A Timeless Tradition
Honey Spas is a reminder to give thanks for the harvest, for family warmth, and for hospitality. Even today, many Russians keep this beautiful tradition alive: they gather around the table, drink tea with fragrant honey, and spend time with their loved ones.
Key points
Why is it called Honey Spas?
Spas comes from Spasitel (Savior), referring to Jesus Christ. "Honey" refers to the first honey harvest, which beekeepers brought to church for blessing on this day.
What are the main traditions?
Bringing honey and wildflower bouquets (mint, thyme, poppies) to church for blessing, baking honey treats, helping those in need, and blessing water in wells and springs . The holiday also marks the start of the Dormition Fast.
What folk signs are associated with Honey Spas?
Rain promises a good harvest. Swallows and swifts flying south signal cooler nights ahead. The more generously honey is shared, the more prosperous the year will be.
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