Joakim and Ana: feast of family, customs and taboos (Jačkimana)

The Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archbishopric and believers mark today the remembrance of the righteous parents of the Mother of God, Joakim and Ana. The celebration falls on the day after the feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos (often called the Little Mother of God in local tradition).

Life, faith and a long-standing popular observance

According to the traditional account preserved in local liturgy, Joakim was a son of Varpaphir and a direct descendant of King David, while Ana was the daughter of the priest Matan from the tribe of Levi. Matan had three daughters—Marija, Sovija and Ana. Marija married in Bethlehem and gave birth to Salomija; Sovija also married in Bethlehem and became the mother of Elisaveta (the mother of John the Baptist); Ana married Joakim in Nazareth.

The couple led a devout and orderly life. They were relatively well off and divided their income into three parts: one for their own needs, one for the poor and one offered at the Jerusalem temple. They were married for fifty years but remained childless, a condition that then was seen as a heavy stigma and divine punishment. When, in their old age, they came to the temple to present an offering, the high priest Isachar rejected Joakim’s gift because of their childlessness; the crowd pushed them aside and they left deeply saddened. They returned home and prayed with tears for consolation: to be granted at least one child in their old age.

Their prayers were answered: an angel announced the forthcoming birth of their blessed daughter, Mary, through whom salvation would come to the world. In the ninth month Ana gave birth to the Most Holy Theotokos. Traditions record that Joakim lived to be 80 years old and Ana 79.

Popularly the day is known as Jačkimana or Jačkimovden. Families often observe it as a household patronal feast or as a vowed day. Custom prescribes rest from heavy physical and household work, acts of charity toward those with less, and that alms be given with humility rather than pride. In some regions people present gifts wrapped in red paper or with a red detail as symbols of love and health. The most important rule in folk belief is to spend the day with family, especially parents; quarrels and misunderstandings should be strictly avoided because it is believed that those who argue today will be followed by bad luck and disputes throughout the year.

Tropar: "Those who were by law graciously righteous, Joakim and Ana, bore to us a babe bestowed by God. Therefore today the Divine Church celebrates and joyfully honors your venerable memory, praising God, Who raised up the power of salvation in the house of David."

Kontak: "Ana rejoices now, freed from the bonds of barrenness, and feeds the Most Pure, calling all to hymn the Lord, Who from Her womb gave to people the one Mother unwed."

Photo: press material from the event