Cross Day: basil blessing, children's oil ritual and strict fast

Today the Orthodox Church marks Cross Day — the Exaltation of the Holy Cross — a feast that remembers the discovery of the cross on which Jesus was crucified by Empress Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine. It is entered in the church calendar as a major holy day and is observed with a solemn liturgy in parishes across the region.

For mothers and children

The day carries several long-held folk traditions. One of the most widespread customs concerns mothers and their children: mothers make the sign of the cross on their children’s foreheads using blessed oil, and in churches worshippers take Cross Day water. Many families wash or anoint children with that holy water during the year, believing it protects against illness and brings health.

Basil plays a special role in autumn Cross Day rites. People bring sprigs of basil to church for blessing; households keep the consecrated basil beside the home icon throughout the year as protection against negative energy and for health and prosperity. The custom also includes preparing the home for the coming winter and seeking reconciliation with those one has been in conflict with.

Cross Day is also known for its strict fast: church rules prescribe observance of a fast (a day of oil-only fare). A traditional saying connected to the holiday goes, "Whoever crosses himself with the cross should fast on Cross Day."

There are weather-related folk beliefs attached to the feast: a cloudy Cross Day is thought to presage a cold, snowy winter; a quiet rainy night promises a mild winter; thunder on this day is taken as a sign of a fruitful year; and wind on the day is believed to be the dominant wind for the year.

Families and parishes celebrate the rite and its customs as part of an ancient cultural heritage that is passed from generation to generation. Many extend good wishes on the feast: happy Cross Day and many more years.

Photo: press material from the event