On this day: The Orthodox Church celebrates Honey Spas

Honey Spas is the Orthodox holiday of the first day of the Dormition fasting, which ends on August 27. Russia started celebrating this holiday in the 15th century.

The name Honey Spas comes from the tradition of collecting honeycomb during the summer. Peasants also brought seeds and vegetables to the church, the first fruits of their summer toil in the field.

Read more: Why is honey a Russian’s favorite cure-all?

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