Nut Spas August 16: what is allowed and what is strictly prohibited.

One of the largest religious holidays of August is approaching — the Transfer of the Uncreated Image of the Lord Jesus Christ, which is more commonly known as Nut Spas. According to the new church calendar, Ukrainians will celebrate it on August 16. This is a special date when churches bless the gifts of the new harvest, bake bread from young grain, and share treats and good spirits with loved ones. However, it is important to know not only what to do on this day, but also what is strictly prohibited, so as not to sin and not to turn away good luck from oneself.

Novyny.LIVE shares with you the main traditions, customs, and signs of the Third Spas, as well as explains what should not be done on this festive date.

Nut Spas - the meaning of the holiday

The Orthodox Church of Ukraine celebrates on August 16 the transfer from Edessa to Constantinople of the Uncreated Image (Abrus) of the Lord Jesus Christ. According to Christian tradition, the image of Jesus Christ miraculously appeared on the cloth He used to wipe His face. This cloth became a relic, which is still considered healing to this day.

In the folk tradition, the holiday has several names: the third Spas, which is celebrated after the Honey and Apple Spas; Nut Spas - during this period, the harvest of nuts is gathered; Bread Spas - the end of harvesting and baking bread from the fresh harvest; Cloth Spas - connected with the Uncreated Image, on the holiday, natural fabrics and embroidered towels were blessed; Uncreated Spas - associated with the main name of the religious holiday.

The Image of the Uncreated Spas has great significance in Christian tradition, especially in Orthodoxy and Greek Catholicism. The Uncreated Spas is a symbol of the incarnation of Jesus, His sufferings, death, and redemption of sins.

Main traditions of Nut Spas

On this day, Ukrainian believers observe the following traditions and customs:

1. Blessing of nature's gifts

A festive basket is prepared for the church, which usually contains: nuts, freshly baked bread and flour products from the new harvest, sheaves of wheat, honey, and water, bouquets of herbs, and natural fabrics (linen, cotton, embroidered towels).

2. Festive meal

After the service, believers gather at the festive table. There must be dishes containing nuts: honey-nut cakes, pies, rolls with poppy and nut filling, and uzvar with dried fruits. Since the Assumption fast has ended, it is allowed to prepare dishes with dairy products, eggs, and even meat — for example, salads or meat with nut sauces.

3. Good deeds

According to folk tradition, hostesses would share baked goods and treats not only with family but also with neighbors and the needy, to attract happiness and blessing into their homes.

How to celebrate the holiday correctly

1. In the morning, attend a service with a basket of nature's gifts.
2. Prepare traditional dishes featuring the new harvest and nuts for the table.
3. Spend the day without arguments and hard work.
4. Share part of the festive dishes with those in need.

What is prohibited on Nut Spas

On this day, one should refrain from anything that may spoil the festive and spiritual atmosphere. It is prohibited to:

• swear and insult people;
• waste food, especially blessed food;
• refuse to help;
• overeat;
• engage in heavy household chores (washing, cleaning, digging, window washing);
• women should not sew, men should not lend money.

Nut Spas is a spiritual holiday associated with the blessing of the fruits of nature and the traditions of sharing festive dishes and blessing loved ones and those in need. It is important to adhere to the traditions of this day and refrain from negative actions to attract happiness and prosperity into life.