Date according to the old style: May 9. Saint Nicholas, also known as Nicholas the Wonderworker, is one of the most revered saints among the Russian people. He is considered the patron of sailors, merchants, and children. Even during his lifetime, Nicholas became famous for his ability to reconcile those in conflict, protect the innocent condemned, and defend against wrongful death. In honor of Saint Nicholas, two main holidays are celebrated each year – on May 22 and December 19 (although there are other days of his commemoration). In Russia, it was said: "We have two Nicholases – one with grass, the other with winter." Indeed, from this day, the grass started to grow well ("Do not boast about the sowing on George's Day, but boast about the grass on Nicholas' Day"), so the horses were already taken out to pasture at night. For this, each family sent unmarried young men and escorted them to the field. They were given pies with buckwheat porridge. In the evening, the girls would join them, and the fun with songs and dances began. From Nicholas' day, the peasant life gradually improved. Warm weather was settling in, domestic animals had enough fresh grass, cows and goats gave more milk – so there was no need to worry about feeding the family and livestock. "Hold on until Nicholas, and from Nicholas, live and do not worry," people noted. Weather signs were also observed. If the morning was wet and foggy, it was good to wash with dew: this promised health to the person and a rich harvest for the land. Rain on Nicholas' day was also considered a good sign. Name days on this day: Akulina, Vasily, Gavriil, Dmitry, Joseph, Nikolai, Semyon.