Date according to the old style: June 29. This day in Russia was a major holiday — honoring two apostles at once — Peter and Paul. Saint Peter was one of the 12 apostles — disciples of Jesus Christ. He was born into a simple fisherman's family. Initially, he was called Simon, and the name Peter (which translates from Greek as "rock") came from the nickname Cephas, given to him by Jesus, which also meant "rock," but in Aramaic. Christ called Peter to be his disciple along with his brother Andrew, who was also a fisherman. According to tradition, Jesus said to them: "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Peter was a participant and witness to many significant events: it was he who wished to walk on water, and it was he who cut off the ear of the high priest's servant in the Garden of Gethsemane. Peter is traditionally considered the first Pope of Rome and the founder of the Christian church. The Apostle Paul, whose memory is also commemorated on this day, was not one of the 12 apostles and in his youth participated in the persecution of Jews. However, when he encountered the resurrected Jesus Christ, he came to believe in the one true God. Paul established numerous Christian communities in Asia Minor and the Balkan Peninsula. His letters make up a significant part of the New Testament. Although the biographies of the two apostles have little intersection, in the minds of the Russian people, they are always together — in the "Peter and Paul" holiday, as well as in many geographical and topographical names (Peter and Paul Fortress, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky). In the old days, the holiday was also called Petrov fasting, as this day often marked the end of the Peter's Fast, or Petrovki. People would hold vow feasts — laying rich tables for all those who could not afford it. Poor neighbors and relatives, beggars, and wanderers were invited to the feasts. In some places, there was a tradition of mothers-in-law bringing cheese to their sons-in-law, and the sons-in-law publicly treating their mothers-in-law to delicacies. Godparents would give their godchildren wheat pies. On Petrov Day, it was customary to wash with water from three springs. Peasants would also go out to see how the sun would rise: they gathered at night on hills, lit bonfires, and spent time waiting for dawn with games and songs. It was believed that on Peter and Paul's Day, the sun "plays" in the sky: it shines in different colors, then shines brightly, then rises, then sets. Since the Apostle Peter was a fisherman, he is considered the patron saint of fishing, and is sometimes even called the Fisherman. Fishermen prayed to him for luck, asking for guidance: would the catch be successful, would there be a storm, should they cast their nets. Peter's holiday was also a day of court proceedings and paying dues. The church received the so-called "Peter's tribute." Practically in all major cities and villages, Peter's fairs were held. Peasants noted: if it rains on Petrov Day, then the entire hay harvest will be wet. At the same time, a change in weather during the day, when rain is followed by sun, and then rain again, promised fertility. They said: "Rain on Saint Peter's Day — a poor harvest, two rains — a good one, three — a rich one." Name days on this day Grigory, Pavel, Peter