The Orthodox holiday on December 22nd is the day of remembrance of Saint Anastasia, who is also called the Deliverer from Chains and is considered the patron saint of mothers in labor.
The signs of the day are used to determine what the weather will be like in the following days and on New Year's Eve: if it snows on this day, it will rain afterwards; a snowstorm during the day means frost at night.
It is believed that if it is sunny on this day, there will be good weather on New Year's Eve, and if it is cloudy, expect a snowstorm.
The Church condemns obscene language and swearing, laziness, gossip, envy, and revenge. Help should not be refused. The Christmas fast continues for those who observe it.
In Bulgarian folk beliefs, the image of Saint Anastasia is laden with special symbolism, often associated with the preparation for the Nativity of Christ. It is believed that on the day of her feast, the labor pains of the Holy Virgin Mary begin. For this reason, in the folk tradition, the saint is sometimes perceived as a harbinger of difficult times or even as a Christianized image of death, which explains why she is often depicted in dark robes.
One of the strictest beliefs for the day is related to the prohibition of work. It is believed that women, and especially mothers, should not perform any housework to protect their children from illness. Folk memory warns that violating this rule can bring misfortune upon the home and family. Instead of work, the custom dictates that ritual loaves of bread should be kneaded, which are generously smeared with honey and distributed for the health and well-being of relatives and neighbors.
Everyone with the names Anastasia, Anastas, Atanaska, Siya, Siyka, Tana, Tasko, Asya celebrates.