The Fire Holiday of Saint Marina: Ancient Rituals and Folk Beliefs

In the calendar of Orthodox Christians, July 17 is marked as an extremely significant day, dedicated to Saint Great Martyr Marina - a spiritual figure with deep roots in folk beliefs and traditions.

Born in Antioch of Pisidia as the daughter of a pagan priest, the saint meets a martyr's death at just 16 years old. Her biography becomes a symbolic story of faith and unwavering resistance to pagan foundations.

In Bulgarian folklore, Marina receives the epithet "Fiery" and is associated with heavenly fire - a mystical symbol of purification and transformation. She establishes herself as a patron of agricultural activities - harvest, fields, and sowing, which makes her an extremely revered figure among rural populations.

Iconography depicts her seated on a throne, with her left hand placed before her chest, and her right hand gripping the cross - a symbol of her spiritual steadfastness and martyrdom.

The saint's feast day coincides with the third day of the so-called "hot days" - a period dedicated to Christian saints Julia, Marina, and Emilian. Among them, the first and third days are considered the most significant and filled with magical symbolism.

Folk beliefs prescribe strict rituals during these days. Women suspend all handicrafts because it is believed that whatever is made will burn. A central moment in the ritual is lighting a live fire, which is jumped over for health, and each participant takes a flame to light their home hearth.

An interesting belief says that during these days, water can gush even from the driest troughs. It is believed that bathing in this warm water protects against diseases throughout the year.

With the arrival of the hot days, the so-called gatherings begin - filled with magical practices related to love and fertility. They represent an ancient ritual that preserves collective memory and spiritual traditions.

On July 17, name days are celebrated by Marin, Marina, and Marinela. Their families and loved ones congratulate them with wishes for health, luck, and prosperity.

Thus, Saint Marina continues to be not just a religious figure, but a living symbol of folk spirituality, preserving ancient beliefs and rituals that connect generations.