Christians honor today St. Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary. The Church celebrates her conception. Those named Ana, Anna, Anka, Ani, Yanko, Yanka celebrate their name day. In translation from Hebrew, the name means “grace“.

St. Anne is considered the patron saint of marriage, family, motherhood, the protector of virgins, widows, and pregnant women.

For a long time, Joachim and Anne had no children. In addition to their personal sorrow, they had to endure public reproach, as childlessness, considered a punishment from God, was not met with sympathy. With prayer and hope came the news of the long-awaited child, named Mary. Anne promises to dedicate her child to the service of God, and at the age of three, Mary is taken to the temple.

On this day, women do not do housework; according to popular belief, they should not touch wool so that the children and animals do not get sick. Men, on the other hand, do not leave the place where they live, because samodivas (fairies) lurk outside, who abduct lonely gentlemen. In front of many homes, fire is lit to drive away evil forces.

The people also honor this day as a holiday for fortune tellers.

Boiled wheat and corn are placed on the festive table for a successful year.

The Church honors St. Anne several times a year – on September 8 and 9, when we celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and commemorate her parents – St. Joachim and St. Anne. On July 25, the day of her Dormition (death) is marked.