Saint Sarkis Day
January 31 · Level 4 · #1535 of 2238
In Armenia, Saint Sarkis is honoured as a patron of young people and lovers. His feast brings together remembrance of a Christian soldier and martyr with folk traditions about finding a partner. Its date moves with the church calendar.
How it is celebrated: worshippers attend services and pray, while couples exchange small gifts. One folk custom involves eating a salty bread before bed and then avoiding water.
According to the tradition, the person who offers the thirsty sleeper water in a dream will be their future spouse. It is a piece of romantic folklore, rather than a promise made by the Church.