Ukraine's Orthodox Christians following the new church calendar honor Titus, Bishop of Crete, one of the 70 apostles and among the closest disciples and companions of the Apostle Paul, on August 25. In folk tradition the day is known as Titus the Mushroom Picker or Titus the Leaf-Faller.
Believers following the old church calendar mark this feast on September 7 instead. Those keeping the old style observe August 25 as the day of the martyrs Photius and Aniketos, who are remembered for their steadfastness in faith during persecution.
Who was St Titus
According to church tradition, Titus was born into a noble family on the island of Crete and, from a young age, took an interest in Greek philosophy and poetry. Tradition holds that at the age of 12 he heard a voice in a dream urging him to abandon philosophical teachings and seek the true wisdom that leads to salvation. He then began reading the books of the prophets and learned of the coming of the Messiah.
When news reached Crete of a great prophet performing miracles in Palestine, the island's ruler sent Titus, as one of the most learned men available, to Jerusalem to find out who Jesus truly was. After hearing Christ's preaching, Titus came to believe in him. He later witnessed Christ's suffering, death, resurrection and ascension, and was present at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles.
Titus went on to become a disciple of the Apostle Paul, accompanying him on his missionary journeys, and Paul later ordained him bishop of Crete. Church tradition holds that numerous miracles took place through his prayers. Believers ask St Titus for intercession before God, help with family matters, and strength to overcome life's difficulties.
Folk customs for the day
Folk belief holds that August 25 is the last day for gathering mushrooms meant for winter preserves, whether salted, pickled or dried. After this date, tradition says, mushrooms are no longer suitable for pickling and should instead be fried or boiled, giving rise to the saying that St Titus grows the last mushroom. The name Leaf-Faller refers to the approaching start of leaf fall, as autumn begins to take hold.
The day is considered favourable for shopping, travel and visiting a bathhouse. By folk custom, washing one's face in the morning with water in which a silver object had rested overnight is believed to help preserve strength and vigour. In earlier times, people also used the day for household and farm work, harvesting garden produce and continuing preparations for autumn.
What not to do on Titus's day
As with other church feast days, believers are advised to avoid quarrels, cursing, anger, gossip, envy, greed and revenge on August 25. Refusing help to a person or an animal, or giving in to despair, is also discouraged.
Folk belief warns against starting construction, renovation or other work on the home on this day, since it is said the work would soon have to be redone. For the same reason, people traditionally avoided starting important undertakings, signing contracts or concluding agreements. Another folk prohibition concerns money: ostentatiously jingling coins is said to invite poverty.
Weather omens for the day
Folk tradition also reads the weather and natural signs on August 25 as clues to the coming autumn and winter.
If rain begins in the afternoon, a heavy downpour is expected the next day. Migratory birds landing on rooftops are said to signal a rainy, overcast autumn. If most leaves have already fallen by this date, winter is expected to arrive early and be harsh, while if leaf fall has not yet begun, winter is expected to be mild and late. Leaves falling face up are said to predict an imminent cold snap and a frosty winter. The abundance of mushrooms in the forest is also linked to the season, with a plentiful harvest said to foretell a long winter.
Who celebrates their name day
Bartholomew and Titus celebrate their name days on August 25. According to folk belief, people born on this day are curious, intelligent and prudent. They are said to enjoy taking on new projects but weigh the pros and cons carefully before starting, and they tend to get along easily with others and smooth over conflicts. Their calm, judgment and negotiating skill are said to earn them respect and authority among those around them.
