The Orthodox Church honors Martyr Lupp of Thessalonica on August 23 under the revised liturgical calendar, marking a day that combines ancient Christian history with traditional seasonal folk customs.
Under the older Julian calendar, August 23 honors Martyr Laurence and other saints, while Saint Lupp was traditionally commemorated on September 5.
Life and Martyrdom of Saint Lupp
Saint Lupp lived during the late third and early fourth centuries in the Greek city of Thessalonica, where he served as a devoted assistant to Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica. Thessalonica was a prominent urban center of the Roman Empire and a major early hub for Christian worship.
Following the death of Demetrius, Lupp preserved his master's tunic and ring. According to Christian tradition, God performed numerous miracles through these sacred relics, which Lupp later used to destroy idols inside a local pagan temple.
His actions led to his arrest under the authority of Emperor Maximian, who ruled during a period of widespread Roman persecutions against Christians, and Lupp was sentenced to execution.
Prior to his death, Lupp prayed for Christian baptism, whereupon rain unexpectedly poured from the sky. Shortly after receiving this miraculous sign, the saint was martyred. Believers today direct prayers to Saint Lupp for healing from severe illnesses and for fortitude in their faith.
Folk Traditions of Lupp the Cowberry
In eastern European folk culture, August 23 is widely known as Lupp Brusnichnik, or Lupp the Cowberry, marking the period when wild lingonberries fully ripen across regional forests.
Cowberries have long been prized for their medicinal properties. Rural communities traditionally harvest the red berries for winter storage, using them as side dishes, fillings for pies and pancakes, or sweet desserts mixed with honey or sugar.
Fresh cowberry juice is frequently consumed to treat colds, while herbal teas brewed from lingonberry leaves are used to ease intestinal and liver ailments.
Customs, Weddings and Household Prohibitions
Folk tradition considers August 23 a favorable date for ordinary domestic chores such as garden maintenance, laundry, cooking and general housecleaning. Hard work on this day is believed to bring good fortune, whereas idleness is discouraged.
The date is also regarded as an auspicious time for weddings and formal engagements, with tradition holding that marital unions established on Lupp's day will remain strong and enduring.
Alongside household chores, several strict prohibitions apply. Church teachings prohibit anger, swearing, gossip, envy and greed, while forbidding believers from turning away those in need, seeking revenge or falling into despair.
Folk beliefs advise against lending money or personal possessions, warning that doing so risks giving away personal luck and peace of mind. Complaining about life hardships is similarly discouraged, as expressing discontent is said to invite further trouble.
Traditional guidance also cautions against launching new business ventures, making long-term plans or changing jobs on this date.
Although general housecleaning is encouraged, sweeping or mopping floors is specifically advised against. According to popular belief, sweeping dust out of the home on August 23 symbolically sweeps away family wealth, health and prosperity. Walking outside also requires care, as stepping into mud is viewed as a bad omen forecasting upcoming misfortunes.
Seasonal Weather Omens and Name Days
Observations of nature on August 23 are traditionally used to predict the arrival of winter and weather conditions for the coming weeks.
Fully ripe lingonberries indicate that it is time to gather the oat harvest. Migrating cranes offer further clues about the season ahead, as crane flocks heading south signal an early winter.
When cranes fly low in formation, a mild winter is expected, whereas high-flying formations portend severe frosts. Fog settling in the evening points to improving weather conditions.
The temperature on the night of August 23 is considered especially significant. If the night passes without frost, warm weather is expected to endure until the end of September.
August 23 also marks the name days of individuals named Lupp and Eutychius. According to regional beliefs, people born on this date possess quick-tempered personalities yet excel at establishing rapport with others, often rising to leadership roles within complex groups while remaining reliable and attentive guardians of their families.
