Honey Spas: The Honey Blessing Tradition
Honey Spas (Медовый Спас), also known as the Savior of the Honey Feast Day, is celebrated on August 14 in the Russian Orthodox Church. It is the first of the three August Spas feast days, followed by Apple Spas and Nut Spas.
In traditional Russian culture, beekeepers never harvested honey before Honey Spas. The first honey of the season was considered sacred, a gift from God and was taken to church for blessing before anyone could taste it. This ritual of offering the “first fruits” symbolized gratitude for the harvest and was believed to bring health, prosperity, and protection to the household.
Practical Beekeeping Wisdom
The tradition also had a practical side. In much of Russia, Ukraine, and Siberia, the main nectar flow from plants like linden, buckwheat, wild clover, and wildflowers ends in early August. By waiting until mid-August, bees had time to fully ripen and cap the honeycomb. This produced higher-quality honey, sweeter, richer in nutrients, and better suited for long-term storage during the harsh winter.
Honey Spas Today
Even today, many rural communities and Orthodox believers continue to observe the Honey Spas tradition. On August 14, fresh honey is blessed in church and enjoyed in simple, seasonal dishes such as honey-drizzled bread, pancakes, or porridge. It remains a celebration of patience, gratitude, and the timeless bond between people, nature, and faith.
