Apple Feast of the Saviour facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Apple Feast of the Saviour |
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| Date | August 19 |
| Next time | 19 August 2026 |
| Frequency | annual |
The Apple Feast of the Saviour, also known as Apple Spas, is a special holiday for people in Eastern Europe. It's a folk name for a Christian holiday called the Feast of the Transfiguration. This day is celebrated every year on August 19.
It's the second of three "Feasts of the Saviour." This holiday started in Ukraine and then became popular in Russia and other countries where Orthodox Christianity is practiced. In Russian, it's called Я́блочный Спа́с. It's one of the few days when regular people, not just priests, get to eat food that has been blessed in church. This is similar to an old Jewish tradition called First Fruits.
There are two other "Saviour" holidays. The Honey Feast of the Saviour is on August 14. The Nut Feast of the Saviour is on August 29.
What is Apple Spas?
The Apple Feast of the Saviour has very old roots. It began even before Christianity became widespread. It's connected to the time when farmers harvest ripe fruits, especially apples. In the traditions of East Slavs, this day marks the start of autumn. It's seen as a time when nature itself changes, or "transfigures."
Why Apples?
Long ago, in the Byzantine Empire, people would bless harvested grapes during the Feast of Transfiguration. But in Ukraine, apples were much more common than grapes. That's why the holiday became known as the "Apple Feast."
How is it Celebrated?
On this day, people often have special parades and bless their harvests. Many people in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus eat apples, apple pies, or other dishes made with apples. They do this even if they are not part of the Orthodox Christian church. It's a fun tradition for everyone!
A Village Celebration
In places like the Spas village in Ukraine, people gather to celebrate. They bring their fruits to be blessed with holy water. This is a big part of the celebration of the Feast of the Transfiguration.
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People bringing their harvest to be blessed.
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A priest blessing fruits with holy water.
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A close-up of the blessed fruits.
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Villagers gathering for the celebration.
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A basket filled with fresh apples.
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More fruits ready for blessing.
