When Are Honey, Apple, and Nut Spas Celebrated in 2026: Dates According to the New Calendar, Traditions, and Taboos
16 August 07:15
In August, Ukrainians traditionally celebrate three “Spas” holidays: Honey Spas, Apple Spas, and Nut Spas. According to the new church calendar, in 2026 they fall on August 1, 6, and 16, respectively. Read about the traditions and taboos associated with these holidays in this article "Komersant Ukrainian".
In folk tradition, these holidays are closely linked to the end of summer and the harvest season. This is where their folk names—Honey, Apple, and Nut Spas—come from. At the same time, each of them corresponds to a separate event in the church calendar.
Contents:
- Honey, Apple, and Nut Spas: Celebration Dates According to the New Calendar
- Honey Spas 2026
- Apple Spas 2026
- Nut Spas 2026
- Traditions of Celebrating Honey, Apple, and Nut Spas: What You Can Do on the Three Spas
- What You Shouldn’t Do on Spas: Folk and Church Prohibitions
Honey, Apple, and Nut Spas: Celebration Dates According to the New Calendar
After the Orthodox Church of Ukraine switched to the New Julian calendar, the dates of non-movable church holidays shifted back by 13 days. Because of this, the Spas holidays, which many are accustomed to celebrating in August, are now observed slightly earlier:
- August 1 – Makoviya or Honey Spas;
- August 6 – The Transfiguration of the Lord or Apple Spas;
- August 16 – Nut Spas, Bread Spas, or Third Spas.
According to the old calendar, these feasts fell on August 14, 19, and 29, respectively.
Honey Spas 2026
The first holiday celebrated in August is Honey Spas, which falls on August 1 according to the New Julian calendar. Among the people, this holiday is also known as Makoviya, Makov, or Little Spas. In the church calendar, this day marks the Exaltation of the Precious Cross of the Lord.
On this day, it was traditional to bring newly harvested honey, poppy seeds, and water to the church. Another symbol of the holiday was the so-called “makoviychiki”—bouquets of wildflowers and herbs to which ripe poppy heads were added.
August 1 marks the beginning of the Dormition Fast, which lasts through August 14. Therefore, the festive table during this period was traditionally vegetarian.
Apple Spas 2026
The second Spas falls on August 6. For Christians, this is first and foremost the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, but among the people, this holiday is better known as Apple Spas.
On this day, it is customary to bring seasonal fruits to churches. Most often, these are apples, pears, plums, and grapes. Believers also have ears of grain, bread, and other harvest gifts blessed.
In folk culture, Apple Spas symbolized the gradual approach of fall. After the holiday, households would actively begin preserving fruit for the winter: they would make jam, dry fruit, and bake apple pies.
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At the same time, the widespread belief that one should not eat apples before Spas is rooted in folk tradition rather than universal church regulations.
Nut Spas 2026
The cycle of August Spas feasts concludes with Nut Spas, which will be celebrated on August 16, 2026. In the church calendar, this day commemorates the Transfer of the Miraculous Image of the Lord Jesus Christ from Edessa to Constantinople.
Among the people, this holiday has been given several names. It is called “Walnut Spas” because of the period when walnuts ripen, and “Bread Spas” because of the end of the harvest and the tradition of baking bread from the grain of the new harvest. It is also known as “Savior on the Canvas,” a name linked to the church’s account of the holiday’s origins.
Traditionally, the festive table was set with fresh bread, pastries, nuts, and other seasonal foods. The fruits of the new harvest were also brought to churches.
Traditions of Celebrating Honey, Apple, and Nut Spas: What You Can Do on the Three Spas
Folk customs surrounding the celebration of all three Spas days have largely developed around the ripening of the harvest and giving thanks for the gifts of summer. On Poppy Spas, people traditionally prepared dishes with honey and poppy seeds; on Apple Spas, they feasted on fruits from the new harvest; and on Nut Spas, they baked fresh bread and gathered ripe nuts.
In addition, it was customary on these holidays to gather with family around the festive table, treat friends and neighbors to holiday dishes, and help those in need.
What Not to Do on the Spas: Folk and Church Prohibitions
There are many folk prohibitions associated with the three Spas holidays, but they should be distinguished from church rules. Believers are advised, above all, to refrain from quarrels, insults, foul language, and unkind deeds on these holidays, and, if possible, to devote time to prayer and helping others.
In addition, according to folk beliefs, the following are prohibited on this day:
- Sewing and knitting;
- Work in the garden;
- Cleaning and doing other household chores.
However, it is believed that performing everyday chores is not in itself considered a violation of the holiday.
Certain restrictions apply to Honey Spas and Apple Spas, as they fall during the Dormition Fast. Therefore, only Lenten dishes should be served on the festive table on these holidays. In contrast, Nut Spas on August 16 is celebrated after the fast has ended.
Author: Olya Yushko
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