The history of the holiday
The veneration of this event goes back to ancient times. Already in the IV century, by order of the holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Tsarina Elena, mother of Emperor Constantine, a temple was erected on Mount Tabor in honor of the Transfiguration of the Lord. However, the holiday was finally approved in the church calendar only in the 7th century. Interestingly, the Transfiguration itself, according to the Gospel, took place about 40 days before the crucifixion of Christ, which corresponds to February or March. But in order for the holiday not to coincide with Lent, its date was postponed to August. So, August 19 (August 6, Old style) became the day when the Church commemorates this miracle, and this date remains fixed from year to year.
Folk traditions
In Russia, this holiday has received a different, popular name – Apple Savior. This is due to the pious custom of consecrating the fruits of the new harvest on this day. According to church regulations, grapes should be consecrated, but in Russia, where grapes did not ripen everywhere, they were replaced by apples, which were just ripe by that time. Since then, the tradition of bringing baskets of apples, pears and plums to the temple has become an integral part of the holiday. In the old days, before the Apple Savior, they generally tried not to eat apples of the new harvest, waiting for their consecration.
Spiritual meaning and folk customs
The Transfiguration of the Lord is a reminder that man is called to transfiguration, to the transformation of his soul by the light of Divine grace. It is no coincidence that on this day, which falls on the strict Dormition fast, believers are allowed a small indulgence – eating fish and wine, which symbolizes the joy of the transformed Savior and makes this day look like a "little Easter."
In the folk tradition, this day was an important milestone, marking the turn from summer to autumn. After the solemn service, the consecrated apples were distributed to relatives, neighbors, and especially to the poor and needy. It was believed that a person who shared the harvest would certainly be rewarded. The housewives baked pies with apples, made compotes and jams. There was also a touching custom of taking consecrated fruits to the graves of deceased relatives. All this is not just a tribute to tradition, but an expression of gratitude to God for the gifts of the earth and the manifestation of love for others.
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Transformation in jewelry art
Inspired by the bright image of the Transfiguration, the jeweler Vladimir Mikhailov created special works dedicated to this holiday. Thematic works from his collection reflect the light of Tabor and the warmth of folk traditions. Elegant pendants in the shape of liquid apples, miniature icons with delicate carvings resembling the curves of apple branches – each product becomes a precious memory of a bright August day. Handmade in the ancient Novgorod technique of fine plastics, they turn a folk symbol into an eternal value that can be kept in the family and passed on from generation to generation.