Saint Sarkis Day

Saint Sarkis Day is a public holiday that is celebrated annually at the end of January or the first half of February in the Republic of Armenia. Sarkis (320-370) is one of the most revered saints, not only in the Armenian Apostolic Church, but also among the Armenian people.
The feast of the patron saint of young lovers, Saint Sarkis, has been officially celebrated in Armenia since 2007. The night before the holiday, the newlyweds eat a salty pancake and wait for a revelation in a dream: what kind of bride or groom is destined for them. Saint Sarkis's Day traditionally falls on the third week before Lent.
In the evening, before the holiday, in families with brides, it was customary to cook salty pancakes. The girls had to eat the dish before going to bed. According to this rule, which certainly goes back to pagan traditions, it was important not to eat or drink anything after eating a pancake. This is the only way to see your betrothed in a dream.
 In addition to the pancake - “ahi blit”, there is another folk custom, which in our time is not as popular as before. Roasted wheat flour was poured onto a tray, which was left on the roof or balcony of the house. The next morning, the young people tremblingly expected to see the hoofprint of the horse of Saint Sarkis, who, according to beliefs, was supposed to fly over the houses with angels that night. The presence of this trace was associated among the people with the heavenly protection of the monk. The mark left by the saint was considered a good sign, which was interpreted as “the blessing of St. Sarkis for marriage.”