ST. FORTY MARTYRS OR THE HOLY FORTY

The forty holy martyrs (young men) were Roman soldiers who secretly professed Christianity. After being found out, they were subjected to cruel torture and died (in 320 A.C.).

It is also believed that on this day “the sun turns towards summer”. In the past it was believed that on this day the Lord sticks down 40 or 140 hot skewers into the ground in order to warm it up.