Gregorjevo – when the birds get married

Just yesterday, on March 12th, we were celebrating so called “Gregorjevo” (which is impossible to say in english ). This is the original lovers’ holiday in our land. It is named after St. Gregor (George), who is known as the one who brought the light on the first day of spring. Originally Gregor (George) the Great, later St. Gregor (George), born around 540 A.D. in Rome, was considered an ideal pope and great spiritual teacher.

But March 12th is not the first day of spring. That is because the original celebration was dated on the Julian calendar, that was replaced with the George’s calendar in 1582, so the celebration moved on earlier date. By the way, the George’s calendar is named after pope George the XIII. and not after St. George!

The marriage of the birds is not totally accurate any more. They also do it on the “Vincent’s day” on Januar 22nd and on “Valentine’s day” on February 14th. But in Slovenian regions it is still the “Gregorjevo” when the birds get married – because that used to be the first day of the spring.

Who is St. George? He is protector of miners, builders, teachers, students etc. He helped against the plague in medieval times. And he arranged singing in churches – known as George’s chorals.

PS: PLEASE, really PLEASE do NOT mix St. George’s Day – in Slovenia “Jurjevo” (Russian: Юрьев день/Yuri’s Day) – on April 24th (Wiki) and Gregorjevo. Thank you!