A special Russian holiday on April 3: Kirill Katanik — signs and prohibitions

Every year on April 3, Orthodox believers remember St. Cyril, Bishop of Catano (Sicily). In 2025, the celebration falls on Thursday. In Russia, the national holiday Cyril Katanik was celebrated on this day. Read about the traditions and prohibitions associated with it in the Izvestia article.

Kirill Katanik: the history of the holiday

Saint Cyril was a disciple of the Apostle Peter, one of the closest followers of Jesus Christ. It was the spiritual mentor who appointed the saint bishop of the city of Catana on the island of Sicily.

According to legend, St. Cyril was distinguished by his wisdom and piety. He was attentive to his flock and eloquent in preaching, and through his efforts many pagans converted to Christianity. Seeing the bishop's righteousness, the Lord endowed him with the gift of miracle-working.

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Among the many miracles performed by St. Cyril, one is the most famous. There was a spring near the city, the water in which was so bitter that it was impossible to drink it. However, after the bishop's prayer, it became sweet and fresh. After that, a large number of Sicilians converted to Christianity.

Saint Cyril lived a long and pious life. He died at a very old age and was buried with honors in Sicily.

Traditions of the April 3rd holiday

Kirill Katanik was celebrated in Russia on April 3. The holiday got its name because in some regions this day was the last time when children and teenagers could go sledding. After the celebration, the "vehicle" was cleaned and cleaned until the next season. Winter fun was replaced by spring fun — the children took out balls and played with them all together.

Also on this day, felt boots were exchanged for birch bark bast shoes in the villages. However, such shoes did not protect well from dampness, so people often got sick. To protect themselves from ailments, hot coals and ashes were collected in a handkerchief and applied to the sore spot. The warmth helped to cope with unpleasant symptoms and recover faster.

What can and cannot be done on Kirill Katanik

Orthodox believers are advised to visit a temple or pray at home on this day. You can also take time to read spiritual literature, for example, to revive the lives of famous saints in memory.

In addition, it should be remembered that Kirill Katansky Memorial Day falls on Lent. Those who follow it should not eat meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. At the same time, as the clergy note, the main meaning of fasting is not in "diet", but in spiritual work and self—discipline, which prepare a person for Easter. Therefore, during it it is important to focus on useful mental and physical work, leaving aside idle entertainment.

In Russia, Cyril Katanik was associated with various superstitions. For example, after sunset, people tried not to look at the sky so as not to see a shooting star. It was believed that this astronomical phenomenon could bring bad luck.

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There was also no wet cleaning or watering of the plants on this day. According to beliefs, these actions are not beneficial on a holiday, and flowers or seedlings can be harmed altogether. Kirill Katanik's bed linen was not washed or changed, for fear that it would cause long-term insomnia.

During the holiday, cat owners did not allow their pets to sleep next to them in the same bed. People believed that an animal took away their life force at night, so they could wake up exhausted in the morning.

In addition, conflicts and quarrels with loved ones, swearing, abusive words and heavy thoughts were avoided on this day, so as not to attract strife and setbacks into life.

Kirill Katanik in 2025 — folk signs

On this day, people were closely watching nature, hoping to predict what the weather would be like. Birds splashing in puddles promised warm and clear days. A blossoming mother-and-stepmother was considered a good sign.: she indicated a rapid increase in temperature. If the birches released a lot of sap, they waited for a rainy summer. Thunderclaps on this day spoke of a rich harvest in the new season.

On Kirill Katanik, fishermen went to the reservoirs to check the ice. If it hasn't opened yet, we didn't expect a good bite in the near future.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the history and traditions of celebrating St. Daria's Memorial Day.