April 23 is a special holiday of Terenty Marevny: folk signs and customs
The holiday was established in honor of the holy Martyr Terenty, who suffered for his faith in Christ. The church honors the saint on April 23. The celebration is popularly known as Terenty Marevny, or Terentyev Day. Izvestia tells about how the holiday was celebrated in the old days, what traditions and signs are associated with this date.
What holiday is celebrated on April 23rd?
Terenty lived in the third century and was a military commander in Carthage. The years of his life fall during the reign of the Roman emperor Decius, who severely punished all those who refused to worship idols and make sacrifices to pagan gods.
For unwillingness to comply with the decree of the ruler, Terenty, along with other Christians, was imprisoned. At first, the prisoners were starved to death, but having failed to achieve what they wanted, they threw venomous snakes into the cell. However, the reptiles did not touch the prisoners, but attacked the jailers. Then Christians were executed by beheading.
The Church canonized the martyr. With the adoption of Christianity, Terenty began to be revered in Russia. He was popularly known as Terenty Marevny, from the word "haze."
In the old days, this was the name of the misty haze enveloping the earth. Visibility on the roads was poor at that time, and the trails were washed out by spring streams. The peasants noted about this: "The road is collapsing on Terenty," "there is no dirt around, no way to drive, no way to walk, even if you carry all the portages."
Omens of April 23
On the morning of the holiday, people in the villages went to church to pray to the saint. Our ancestors believed that he could help solve life and family problems, as well as give health to the sick. Unfaithful spouses were supposed to confess their sins on this day. Before this step, it was necessary to fast strictly, and after the morning service, give alms to the poor. It was believed that then the disagreements in the family would be settled, and peace and quiet would return to the house.
Hard work was forbidden for Terenty, as well as needlework because of the risk of cutting or pricking himself. Therefore, they mostly did household chores. The housewives mopped the floors, did the laundry, and cooked the food. Another traditional activity was the collection of natural raw materials for the manufacture of medicinal tinctures.
Also on Terenty Marevny's day, there was a custom of making wishes at the birch tree. To do this, you had to find a sapling, whisper your wish to it and tie a ribbon or a piece of cloth on the branch. An offering was always left near the birch tree — a piece of bread or a coin. This ensured that the wish would come true.
Much attention was also paid to weather signs, which were used to judge the future harvest. So, a haze in the sky in sunny weather foreshadowed a good year for the harvest of bread. If there was a strong wind, they were upset that they would have to plow and sow again.
Terenty Marevny – 2025: what can and cannot be done
According to church canons, on the day of veneration of the saint, one should not quarrel, swear, or refuse to help those in need. Since the celebration in 2024 falls during Great Lent, believers need to give up entertainment, alcohol consumption and follow dietary regulations.
If one adheres to folk superstitions, then on April 23 one should not use sharp objects, remembering Terenty's martyrdom. It is not recommended to enter into a new relationship, arrange engagements or weddings, as the union will not be a happy one. It is also forbidden to hunt birds and cut down trees.
Earlier, Izvestia told about the history of the national holiday Shark's Day and what traditions are associated with this celebration.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
