May 8 — Mark Klyuchnik: the history of the holiday, customs and omens

On May 8, the Church commemorates the Apostle and Evangelist Mark, popularly known as the Housekeeper. In the old days, it was believed that it was he who kept the keys to open the sky with him and sent rains to the earth, which the farmers were waiting for. In 2025, Mark Klyuchnik's day falls on Thursday, May 8th. How the holiday was celebrated in the old days, what traditions and signs are associated with it, read in the Izvestia material.

What is the church holiday on May 8th?

Saint Mark lived in Jerusalem and was a close associate of the Apostles Peter and Paul. He was one of the 70 apostles chosen by Jesus Christ to preach his teachings. In addition, the saint became one of the four evangelists, he is the author of the Gospel of Mark, the second book of the New Testament, which describes the main events from the life of Christ.

In the ancient iconographic tradition, the evangelist is often depicted with a lion, signifying power and royal dignity. Despite the persecution, he did not doubt the Savior for a second. During his life, Mark converted many people to Christianity, and also founded the Church of Alexandria, the third most important after the Roman One.

With the adoption of Christianity, the apostle was revered in Russia. Several Russian Orthodox churches bear his name. The largest cathedral in honor of St. Mark is located in the central square of Venice in Italy.

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Mark Klyuchnik in 2025: signs of May 8th

According to folk tradition, Saint Mark holds the keys to the firmament. The peasants believed that he could both "lock up" the rains and send them to the ground to moisten the soil and prevent drought. Therefore, on the holiday they prayed to him for a rich harvest.

In the villages, there were special rituals and spells that caused rain. Our ancestors went out into the field and, raising their eyes to the sky, said: "Rain, rain, on grandma's rye, on grandpa's wheat and on the girl's flax — pour a bucket!".

It was believed that if the rain fell on Mark Klyuchnik, then a lot of bread would be born this year, and goats and cows would have a lot of milk. And if the weather was clear and sunny on May 8, it foreshadowed a sultry, dry summer.

On the holiday, it was also customary to get rid of the accumulated bad energy in the house. To do this, all objects in the dwelling were wiped with a decoction of nettles. The burning stems of the plant were also hung over the front door. They protected from evil spirits and uninvited guests. The next day, the nettles were burned in a bonfire, so that diseases and all bad things would go away with the smoke.

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What can and cannot be done today

If you follow folk superstitions, then on Mark Klyuchnik's day you can not slander, gossip, give advice and somehow interfere in someone else's life. Otherwise, your own will go awry.

Also, you should not make joint plans on this day, since such plans are unlikely to materialize. Housewives should spend time doing needlework or household chores to attract prosperity and prosperity to the house.

The day is considered favorable for large purchases. People believed that the more money you spent on a Brand, the more profit you would make during the year.

Earlier, Izvestia told about the history of the national holiday Watering Monday and what traditions are associated with this spring celebration.