May 13 — Yakov Teply: history and traditions of the national holiday

Every year on May 13, Orthodox believers remember the Apostle James Zebedee, one of the closest followers of Christ. In 2025, the celebration falls on a Tuesday. In the national calendar, this date marks the feast of Jacob the Warm. Read about why you can't wear red clothes and braid braids on this day in the Izvestia article.

Yakov Teply in 2025 — the history of the holiday

James Zebedee is the brother of John the Theologian, the eldest of the 12 apostles. Before meeting Jesus, he earned his living by fishing. According to legend, one day, when the brothers were about to set sail once again, the Savior called them to follow him. The saints immediately left their boat and set off with their teacher.

Subsequently, James and John, along with the apostle Peter, became the closest disciples of Christ. They were the ones who witnessed the Transfiguration of the Lord on Mount Tabor. After the miraculous resurrection of the Son of God, the apostles spread their preaching throughout the world. Saint James visited Spain and other countries on his journey, and then returned to Jerusalem. There he openly denounced the teachings of the Pharisees and scribes, converting more and more people to Christianity.

The apostle's words were so convincing that not a single Jew could find arguments against him in an argument. Even the philosopher Hermogenes, who later came to believe in the Lord, failed. Then the pagans convinced King Herod Agrippa that James was dangerous and should be sentenced to death. However, this did not force the saint to stop his sermons, he continued to testify about Christ until his arrest.

When James was being led to execution, one of the informers named Josiah, struck by the apostle's courage, fell at his feet and repented of his crime. Jacob bent down to him, embraced him, and said, "Peace be upon you and forgiveness." After that, they were both beheaded.

Yakov Teply on May 13: traditions

In Russia, on the day of the memory of Jacob Zebedee, Jacob the Warm was celebrated, since by that time the weather was already warm. According to the old style, the celebration fell on April 30th. From that moment on, the time for weddings and matchmaking ended, and the peasants adjusted to a working mood before field work. Getting married in the last month of spring was considered a bad omen. Hence the saying: "To get married in May is to spend your whole life worrying."

On Yakov the Warm, housewives put dishes of dairy products on the table to strengthen the health of the household. There was another ritual for getting rid of diseases — pouring water from the melted March snow. For this purpose, it was specially preserved in barrels and other containers.

What can and cannot be done on Yakov Teplyj on May 13

On this day, believers are advised to visit the temple or pray to St. James at home. It will also be useful to recall the key moments of the apostle's life and the miracles he witnessed. There is no need to fast on a holiday.

According to popular beliefs, you can not wear red, pink and orange shades on Yakov the Warm. It is believed that people who neglect this prohibition will not be able to find a soulmate for a long time. For those who are already in a relationship, this promises quarrels and conflicts with a partner.

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Believers will celebrate Antipascha in 2025 on April 27.

Also on this day in Russia, girls did not braid their hair, so as not to "weave" illnesses and failures into their lives. New acquaintances were also avoided during the holiday, since friendship or love that arose on Yakov Teply would not be happy.

Despite the fact that St. James is considered the patron saint of travelers, on his memorial day people tried not to go on a long journey. If necessary, they did not leave the house without prayer. In addition, on this day they drove away any bad thoughts from themselves, as they believed that the negative would return in double volume.

Omens of May 13

On Yakov Teply, villagers went out to greet the dawn. If the sky was clear, they expected a sunny summer. A warm evening and a starry night promised a good harvest. If the stars were not visible, they prepared for the rain. Cherry blossoms indicated an imminent cold snap, and a large number of May beetles indicated dry weather in summer.

Earlier, Izvestia told about the history, traditions and signs of the national holiday Mark Klyuchnik.