June 8 — Carp Carp: the prohibitions of the national holiday
On June 8, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Carp of Berii, an apostle from the age of 70, a disciple of the Apostle Paul. In Russia, the celebration was associated with fishing and was called Carp Carp. In 2025, the date falls on a Sunday. Read about the traditions and signs associated with the holiday in the Izvestia article.
June 8: what's the holiday today
There is little information about the life of the Apostle Carp. It is known that he lived in the 1st century, was a faithful follower and disciple of the Apostle Paul. The saints traveled together for a long time, preaching Christianity in different lands. Seeing the virtue and boundless faith in the Lord of his ward, Paul appointed him bishop of the city of Beria in Thrace (the territory of modern Greece).
An interesting story about the life of the Apostle Carp is contained in the memoirs of Dionysius the Areopagite, whom Paul's disciple met during a trip to the island of Crete. According to legend, one day the saint found out that one of the unbelievers had turned his faithful comrade away from the church. This news greatly upset Karp. Then the apostle turned to God, asking Him to punish the infidels.
During the night prayer, the saint had an amazing vision: the earth and sky opened up, Jesus looked down at the earth, surrounded by angels, and below was a dark abyss teeming with snakes. There were two sinners at the precipice who had upset Karp so much. When the apostle saw this, he rejoiced at their imminent destruction, but the Savior took the apostates by the hands and led them away from the edge. After that, the saint realized his mistake and since then has always been patient with those who strayed from the righteous path.
It is not known for certain when and how Saint Carp died. According to one version, he died a natural death in Beria, according to another, he was killed during the persecution under Emperor Nero.
Traditions of the Carp Carp holiday in 2025
In Russia, the day of commemoration of the Holy Carp was called Carp Carp. Anglers were looking forward to the holiday, as, according to popular beliefs, it was possible to catch large carp on this day. In the morning, the men went to the ponds, read prayers, asking for success in fishing, and started fishing.
The women on Karpa Karpolova collected dishes, took them out into the yard and put them under the rose hips. It was believed that the fragrance of the plant would help get rid of the unpleasant odor. Patients also came to the blooming rosehip to gain strength for recovery.
In addition, on a holiday, it was customary to invite a stove maker to the house so that he could inspect and repair the stove after the winter. The craftsmen were treated to a pre-prepared loaf in gratitude for their work. A piece of the delicacy was also left for the brownie. Thus, the owners apologized for disturbing the keeper of the house during the work.
Carp Carp in 2025 — what can and cannot be done
The Orthodox Church does not impose any special prohibitions on the feast day of St. Carp of Berii. There is no need to fast on this day. If desired, believers can pray to the saint in church or at home, taking time to read religious literature.
There are many different traditions and superstitions associated with the holiday. For example, it was believed that if a young carp was the first to be hooked during fishing, then it should be released, otherwise you can no longer wait for the catch. Also on this day, people did not eat any fish except carp, fearing diseases and misfortunes.
It was impossible to be lazy on Karp Karpolov and spend the whole day in bed. According to beliefs, luck will accompany only those who work honestly. At the same time, it was forbidden to work in the garden on a holiday so that the plants would not die.
Quarrels were also avoided on this day, especially between close people. Our ancestors believed that a conflict could drag on for several years. During the holiday, it was customary to wear clean clothes and clean the house in order to attract positive energy. However, it was allowed to restore order only until sunset, otherwise the brownie could be taken out with the garbage.
Folk signs of June 8th
Many signs have survived to this day. First of all, they are related to fishing and weather forecasting in the summer season. So, if the fish rose close to the surface of the water, the fishermen tried to roll up the rods as soon as possible, fearing a downpour.
Ducks splashing and diving in reservoirs also indicated the approach of rain. A large number of grasshoppers indicated dry weather in the near future, and the rapid growth of sorrel heralded a warm start to summer.
Earlier, Izvestia told about the national holiday Basilisk Day and what prohibitions are associated with this day.
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