Fedorin's day: strict prohibitions, folk signs on June 9th
On June 9, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the Martyr Theodora of Alexandria, who suffered for her faith during the persecution of Christians. In the national calendar, the holiday was called Fedorin Day, or Fedora the Housekeeper, since many traditions of this day were associated with the house and its guardian— the brownie. In 2025, the celebration falls on a Monday. Izvestia tells us how the holiday was celebrated in the old days and what signs are associated with it.
What is the holiday today, June 9th
Theodora lived in the III–IV centuries in the city of Alexandria. The years of her life fell during the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, which was marked by great persecution of Christians. According to the customs of those years, all Christians who refused to sacrifice were tried and executed.
Theodora did not escape this fate either. When she was brought to trial, the girl openly confessed to being a Christian, and when asked why she was not married, she replied that she had renounced family ties in order to devote her life to God. After that, Theodora was imprisoned. But when the guards saw the stubbornness of the righteous woman, they sent her to the prodigal house.
She was saved from imminent humiliation by one of the warriors named Didim. He gave the saint his clothes, and he changed into her dress. Thanks to this, Theodora was able to leave the place of imprisonment unnoticed.
The news of the incident quickly reached the ruler of the city. He ordered them to find the fugitive and bring a warrior to him. He, in turn, stated that he had saved the girl by the order of the Lord. He was sentenced to death for this. Upon learning of the verdict, Theodora was very saddened and came to the place of execution herself, wanting to share the fate with her savior. Both martyrs were put to death and their bodies burned.
Later, the church canonized Theodora and Didymus of Alexandria. The day of their veneration falls on the same date. The people have their own traditions on this day. In the morning we went to church in the villages to pray to Saint Theodora. She was asked for support in family matters. Then the men began to work in the fields, and the women tended the vegetable gardens.
Folk signs of June 9th
It was not customary to clean the huts on a holiday. They were especially wary of picking up brooms and brooms. It was believed that you could casually sweep a brownie out of your home, and evil spirits would enter the house, which could cause a lot of trouble. To prevent this from happening, the brownie was cajoled with small gifts and treats.
Porridge was often prepared for Fyodor the Housekeeper, as well as pies with potatoes, sauerkraut and the first greens that appeared in the garden at the beginning of summer. They were served to the household. Some were left in a secluded place for the guardian spirit of the house.
Sometimes a few coins were put in the treat. This is how our ancestors hoped to attract prosperity and prosperity to the home. Women hoping to have a baby made a doll out of straw and put it behind the stove. According to legend, after this ritual, the family was soon expecting an addition.
In the old days, great attention was paid to weather signs. They were used to judge what the summer and the future harvest would be like. According to observations, if the forest is noisy without wind on Fyodor's day, it will rain soon. Heavy dew in the morning promises a clear day, and fog at dawn — a rich harvest of mushrooms and berries.
Fedorin's Day in 2025: what can and cannot be done
There were also a number of prohibitions on the holiday, which they tried not to violate. For example, on a holiday, it was forbidden to quarrel, spread rumors and share their personal secrets. Our ancestors believed that any secrets would come out, and gossip and rumors would go around the whole village and return to the one who spreads them.
In addition, you should not talk about your achievements and successes in order to avoid the evil eye. If there was an argument or high-pitched conversation between people, they were sprayed with water, and the quarrels quickly subsided.
The manufacture of talismans or amulets was also prohibited. They could attract the dark forces that were believed to be hiding in the amulet. According to beliefs, this could lead to great grief or serious illness.
Earlier, Izvestia told about the traditions and signs of the national holiday of Ivan–Honeydew, which was celebrated in early June.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
