July 10 — Samson Senognoi: what kind of holiday is this and how was it celebrated in the old days?
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- July 10 — Samson Senognoi: what kind of holiday is this and how was it celebrated in the old days?


On July 10, the Church commemorates St. Sampson the Pilgrim, who became famous for many virtues. He was popularly called Samson Haymarket, as it often rained at that time, which caused the hay to get wet and begin to rot. In 2024, the date falls on Wednesday. Izvestia tells us how the holiday was celebrated in the old days and what signs are associated with it.
The history of the Samson Senognoi holiday
Saint Sampson lived at the turn of the fifth and sixth centuries in Rome. He came from a noble Christian family, received a good education, and later took up healing. The monk devoted his whole life to the treatment of the poor. Despite the fact that his parents were wealthy people, the young man did not strive for wealth.
After the death of his loved ones, Sampson distributed his inheritance to the poor and settled near Constantinople. There he received the sick and the wanderers, without charging them any fee. According to legend, he once cured Emperor Justinian I. In gratitude, the ruler offered the healer a lot of gold and silver, but instead of money he asked to build a hospice and a hospital.
The monk continued his ministry until his death, having accomplished many godly deeds. He is now revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity. They pray to Sampson the Pilgrim for deliverance from diseases and help in any difficult life situation.
Folk signs of July 10
In Russia, the saint's memorial day fell at the height of the summer haymaking. At this time, torrential rains often occurred, which spoiled the hay harvested for livestock. People used to say: if the hay is green, there will be black porridge (buckwheat) on the table, if the hay is black, there will be white porridge (wheat).
To save the hay, the peasants worked until the evening, everyone from young to old worked. In the morning we went to the temple and prayed to St. Sampson about the sunny weather. In some regions, horses were brought to churches on this day and sprinkled with holy water before plowing the fields again.
The weather on Samson's Day determined what to expect in the future. So, if it started to rain in the morning, it foreshadowed that it would be wet until Indian summer. But the clear weather promised cloudless skies until autumn.
Samson Senognoi in 2025: what can and cannot be done
You can't get mad at Samson Senognoi or take offense at your loved ones. It is better to settle all quarrels before the holiday, otherwise the disagreements will drag on for a long time. In relationships with other people, it is important to be generous and kind. Previously, it was customary to invite guests to their place, treating them to various dishes, and helping those in need. Our ancestors believed that the more you give to others, the more good things will return in the future.
But for romantic confessions and engagements, the day is not the most suitable. There is a high risk of rejection. It is also not recommended to go on a long trip, as unforeseen circumstances may occur along the way, due to which you will have to cancel the trip.
The day before, David the Strawberry was celebrated in Russia. Izvestia told about the history, traditions and prohibitions of this day.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»