The feast of Peter and Paul: important signs that absolutely must not be done
Christians of the Eastern Rite celebrate Peter and Paul Day on July 12, or Peter's Day, according to the Julian calendar, the event is celebrated on June 29. The holiday is dedicated to the memory of the two first-born apostles, who are disciples of Jesus Christ and mentors of righteous Christians. Peter and Paul were martyred in the 1st century A.D. The history and traditions of the Christian holiday are in the material of Izvestia.
Peter and Paul Day: what kind of holiday is July 12th?
Peter and Paul Day is one of the great Christian holidays, which is dedicated to the supreme Apostles Peter and Paul. The church honors them both equally. The Apostle Peter was the closest disciple of Jesus Christ, and Catholics consider him the first pope of Rome.
It is believed that Peter witnessed many important events in Christianity, which are described in the Gospel. Among them is the Transfiguration of the Lord on Mount Tabor, when Jesus appeared to his disciples in a divine form. After the Resurrection of the Savior, Peter actively preached and spread Christian teaching throughout the world.
In the mid-60s of the 1st century A.D. Peter arrived in Rome. At that time, Emperor Nero ruled there, who brutally fought Christianity. The disciples persuaded the apostle to leave the city, but as Peter was leaving, he met Christ. He asked where the Savior was going, and he replied: "To Rome to be crucified again." After that, Peter returned to the city, where he was captured and executed. Initially, they wanted to crucify the apostle, like Jesus, but the disciple of the Almighty considered himself unworthy of such a death and asked to be nailed upside down to the cross.
The second apostle, to whom the Christian holiday is dedicated, Paul, never personally met with Jesus. Before his baptism, his name was Saul, and then the future apostle was an ardent opponent of the Christian faith. He took part in the persecutions that believers were subjected to. One day, he was traveling to Damascus to continue the persecution of Christians, but suddenly a bright light shone from the sky, and a divine voice said: "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" After that, Saul became blind, and his sight returned to him only after baptism. After the future apostle believed and was baptized, he received the name Paul. Akin to Peter, he accepted his death in Rome under Emperor Nero — the apostle was beheaded.
It is not known for certain about the time of Peter and Paul's death, but it is believed that they died on the same day — July 12. There is also a version that the apostles were executed on the same day, but with a difference of one year. Three centuries after the martyrdom, Christianity became the official religion in Rome, temples were actively erected in honor of the apostles, they were called the patron saints of the city. After a while, a holiday was born in honor of the closest disciples of Jesus Christ.
Candles in the temple
Peter and Paul Day is celebrated annually on July 12 by Christians of the Eastern Rite, and on June 29 by Catholics.
Traditions and prohibitions of Peter and Paul Day in 2024
As with any Orthodox holiday, Peter's Day is associated with many traditions and prohibitions. In Russia, Peter and Paul's Day was the culmination of summer, during which time the entire surrounding nature was in full bloom.
A woman on a fishing trip
Peter's Day was celebrated on a large scale among fishermen, since before Peter became a disciple of Jesus, he was a fisherman. Processions and prayer services were held in honor of the holiday. Donations were collected from parishioners for the world candle, which was placed in the temple next to the image of the saint.
At night, young people went around the houses and rattled frying pans, singing songs to the accompaniment of harmony. This was done in order to ward off evil spirits. At dawn, people went to guard the sun to ward off mermaids who could harm others.
Weddings are not held in churches on St. Peter's Day on July 12, and it is recommended not to engage in physical labor at this time. It is also forbidden to swear with loved ones and swear. In 2025, Peter and Paul's Day fell on Saturday, which is the last day of lent, so food of animal origin can only be consumed on Saturday. Fish, vegetable oil and wine are allowed in connection with the holiday. Believers are also advised to visit the church.
Folk signs for Peter and Paul on July 12
There are many folk traditions associated with St. Peter's Day, which have been formed over the centuries. For example, after July 12, the nights begin to lengthen and the days shorten, as a result of which the saying "Peter and Paul reduced the day" appeared. According to the signs, if it is hot on the Day of Peter and Paul, then you should start mowing. The croaking of frogs on Peter's Day predicts hot weather until the end of summer.
In the old days, a lot of attention was paid to the crowing of the cuckoo on this day. According to observations, if the bird falls silent before the holiday, early cold weather will come, if the bird continues to make sounds on Peter's Day, winter will come late. The yellow foliage on the birches symbolizes the onset of early leaf fall this year. It is also believed that the lack of precipitation on Peter's Day promises the same weather on St. Elijah's Day, which is celebrated on August 2.
It is popularly believed that bathing in natural springs on Peter's Day allows you to wash away all sins, and for a prosperous and healthy life it is recommended to wash with water from three springs.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
