December 27 - Filimonov Day: history, traditions, omens

Every year on December 27, Orthodox believers honor the memory of the early Christian martyr Philimon, who lived in Egypt in the 3rd century and suffered for his faith. In the folk calendar, the holiday is called Philimon's Day. In 2024 it falls on Friday. About its history, traditions and omens read in the material "Izvestia".

Philimon's Day - 2024: the history of the holiday

St. Philimon lived in the III century in the Egyptian Antinopolis during the reign of Emperor Diocletian, who initiated mass persecution of Christians. He was a well-known flutist, mime and actor in his city.

Philimon was converted to Christianity by Deacon Apollonius. When the local authorities demanded that the clergyman renounce his faith, he asked Philimon to sacrifice to pagan idols in his place.

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The actor agreed, but during the ritual he decided to publicly reveal his commitment to the Christian faith. The repentant deacon also publicly confessed Christ. The saints were then brutally tortured and executed.

Orthodox believers honor the martyr Philimon as the patron saint of dancers and actors.

Traditions and customs of Filimon's Day: what you can and can not do on December 27

In Russia on Philimon's Day special attention was paid to the protection of the house - people believed that this day is very dangerous because of the rampant dark forces. Housekeepers carefully cleaned the house and household premises, so as not to attract evil with dirt and disorder. For the same reason, gates and doors were carefully locked. And when leaving the house, they put in their pocket an amulet from dark forces - an extinguished coal.

Washing was also considered a salvation from evil spirits. On Filimon it was customary to do this several times a day. And in the evening it was necessary to steam with a broom in the bath. Believers prayed to St. Filimon, asking for his protection from trouble and disease, as well as care for the family.

What should not be done on Philimon's Day on December 27

On the holiday it was strictly forbidden to leave children unattended, it was believed that they could be frightened by evil forces. Under the ban were quarrels and scandals with relatives, large purchases. It was forbidden to remember suicides or those who died as a result of an accident. People believed that they could come to the house in the form of werewolves.

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It was obligatory to go to bed on Filimon's Day with a clean head. According to the belief, the one who does not wash his head, later "may be killed by lightning".

Also on the holiday it was forbidden to drink alcohol, eat eggs, meat and dairy products, as believers continue the Christmas fast until January 6.

Folk omens on Philimon's Day on December 27

On Filimonov Day people carefully watched nature to determine the weather for the winter and future summer. So, if at night on the trees lay hoarfrost, you should expect a snowfall soon. Warm weather on December 27 heralded a hot summer. Rain and fog - precipitation during February.

Earlier "Izvestia" told about the history and traditions of the folk holiday - Eustratiev Day.