January 28 - Paul's Day: history, traditions, folk omens

Every year on January 28, believers honor the memory of St. Paul of Thebes, who lived in the fourth century. He is also called Paul of Egypt or Paul the Hermit. The Orthodox Church honors him as one of the first Christian monks. In the folk calendar, the date is called Paul's Day. In 2025, it falls on Tuesday. About the history of the holiday, its traditions and omens read in the material "Izvestia".

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Paul of Thebes (or Paul the Hermit) lived in the III-IV centuries in Egypt. He was born in the city of Thebaid. Having lost his parents in early childhood, the boy was left in the care of a relative who dreamed of seizing his inheritance. In order to get rid of his ward, he claimed that he had been baptized. At that time, the emperor Decius ruled in Thebaida, and organized a persecution of Christians. In order to avoid execution, Paul, who had learned of his kinsman's deceitful plan, left the city and went into the desert, where he settled in a cave at the foot of the mountain.

According to legend, he lived in this cave for 91 years, praying to God tirelessly day and night. His only sustenance was dates brought to him by a raven. Paul used palm leaves for clothing and shelter from the cold.

The hagiography says that shortly before Paul's death, he became known to St. Anthony the Great, who also led the life of a hermit in the Thebaidan desert. It is believed that the voice of God showed him the way to the cave.

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St. Paul revealed to Antony the approach of his death. He died while praying on his knees. The Monk buried the holy elder, and kept his palm leaf robe as a great relic.

Paul of Thebes did not found a single monastery, but he became an example for many. He is considered the father of monasticism, who devoted his life to prayer and solitude, a symbol of humility and steadfastness in faith.

Traditions and customs of Pavlov's day: what you can and can not do on January 28

In folk tradition, January 28 is called Pavlov's Day. In Russia, in the early morning of the holiday, women baked loaves and read prayers, after which the whole family went to the temple, where they consecrated the baked goods. They addressed the reverend, whose life was spent alone with God, with prayerful requests for protection from the evil eye, illness and temptation.

Upon returning home, the consecrated loaves were shared among family members, it was believed that such a meal could keep away misfortunes and illnesses.

Our ancestors also called January 28 the Day of Sorcerers. They believed that during this period sorcerers and sorceresses passed their dark knowledge to their students, who had to immediately try them out. Young people and pregnant women were especially at risk. Therefore, on St. Paul they tried not to leave the house, and if it was still necessary, they performed a special protective rite.

For the same reason it was forbidden to stay alone for a long time, wear unkempt things and quarrel with loved ones. In Russia believed that all this can attract negativity and unclean power. Also should not have stepped over the threshold hungry and rude to strangers, ancestors believed that such actions lead to disease.

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On the holiday it was supposed to do housework. People believed that hard work would bring success and prosperity for the whole year. Women put things in order, men took care of livestock, repaired tools. Also on this day they tried to placate the houseboy by giving him something tasty. To do this, they left a plate with food in a secluded place.

Despite the "witchcraft" component, St. Paul's Day was considered a good time for weddings. In Russia, it was believed that the marital union, cemented on the day of the memory of the saint, will be long, happy and strong.

Folk omens on St. Paul's Day on January 28

Throughout the centuries in Pavlov's day people observed nature and drew conclusions about what weather to expect in the near future. Ancestors believed that a clear starry sky on the night of the holiday promises frost, and cloudiness - thaw.

Snowfall on this day indicated that winter would last for a long time, and a clear day - that spring would be early. The rumbling of tits spoke of the imminent arrival of blizzards and cold weather, and the cawing of crows - of a sudden change of weather. A strong wind on January 28 promised a rainy and cold year. And strong frosts foreshadowed a good harvest in the summer.

Earlier "Izvestia" told about folk and student omens on Tatiana's Day.