Witch's Day: how today to protect yourself from the evil power, the omens of February 11

Every year on February 11, Orthodox Christians commemorate the life of St. Lawrence of Turov. The holiday is also known as Laurentian Day or Witches' Day. In 2025 it falls on Tuesday. History and traditions of the holiday - in the material "Izvestia".

Lavrentiev Day: what holiday on February 11

Lawrence Day is celebrated on February 11 and is dedicated to the memory of St. Lawrence, Bishop of Turov, who lived in the XII century and left a significant trace in the history of Orthodoxy. This day in Russia has long been considered important in the church calendar, as St. Lawrence was known for his pious life, spiritual feats and educational activities.

The life of Lawrence was closely connected with the diocese of Turov, which at that time represented an important spiritual center of ancient Russia. Today it is the territory of Belarus.

Little is known about the early years of Lawrence's life, but it is assumed that he was born within the principality of Polotsk, which was famous for its rich cultural and religious traditions.

From a young age Laurentius showed an inclination to spiritual life, was characterized by piety and aspiration to asceticism. Probably, he was educated at one of the monasteries, where he studied the Holy Scriptures, theology and church canons. This training enabled him not only to comprehend more deeply the fundamentals of the Christian faith, but also to develop the gift of eloquence, which later made him an outstanding preacher.

Laurentius took monastic tonsure in one of the monasteries of the diocese of Turov, where he continued his spiritual formation. In the XII century monasticism in Russia was not just a way of personal salvation, but also an important element of social and cultural life, as monasteries served as centers of bookishness, enlightenment and dissemination of Christian values.

In the monastery, Lawrence led a strict ascetic way of life, characterized by deep humility, diligent prayers and striving for the knowledge of spiritual truth.

Lunar sowing calendar for February: when to plant and sow seedlings

The expert told about the best days of the last winter month for planting, as well as the influence of lunar cycles on soil and plants

For his wisdom, piety and spiritual labors he was elected Bishop of Turov, succeeding one of the greatest spiritual authorities of that time, St. Cyril of Turov. This diocese at that time was of great importance for the strengthening of the Orthodox faith in Russia, as it was in the center of the most important political and cultural processes.

As bishop Laurentius showed himself not only as a talented preacher, but also as a wise shepherd who cared about the moral state of the parishioners. He actively fought against heresies, defended the purity of Orthodox doctrine, instructed the faithful in righteous living, and sought to strengthen church traditions.

One of his main tasks was to instruct the clergy and laity in the true faith, to fight superstition and insufficient knowledge of Christian doctrine.

In addition to his spiritual ministry, Lawrence, as a bishop, was also involved in church and political processes. The XII century in Russia was a time of internecine wars, and the Church played an important role in resolving conflicts between princes. Lawrence, being a supporter of peace and justice, sought to reconcile the warring parties, reminding of Christian virtues and mercy.

The date of his death is not precisely established, but it is believed that he died at a profound old age. His righteous life and spiritual labors did not remain forgotten, and several centuries later he was numbered among the saints. The canonization of Lavrentiy of Turov took place in the XVII century, when the Russian Orthodox Church officially recognized his contribution to the development of Orthodoxy and spiritual enlightenment.

There is no exact information about the whereabouts of the relics of St. Lawrence of Turovsky. Perhaps they were lost during the period of wars and destruction.

However, the memory of the saint is honored throughout Belarus and especially in Turov, as well as in the churches of the Russian Orthodox Church.

On icons St. Lawrence is depicted in traditional episcopal vestments, which emphasizes his high rank. In his hands he often holds a Gospel or a scroll, symbolizing his preaching activity. Sometimes he is depicted with a gesture of blessing, and the surroundings on the icon may include architectural elements recalling his ministry in Turov.

The memory of Saint Lawrence of Turov is celebrated on February 11, and on this day Orthodox believers pray to him for spiritual guidance, wisdom and strengthening of faith.

St. Lawrence's Day was often called Lavrentiy, Frosty Wormwood or Frosty Beating. Among the people this holiday was also considered the day of witches. There was a belief that on this day witches went out to the fields and vegetable gardens to spoil the land, infect trees and bushes with diseases or put spoil on people.

For example, it was believed that they created clogs on dry grass, which, if accidentally or carelessly cut, could cause serious illness or even death.

To protect their lands and loved ones from evil spells, people resorted to the ancient custom of sticking thistles into the ground, oriented on the four sides of the world. This plant was considered a powerful amulet, as the evil power did not tolerate it and avoided its influence.

If witches managed to leave an evil gift, it was removed with great care with the help of experienced folk healers. To prevent the evil force from entering the house, housewives swept the floor with thistle brooms, and at the door hung bunches of St. John's wort or sprigs of mountain ash with berries, considered protective plants. These brooms were collected in the fall and stored in barns. A knife or scissors were also inserted into the doorjamb to ward off possible evil forces.

What not to do today, on Lavrentiev Day or Witches' Day

Lavrentiev Day is filled with mystical beliefs, and our ancestors on this day observed caution in different aspects of life. In folk beliefs there was a ban on accepting any gifts from other people. It was believed that such "gifts" could be enchanted or be a source of spoilage. This was especially true of food or clothing that could be used in witchcraft rituals.

According to the beliefs, the unclean force could enter the house through open windows, especially on the night of February 11. Therefore, windows and doors should be closed on this day to protect against the possible entry of magic or evil spirits.

The customs of Lawrence Day were largely associated with water, as St. Lawrence in folk beliefs was associated with purity, patronage over springs and rivers. In Russia it was customary to draw water from wells and springs on this day. It was believed to have a special healing power. This water was used for washing to improve health, drinking cattle, as well as sprinkling the house. It was especially important to give such water to children so that they would grow strong and healthy.

Another tradition of the holiday was to bake special "Lavrentiev" loaves or small breads. They were baked in the shape of the sun or a circle, which symbolizes the arrival of spring and the awakening of nature. Such breads were distributed to the household and treated neighbors, believing that it would bring prosperity to the house. Also on February 11 it was customary to invite relatives to visit and have friendly gatherings.

In some regions it was believed that Lavrentiev Day was a good time for fortune-telling. Young girls used water and a mirror to fortune-tell their fiancé. Water was poured into a basin and placed by the window, and then looked at the reflection, trying to see the outlines of the future groom. Also on this day they guessed the future of the household: they threw a chip into a bucket of water, and if it rotated on the spot, it promised changes, and if it immediately sank, they expected difficulties.

In modern times Laurentian Day is no longer celebrated as widely as in ancient times, but some traditions are still preserved. In Orthodox churches services are held in memory of St. Lawrence of Turov, and believers pray to him for spiritual help, guidance and strengthening in faith. Some people still draw water from springs, considering it especially pure on this day.

Folk and weather omens of February 11

With Laurentian Day is associated with a lot of omens and superstitions that have been formed for many years. Some originate from pagan times in Russia. The Russian Orthodox Church does not support following pagan omens and superstitions, as they are a form of idolatry and distract people from the true God.

However, many people continue to believe superstitions and omens formed hundreds of years ago. Weather omens are especially popular, as Lavrentiev Day fell in the middle of the last winter month, when weather changes could be drastic, and peasants were already beginning to think about the future harvest.

It was believed that if there were heavy frosts on February 11, it was a good sign, promising a hot and productive summer. It was said: "If frost cracks on Lavrentiy, it means that there will be thick bread in summer". If there was a thaw on this day, it heralded an early spring, but with frequent rains and possible frosts in early summer, which could harm the crops. It was believed that mild and wet weather on this day indicated a long, prolonged spring, when the snow would come down slowly.

The sky and clouds were of great importance on Lavrentyev Day. A clear, cloudless sky promised a warm spring and a good harvest, but if the sun was covered with gray clouds, it was considered a sign of prolonged cold weather, snowfall and possible blizzards in the coming weeks. Special attention was paid to the sunset: if it was bright and scarlet, a strong wind and cold weather was expected, and if the sun set in calm golden colors, it heralded a warming soon.

Wind was also considered to be an important harbinger of weather. If a strong north wind blew on February 11, they expected prolonged cold weather and even spring frosts. The south wind, on the contrary, spoke of a soon warming and early snow melt. The west wind predicted heavy precipitation in the coming days, and the east wind - dry but cold weather.

Animal behavior played a significant role in the omens. For example, if chickens went outside and began to brush their feathers, it meant that it would soon get warmer, and if they huddled together and hid under an awning, a blizzard was expected. Horses and cows, which were restless on this day, could predict a rapid change of weather. If dogs began to howl loudly, it was considered a sign of an impending snowstorm or even misfortune.

Birds were watched with special attention. If crows gathered in flocks and circled high in the sky, it meant cold weather, and if they sat in the trees and did not rise into the air, they expected mild and warm weather. If tits appeared on February 11 and began to chirp loudly near the houses, it was considered a sure sign of warming.

Some omens also concerned the household. If doors and floorboards in the house creaked on that day, it was believed that winter would be delayed for a long time. If the smoke from the stove rose straight up, it heralded frost, and if it drifted on the ground - to the soon thaw.

Nowadays, many of these omens are preserved in folk memory, especially in rural areas, where people continue to observe nature and link weather changes with traditional beliefs. Although the accuracy of such forecasts cannot be verified scientifically, centuries-old observations show that there is some truth in them, because nature always gives signals about upcoming changes.