Special Russian holiday Pankration Day: what is dangerous for women, folk omens
On February 22, Orthodox believers honor the memory of Pankratiy of Pechersk, a healer and wonderworker, who during his lifetime was a reclusive hieromonk of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. In the folk calendar it is the feast of Pankratiy Lapotnik. In Russia since ancient times on this day peasants have been weaving laptis - shoes made of wood bald. In 2025, the folk-Orthodox event falls on Saturday. History and traditions of the Day of Pankration - in the material "Izvestia".
Pankration Day: what holiday the Orthodox have February 22
Pankration Day, celebrated annually on February 22 (February 9, O.S.), is dedicated to the healer and wonderworker Pankration of Pechersk, who lived in the XIII century in the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. Very little is known about his life, but he is revered as an ascetic of piety who devoted himself to monastic work and spiritual perfection. It is known that with his prayer he could heal the infirm.
Pankraty Pechersky lived in the period of formation and prosperity of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, which at that time was the center of Orthodox monasticism and spiritual enlightenment in Russia. He was a monk of the Far (Theodosius) Caves, where he asceticized in prayer, fasting and labor, like other Pechersk monks, who became famous for their righteous life.
According to legends, the Monk Pankratius led a strict ascetic life. He was in constant prayer, abstinence and renunciation of worldly goods. His exploits were aimed at purifying the soul, fighting sinful thoughts and achieving spiritual perfection.
Like other ascetics of the Kievo-Pechersk monastery, Pankratiy could be engaged in copying sacred texts, caring for the sick, working in the monastery economy, but his main attention was paid to prayer and worship. His humility and striving for a righteous life became an example for other monks.
After his death, the Monk Pankratius was numbered among the Kievo-Pechersk ascetics. In the Orthodox tradition it is believed that the relics of Pankratiy of Pechersk are in the Near Caves of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, where they rest together with the remains of other holy monks.
The Monk Pankratiy of Pechersk is honored as the patron saint of all those who strive for spiritual purification and prayer life. The Church especially honors his memory on February 22, on which day a service dedicated to all the saints of the Kievo-Pechersk Lavra is held. He is also honored in the second week of Great Lent together with other monks of the Lavra.
On icons Pankratiy is depicted in the traditional ascetic image for Orthodox ascetics. As a rule, it is a dark monastic vestment. On his head may be a clobuk or hood, emphasizing renunciation of worldly vanity. In his hands Pankraty Pechersky can hold a scroll or a book symbolizing his spiritual instructions, and sometimes a cross, denoting his devotion to Christ and the feat of faith. Some icons depict Pankration with his hands raised in a prayerful gesture, symbolizing the power of the saint's prayer for people.
The background of the icon is usually golden, symbolizing divine light and holiness. Sometimes there are images where the background shows architectural elements of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, indicating that Pankratiy belongs to this holy place. Often the saint is depicted next to other ascetics of the Kievo-Pechersk Lavra, especially if the icon is a part of the cathedral image of the Monks of Kievo-Pechersk. In such plots he can be represented in a row of holy monks standing before Christ or the Mother of God. His countenance is always filled with spiritual silence and peace, emphasizing monastic feats, life in solitude, prayer and repentance.
In the folk calendar, February 22 has been celebrated as Laptev Day since pagan times - it was a good time to weave lapti. After the baptism of Russia, the holiday was named Pankratiy Lapotnik. He became a character of Russian folk folklore, personifying folk wisdom and the strength of a simple man, which helps to overcome life's difficulties. His name is often associated with labor, resilience, ingenuity and honesty, and he himself is depicted as an ordinary peasant who wore lapti - traditional Russian footwear.
Beliefs, superstitions and prohibitions today, on the holiday of Pankratiy's Day
With the Day of Pankration is associated with a lot of beliefs, superstitions and prohibitions. In the old days, people believed that on this day the border between the worlds becomes especially thin and various mystical forces can interfere in the fate of man. Therefore, it was required to observe certain rules in order not to bring misfortune upon oneself.
On the Day of Pankration tried to avoid any risky actions, especially those related to the road. It was believed that on this day you can not go on a long journey or start important business, because they can turn out to be a failure. Any road on this day symbolized the unknown, which meant that a traveler could encounter trials, illnesses or even accidents on his way.
Another superstition was the notion that February 22 was a time of increased activity of witches and sorcerers. People believed that evil forces were trying to harm the farm, animals and crops. Witches could "close" roads, cast the evil eye and even "tie up" the spring so that cold and snow did not leave the land as long as possible. To protect themselves from such charms, aspen branches were placed at the threshold of houses and bundles of dried St. John's wort and wormwood were set on fire.
There was a belief among the peasants that on Pankration Day one could not lend money, food or even simple trifles, because together with them one could give away one's happiness or luck. It was especially dangerous to lend bread and salt - such gifts could cause poverty in the house or even illness among family members.
It was forbidden to pick up lost things from the ground, especially coins, buttons or any personal items. People believed that witches could leave such things at the crossroads on purpose, in order to spoil the one who would pick them up. If a person still had to take something from the ground, he had to recite a prayer and cross himself three times to protect himself from possible negative consequences.
It was strictly forbidden to scatter bread crumbs and leftovers. On this day it was believed that food has a special energy, and if the crumbs fall on the ground, they can be used by evil forces. Therefore, even leftovers were given to pets or birds, but never thrown out into the street.
There was also a popular belief that on Pankratiy's Day one should not argue loudly, quarrel and clarify relations, otherwise the whole year would pass in conflicts. This was especially true for married couples. If on this day the spouses quarreled, they were waiting for a long disagreement, which could lead to the rupture of relations.
On this day it was impossible to sit idle for a long time. It was believed that the laziness shown on Pankratiy's Day would stay with a person for the whole year, and idlers could bring poverty upon themselves. That's why even in the bitter cold they tried to find some work around the house - cleaning snow, mending clothes, tidying up the household.
It is believed that the dreams seen on the night of February 22, may be things, especially if they were disturbing and memorable. However, it is not allowed to tell about their dreams to anyone, as the predicted in the dream could come true in a negative way. To avoid bad consequences, people read prayers before going to bed and put at the headboard of the bed amulets, such as a sprig of mountain ash or a conspiratorial thread.
Mystical and weather omens of February 22
As with any other holiday, with the Day of Pankration is associated with a lot of folk omens and superstitions, preserved in the Russian tradition from ancient times or even came from the pre-Christian period, when people believed in natural spirits and magic.
There was an important prohibition concerning girls and women. On Pankration it was impossible to compliment women, as it was believed that the words of praise would have the opposite effect and the beauty would lose its charm, health or wealth. Young mothers should not leave small children alone in the room: ancestors believed that if you leave a child alone, he will be frightened by an evil spirit for life.
The Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) does not support following pagan omens and superstitions, as they contradict the essence of faith. According to church teaching, omens are a form of idolatry because they distract people from the true God.
However, many people continue to believe superstitions and omens that were formed hundreds of years ago. In the times of ancient Russia it was believed that on the night of February 22 the spirits of ancestors could appear in dreams, warning about upcoming events or giving advice. Many people believed that conversations overheard or unexpected finds had a special significance on this day.
It was feared to meet strangers on this day, as there was a belief that an evil spirit could hide in the guise of a random traveler, bringing misfortune.
One of the main weather signs of this day was the wind. If on February 22 a strong and gusty wind blew, it meant that spring would be prolonged and cool. A quiet and windless day heralded an early and warm spring.
If there were many stars in the sky, it was said that the frost would last for a long time. Heavy snowfall on this day was considered a good omen - it promised a rich harvest and good luck in the new year. However, if the snow suddenly began to melt, it meant spring floods and difficulties with farming.
Special attention was paid to domestic animals. If hens began to cluck loudly or roosters sang earlier than usual, it was considered a harbinger of warming soon. If dogs howled at night, it foretold strong snowstorms and inclement weather. Horses that behaved restlessly could warn of an impending storm.
Peasants on this day tried not to start new business and not to plan serious negotiations, because they believed that any endeavors laid on Laptev's day could be doomed to failure.
Among mystical omens there was a belief that if on this day broken dishes, especially plates or mirrors, it portends trouble. If a person accidentally stumbled on an even place, it could be a warning of impending danger. To avoid misfortune, people recited prayers or spoke themselves for good luck.
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