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Porphyry the Late is an ancient Slavic holiday celebrated in early spring, on March 11. Since ancient times, many superstitions and superstitions have been associated with it. The people believed that with the onset of heat, not only nature wakes up, but also evil spirits, which harm people in every possible way. In 2025, the celebration falls on a Tuesday. Izvestia tells about the history and traditions of this day.

The story of Porphyry the Late, celebrated on March 11

Like most holidays in Russia, Porfiry the Late combines pagan and Christian traditions. It got its name after St. Porphyry, Archbishop of Gaza, whose memorial day the church celebrates on this day. The saint lived in Macedonia in the 5th century and became famous for many miracles. Through his prayers, the sick were healed and the suffering gained hope.

Even at a young age, Porfiry showed a penchant for monastic life, and later went to Egypt, where he met St. Macarius the Great and became his disciple. Later, the saint settled in solitude in the Jordan desert. He had a serious illness there. For healing, the saint decided to go to Jerusalem. One day, the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Accept this Tree and keep It." When the saint woke up in the morning, he felt completely healthy.

Soon the Savior's words were fulfilled. The Patriarch of Jerusalem appointed Porfiry as the guardian of the Precious Tree of the Holy Cross. A few years later, he was elected bishop of Gaza. There was a great drought in the city in those years. Porfiry ordered the faithful to gather for an all-night vigil and made a procession. According to legend, the sky was immediately covered with clouds and heavy rain fell. Seeing such a miracle, many pagans, who made up the majority of the population, came to believe in Christ.

By the end of his life, Porfiry had fully established Christianity in Gaza. He passed away in 420, being already at an advanced age. The church honors the memory of the saint on March 11 (February 26, Old style).

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Traditions of the Porphyry the Late holiday – 2025

After the Baptism of St. Porphyry, they began to be revered in Russia. This day was popularly called Porfiry the Late. Despite the approaching heat, the peasants were afraid to start field work, as the weather was still unstable. Old—timers used to say about this: "An early spring is worthless, but a late one will deceive."

They usually stayed at home on Porfiry, doing household chores: cleaning and tidying up. Leaving a home unmade was considered a bad omen, as disorder could attract negative energy. Also at this time, it was customary to feed birds and hang feeders near houses, which promised prosperity and well-being.

But there was another reason to stay close to home. There was a popular belief that evil spirits were activated in early spring. The kikimores, evil spirits in female form, were most feared. In the old days, it was believed that with the arrival of spring, they transformed into beautiful girls and lured gullible young men into the forest, into the very thicket.

In addition, the kikimores were harmful to the household. They scared the cattle and sent a plague on the animals. It was considered a bad sign to hear a kikimora crying or moaning nearby — it means there is trouble. Special rituals were held in villages to protect homes and livestock. It was also forbidden to arrange noisy festivities, drink alcohol, and use obscene words on Porfiry in order not to attract the unclean.

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Folk signs for March 11th

According to the signs of the day, they judged what kind of weather would set in the summer. The main harbingers of warmth were migratory birds. It was believed that if the birds had already returned to their native lands, then you can expect a warm summer and a good harvest of bread.

Birds were also observed building nests. If it's on the sunny side, the summer will be cold. And if it's in the north, then you can count on fine days.

The day before, the national holiday Taras Sleepless was celebrated. Izvestia talked about the history and traditions of this day.