Significant Russian holiday on March 16 — Eutropius Day: omens, prohibitions, superstitions

On March 16, Orthodox Christians commemorate the Great Martyr Eutropius of Amasia, whom the church venerates on the same day as the holy Martyrs Cleonikos and Basilisk. In the national calendar, this date is known as Eutropius Day, or the Bear Awakening. Izvestia tells us what customs and signs existed in Russia on this spring holiday.

March 16 is the memorial day of the Martyr Eutropius of Amasia.

Eutropius lived at the turn of the III–IV centuries in the Asia Minor city of Amasia (now the territory of modern Turkey). According to the saint's life, he preached Christianity together with his brother Cleonicus and a young man named Basilisk, who was the nephew of the Holy Great Martyr Theodore Tyron — his memorial day was celebrated on February 17.

After the martyrdom of Theodore, the righteous were persecuted, and then, by decree of the governor of the city, Publius, they were imprisoned. But even while in prison, they did not renounce their faith and were able to convert many pagans who were with them in prison to Christianity.

With the arrival of a new ruler, Amasia Asclepiodotus, their torments did not stop. The ruler, under whom the persecution of believers only intensified, began to persuade the captives to the pagan faith, but was refused. Then he ordered them to be subjected to terrible tortures.

Eutropius turned to God for help. Soon a terrible earthquake occurred in the city, which destroyed pagan temples and all the statues of idols. Enraged, Asclepiodotus ordered the execution of the martyrs. And although they were executed at different times and in different places, the church honors the memory of their spiritual feat on the same day.

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Superstitions and folk signs on March 16

In Russia, Saints' Day was known as Eutropius Day. Another name is Bearish Awakening. It was believed that it was at this time that the bears came out of the den. Therefore, they tried not to go into the forest alone.

To prevent hungry animals from approaching yards, birds and livestock were not slaughtered, otherwise the smell of blood could attract a predator. Instead of meat, pies and other snacks were usually served on the table.

The main ritual of the day was to attract the sun in order to accelerate the arrival of spring. In the villages, it was customary to walk around the fields criss-cross, saying: "The Eutropian way hurries but the snow drowns."

It was considered a good day for cosmetic procedures. On the eve of the holiday, girls and women dipped a silver object into clean water. At sunrise, he was cleaned and washed with healing water. According to popular beliefs, this procedure allowed to preserve beauty and youth.

According to the signs of the day, the upcoming weather and the future harvest were judged. If the sun went behind the clouds at noon, then the next day will be stormy. Crows swimming in the thawed areas foreshadowed the imminent warming. And if starlings arrived in the middle of March, they knew that there would be a lot of bread in the summer.

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What not to do today, on Eutropius Day

Traditionally, on Eutropius Day, it was supposed to help those in need and give alms. In the old days, it was believed that the more good deeds a person could do in a day, the more good things would come back to him.

To improve their health and get rid of the ailments acquired over the winter, they went to the sauna on a holiday. Our ancestors believed that steam helps strengthen the body and spirit. They tried to improve their health before starting field work, which required a lot of work and effort.

There were also many prohibitions. For example, it was not recommended to take out the trash after noon. Violating the ban led to a loss of well-being and prosperity. For the same reason, they did not lend or borrow money. It was believed that otherwise the debts would last for the whole year.

Very unusual superstitions are also associated with the holiday. In order not to attract evil spirits, which became active in the spring, it was necessary to leave the house backwards. They should have returned the same way. It was also impossible to look in the mirror for a long time, as otherworldly forces could enter the dwelling through the reflection.

Earlier, Izvestia told us what signs and superstitions existed on Avdotya Vesnovka.