April 22 — Vadim Klyuchnik: history and traditions, folk signs
On April 22, the Orthodox Church commemorates the Venerable Martyr Vadim of Persia and his seven disciples. The people called the holiday Vadim Klyuchnik. It is believed that at this time the saint opens the keys to springs and wells to water the earth with spring water. In 2025, the date falls on a Tuesday. Izvestia tells about the traditions, prohibitions and signs of this day.
The history of the Vadim Klyuchnik holiday, celebrated on April 22
Archimandrite Vadim lived in the 4th century in Persia. He was the founder and abbot of the monastery, where, together with the brethren, he led a pious life. During the persecution of Christians, the saint, along with seven disciples, was captured and imprisoned. The righteous were subjected to excruciating tortures that lasted for several months.
Despite their ordeals, the martyrs remained steadfast in their faith. Their resilience made a big impression on the locals. Many of them subsequently abandoned idolatry and converted to Christianity. Vadim himself, after much suffering, was put to death.
In folk tradition, the day of his memory is known as Vadim Klyuchnik. This name is associated with the tradition of going to natural springs, which, according to beliefs, were saturated with a special life-giving force with the onset of heat.
How Vadim Klyuchnik was celebrated in the old days
Water from the springs was used to irrigate the land and water the cattle. Also, the peasants themselves tried to take a sip of spring water in the morning to add vigor and health. Women washed their faces with water in the hope of preserving their beauty and youth. Sometimes silver coins were thrown into the water for luck and good luck.
According to an ancient custom, on the way to the spring, they did not talk to anyone, but on their return they prayed to all four sides and wished for the future. According to the beliefs, if the water remained clear and transparent, like a piece of glass, then a prosperous year was ahead. And muddy or bubbling water foreshadowed illness and adversity.
Vadim Klyuchnik was also used to drive cattle to meadows where fresh, juicy grass was already appearing. And the village healers and healers went to the mother-and-stepmother's gathering, which was already blooming by this time. Decoctions and tinctures were prepared from the plant, which helped with various ailments.
Vadim Klyuchnik — 2025: what can and cannot be done
There were many superstitions associated with the holiday among the people. For example, it was believed that water drawn from a spring should be handled carefully so as not to spill it on the way. Otherwise, you can get yourself into trouble.
It was forbidden to look in the mirror that day, especially at the same time with anyone. Our ancestors believed that one of the lookers-on would be unhappy. For the same reason, it was forbidden to take someone else's handkerchief. That's how you can learn from other people's tears. Eating from cracked dishes was considered another bad sign. It promised various hardships.
I was supposed to get up early in the morning. Those who spent a lot of time in bed risked "oversleeping" their luck. Any disputes and disagreements were prohibited. It was supposed to be a peaceful day, otherwise the quarrels could drag on for a long time.
Folk signs for April 22
According to the signs of the day, they judged the weather and the future harvest. Frost or fog on Vadim Klyuchnik foreshadowed the harvest season. And if the spring weather has not settled by mid-April, it means that the summer will be dry.
The red clouds that formed before sunrise promised windy weather, while the clouds promised rainy weather. Magpies flying high above the houses until late dusk meant that the next day would be dry.
The day before, Rodion the Ice Breaker was celebrated in Russia. Izvestia talked about the signs of this holiday.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
