A special Russian holiday on May 27 is Sidor Bokogrei: history, traditions, omens

Every year on May 27, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of two saints: the Martyr Isidore of Chios, who suffered for Christ in the third century, and Blessed Isidore Tverdislov, who lived in Rostov in the 15th century. In 2025, the celebration falls on a Tuesday. In the national calendar, this day was called Sidor Bokogrei. Read about the history and traditions of the holiday in the Izvestia article.

Church holiday on May 27th

Saint Isidore of Chios was from Alexandria. During the reign of Emperor Decius, he was called up to serve in the Roman army, and he joined the regiment of the military commander Numerius. Subsequently, his unit was sent to the island of Chios in the Aegean Sea.

According to the decree of the emperor, all military personnel had to worship pagan gods. However, Isidore did not want to participate in blasphemous rituals, and led a modest and chaste life. Soon, Numerius became aware of his beliefs. He summoned the saint for questioning, and he openly called himself a Christian. The commander tried to convince his soldier to sacrifice to idols, thereby avoiding death, but Isidore resolutely refused. After that, he was sentenced to torture.

Enduring terrible suffering, the saint continually praised God and rebuked the pagans. Numerius ordered Isidore's tongue to be cut out, but the martyr's speech remained clear, and the commander himself fell to the ground in horror and was speechless. Then he demanded a tablet with signs and wrote on it an order to execute the saint. Isidore's body was abandoned without burial, but his friend Ammonius, a secret Christian, took the remains of his comrade and gave them a decent burial.

Blessed Isidore Tverdislov was born in the 15th century into a wealthy Prussian family. In his youth, he converted to Orthodoxy, abandoned worldly life and began fooling around. After long wanderings, the saint stopped in Rostov and settled in a makeshift hut made of brushwood. Every day, in any weather, he walked the streets, enduring ridicule and humiliation. For this, during his lifetime, he was awarded the gift of miracle-working and perspicacity.

According to legend, Isidore once saved a Rostov merchant who was thrown into the sea. During the voyage, his ship was caught in a storm, and the sailors began to draw lots to find out "for whose sins all perish." The lot pointed to the owner of the vessel, and he was thrown into the sea. Barely able to stay afloat, the merchant saw St. Isidore among the waves and at the same moment found himself back on the ship. His companions realized that a miracle had happened and no longer dared to harm the merchant.

After that, the rescued man, seeing Isidore on the street, bowed to him from afar every time, but never approached him himself, as he remembered the saint's order not to tell anyone about what had happened.

During the wedding of Prince Savva Obolensky, Isidore entered the room, put on the groom a headdress woven from grass, and said: "So much for the bishop's hat!" Everyone present was confused, as the prince had never aspired to church service. However, the prediction nevertheless came true — after the death of his wife Daria Obolenskaya, the inconsolable widower took vows at the Belozersky monastery under the name Joasaph and in 1481 was elected Archbishop of Rostov.

Sidor Bokogrei holiday traditions on May 27

In Russia, the holiday dedicated to Isidore of Chios and Isidore Tverdislov was called Sidror Bokogrey. It was believed that by May 27, the northerly winds (siever) would stop blowing, and the weather would become warm in summer. The ancestors said: "On Sidor's day, all the Sievers will depart."

Another name for the holiday is Sidor Borage. Cucumbers, shrubs and trees were traditionally planted on this day. During the gardening work, a wish was made for each planted plant, believing that it would definitely come true. They also read special conspiracies to strengthen the financial well-being of the family.

What can and cannot be done on May 27

The Orthodox Church does not impose any special prohibitions on May 27. On the memorial day of Isidore of Chios and Isidore Tverdislov, believers can visit the temple, light a candle or pray at home. Fasting is not necessary.

In Russia, Sidor Bokogre was associated with various superstitions and omens. On the holiday, they avoided quarrels with loved ones, fearing that disagreements would lead to a full-fledged conflict. For the same reason, stumbling on the threshold, they were in no hurry to enter the house — it was believed that this could lead to a scandal.

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Also, on May 27, it was forbidden to sleep on the same pillow with anyone. The ancestors believed that this could confuse thoughts and make it difficult to figure them out.

On Sidor's day, they did not return home, having walked half the way. If it was necessary to do this, be sure to look in the mirror and stick out your tongue. You could also look under the rug or scold yourself properly. According to beliefs, without these rituals, a person will be in trouble.

In addition, during the holiday it was forbidden to discuss plans while sitting at the corner of the table, otherwise they would not come true.

Folk signs on May 27

Sidor Bokogrei's ancestors paid attention to various weather signs. If nightingales sang loudly on a holiday, they understood that the summer would be fruitful. If swallows arrived by May 27, they knew that the coming season would delight not only with grain, fruits and vegetables, but also with good weather. The sunny weather promised an abundance of cucumbers, and the rain promised a large number of fruits on the trees.

Earlier, Izvestia told about the history and traditions of the national holiday Lukerya Komarnitsa.