May 30 is a special Russian holiday Evdokia Svistunya: history, traditions, omens

Every year on May 30, Orthodox believers honor the memory of St. Euphrosyne of Moscow, Grand Duchess Evdokia, wife of Dmitry Donskoy, who lived in the 14th century. This day was popularly called Evdokia the Whistler, due to the weather conditions: strong winds began to blow at this time, resembling whistling. In 2025, the date falls on a Friday. Read about its history, traditions and signs in the Izvestia article.

Evdokia Svistunya – 2025: the history of the holiday

Evdokia was born into the family of Prince Dmitry Konstantinovich of Suzdal and Princess Anna in 1353. Having been brought up in the spirit of the Orthodox faith, from a young age she was distinguished by a meek and pious disposition.

In 1366, she became the wife of Dmitry Donskoy. Their union was a pledge of peace between the principalities of Moscow and Suzdal. In a marriage that lasted more than two decades, they had eight children, two of whom were godfathered by St. Sergius of Radonezh himself.

After the death of her husband, Evdokia devoted her life to spiritual service, founding the Voznesensky Convent in the Moscow Kremlin. Here she took vows with the name Euphrosyne.

One of the most significant episodes associated with the name of Evdokia of Moscow was the miraculous deliverance of Russia from the invasion of Tamerlane in 1395. The news of the approach of the myriad hordes of this conqueror caused fear and despair among the population. Tamerlane, known for his military successes and brutality, seemed to be an irresistible threat to the Russian lands.

Grand Duke Vasily, the son of Evdokia and Dmitry Donskoy, gathered an army thanks to his mother's guidance and her spiritual support. However, against Tamerlane's mighty army, the Russian squad seemed too small to withstand the onslaught.

Evdokia, together with the people, turned to God with fervent prayers for the salvation of Russia. At her insistence, it was decided to move the miraculous Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God from Vladimir to Moscow. On August 26, 1395, the princess, her sons, clergy, and many residents of Moscow solemnly greeted the shrine on Kuchkovo Field.

According to legend, at the very moment when the prayer service was being held in the capital, Tamerlane saw in a dream a Radiant Woman surrounded by radiance and a heavenly host menacingly rushing forward. Terrified by this vision, Tamerlane ordered his troops to immediately retreat from the borders of Russia. Believers remember this episode as evidence that faith and prayer can even change the course of history.

Princess Evdokia spent the last years of her life in prayer and secret exploits, remaining a model of piety and mercy for others. Her canonization was confirmed by numerous miracles at her tomb, including healings from illnesses.

Traditions of the Evdokia Whistler holiday, celebrated on May 30

In the national calendar, May 30 is called Evdokia the Whistler because of the strong, "whistling" winds observed at that time. This day also symbolized the end of spring field work for the ancestors. The peasants planted potatoes and tended the vegetable beds.

In the morning, believers went to church to pray to the saint, asking her for patience, healing from diseases and help in good deeds.

On this day, the housewives certainly cooked potato dishes: pies, pancakes, casseroles. It was believed that the more dishes from this vegetable were on the table, the richer its harvest would be and the more prosperous the family's life would be. The people on this occasion condemned: "Without potatoes, without a morkoshka, it's like a wedding without an accordion." Leftover treats were traditionally given to livestock and poultry to attract prosperity.

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For Evdokia, it was customary for women to actively do housework, cleaning, and cooking, because Euphrosyne of Moscow herself was reputed to be a good housewife.

Bans on Evdokia the Whistler: what not to do on May 30th

There were various prohibitions and warnings among the people related to May 30. On the holiday, it was not recommended to eat dishes made from wheat and cereals in order to avoid failures and illnesses. The ancestors believed that alcohol on this day is especially dangerous, as evil spirits can harm the drinker.

They also tried not to go to the forest on the holiday. According to legend, on this day the snakes woke up and became active. A chance encounter with them was perceived as a warning of impending troubles. Special attention was paid to case planning on May 30. It was believed that frivolous actions could bring disaster.

In Russia, Evdokia Svistunya was shunned by travel and new acquaintances: it was believed that they would turn into disappointment. Girls were not recommended to try on their parents' wedding rings and braid their hair, as this could lead to personal troubles.

Folk signs for Evdokia the Whistler

On May 30, nature was closely observed, as the day could "tell" what the period from June to August would be like. So, if the north wind was blowing, a cold summer was expected, and the south foreshadowed the heat. A woodpecker knocking on a clear day promised rain, and the cawing of a raven over the house meant a cold snap.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the traditions and signs of the Fedor Zhitnik national holiday.