July 12 is an important holiday of Peter and Paul: what is strictly forbidden to do, folk signs

Every year on July 12, candles are lit in churches across Russia in honor of two of the most revered disciples of Jesus Christ, the Apostles Peter and Paul. The holiday unites church traditions, folk wisdom and age-old customs. What can and cannot be done on this day, read in the Izvestia article.

How to spend the Day of Saints Peter and Paul for a believer

For Orthodox Christians, July 12 is a time of inner concentration. The Memorial Day of the Apostles Peter and Paul ends the Petrov Fast, which in 2025 lasts from June 16 to July 11.

The holiday traditionally begins with a visit to the liturgy. Believers say prayers of thanksgiving, ask the saints for help in life's trials, for forgiveness and support. Traditionally, this day is spent with the family, avoiding fuss, excessive entertainment and heavy conversations.

According to folk tradition, earlier the morning of Peter's Day should begin with a special ceremony — washing with water from three springs or springs. The ancestors believed that such water carries special power and gives health, beauty, longevity and inner purity.

Is it possible to work at home for Peter and Paul

The church tradition does not welcome hard physical labor on this day. Despite the fact that household chores are not prohibited, believers are advised to limit their activity around the house and devote time to family, prayer and spiritual concentration.

There was also a popular belief that if you started cleaning or repairing on Peter's Day, you could get your family into trouble. Sewing, knitting and other needlework also fell under an unspoken ban — according to beliefs, on Peter's Day they could "tie up" luck or family well-being.

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In Russia, on a holiday, they tried to fill the house with light, baking aromas and silence.

Is it possible to work in the garden for Peter and Paul

On Peter and Paul's Day, the church does not prohibit gardening, but it is important that worldly matters do not overshadow the spiritual essence of the holiday.

In the folk tradition, Peter's Day was considered a time of rest from agricultural worries. Chores in the vegetable garden or orchard were perceived as disrespectful to the holiday, which could bring bad luck in the future. The ancestors used to say on this occasion: "Don't disturb the land on Peter the Great—you'll be orphaned in the fall."

Even sowing and weeding on this day were considered "barren", not bearing a good harvest. The exception was the most necessary animal care.

Do they go to the cemetery for Peter and Paul

Although the day of the Apostles Peter and Paul is not a memorial day, many people go to the graves of their loved ones on this bright holiday to light a candle and say a prayer. This is not a mandatory tradition, but from the point of view of spiritual memory it is acceptable. The main condition is to maintain an atmosphere of quiet, bright memory on this day, avoiding loud meals and excessive sadness, maintaining inner silence, gratitude and respect for the departed.

Is it possible to get a haircut on Peter and Paul Day

There are no official church restrictions on haircuts on this day. However, in the folk tradition, the day of Peter and Paul is considered not the most appropriate moment to change their appearance.

In Russia, there was a belief that hair cut on this day could "take" vitality with it.

What not to do on Peter and Paul

On the day of the Holy Apostles, it is especially important to maintain mental balance and goodwill, therefore, on July 12, believers are advised to refrain from quarrels, condemnations, harsh words and any manifestations of aggression.

The church allows a festive meal, including meat and dairy dishes, but alcohol consumption, including light alcohol, is considered inappropriate.

According to the church regulations, on this day, as on all other great and twelve-day holidays, it is forbidden to get married. Although secular weddings are not prohibited, according to popular beliefs, a union concluded on this date will be short-lived.

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The main celebrations in honor of this event will be held in Moscow.

In Russia, there were many additional restrictions associated with the day of Peter and Paul. It was believed that one should not sew, knit, or work with sharp objects.

Relaxing by the water on Peter's Day, especially alone, was considered dangerous. The ancestors believed that reservoirs on this day could "pull" after themselves, and any carelessness could turn into trouble. They also did not eat fresh fruits and vegetables on the holiday, so as not to cause loneliness.

In addition, on July 12, it was forbidden to borrow and lend, to recalculate money. They believed that this could lead to poverty.

Folk signs on July 12, the feast of Peter and Paul

The weather signs of Petrov's Day have traditionally served as a guide for the peasants throughout the season. According to legend, a clear morning promised a warm and long summer, abundant dew — a good harvest, and rain — a fertile year.

The ancestors also observed the behavior of birds. If the cuckoo fell silent the day before, and on July 12 it raised its voice again, it was understood that winter would be late. The trees losing their foliage on July 12 heralded early autumn.

Earlier, Izvestia told how the apostles Peter and Paul help believers.