A special Russian holiday on July 20 is Avdotya Senognoka: history, traditions, omens

Every year on July 20, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Euphrosyne of Moscow, the wife of the Blessed Prince Dmitry Donskoy. In 2025, the celebration falls on a Saturday. In the national calendar, the holiday is called Avdotya Senognoka. Read about its history, traditions and prohibitions in the Izvestia article.

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Saint Euphrosyne of Moscow was born in 1353 into the family of Prince Dimitri Konstantinovich of Suzdal and Princess Anna. In the world, she was named Evdokia. The girl, who was brought up in the spirit of Christian piety from an early age, was distinguished by a meek and quiet disposition. In 1366, she married the young Moscow Prince Dmitry, who later received the nickname Donskoy. Their alliance became the foundation of peace between Suzdal and Moscow.

The life of the princely couple was inextricably linked with the Trinity-Sergius Lavra. St. Sergius of Radonezh baptized two of their eight children (Dmitry and Evdokia had five sons and three daughters), and his disciple, St. Theodore, was the spouses' confessor. The princely family also had close relations with Metropolitan Alexy of Moscow.

Princess Evdokia shared with her husband all the successes and tribulations. She supported him in state affairs with prayers and deeds of love. After Dmitry Donskoy's victory in the Battle of Kulikovo, which marked the beginning of the liberation of Russia from the Tatar-Mongol yoke, the princess ordered the construction of a church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary inside the Moscow Kremlin, since it was on this holiday that Russian troops defeated the invaders on Kulikovo Field.

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In 1382, the Moscow Principality was ravaged by the troops of Khan Tokhtamysh. The princess and her children were almost captured and miraculously managed to get out of the surrounded city to reunite with her husband, who was gathering an army in Kostroma. According to legend, the Grand Duke wept at the ruins of Moscow and organized the burial of the dead at his own expense.

The following year, a new misfortune befell the ruling family — Dmitry Donskoy had to come to the khan to confirm his right to the grand duchy. However, due to Tokhtamysh's bitterness, it was decided to send Prince Vasily's 13-year-old son instead. Evdokia did not want to let the boy go, but she did not contradict her husband. As a result, Vasily was detained in the Horde as a hostage for two long years. During this time, his father died suddenly from an illness — he was only 39 years old.

After Vasily's return, Evdokia became co-ruler with her son. However, she refrained from direct participation in government and became more and more inclined to a monastic lifestyle. At the behest of the Princess, the construction of the Voznesensky Convent began in Moscow. In addition, Evdokia began to observe strict fasting in secret from everyone, wearing a hair shirt and heavy chains under a luxurious dress. She visited temples daily and spent a lot of time in prayer.

Thanks to the decision of Saint Evdokia, Moscow was saved from the invasion of Khan Tamerlane. When the news of the approach of enemy troops reached the princely palaces, she ordered the miraculous icon of the Mother of God to be brought from Vladimir. After the general prayer service in front of the image, Tamerlane had a vision of a formidable light-bearing virgin in a dream. Fearing a heavenly sign, Khan did not attack Moscow.

In 1407, Evdokia took monastic vows under the name Euphrosyne and retired to the Voznesensky Monastery. When she was on her way to the monastery, a miracle happened — the blind man, who wiped his eyes with the edge of her clothes, regained his sight. According to legend, several dozen people received miraculous healing that day. Saint Euphrosyne died in July 1407.

Traditions of the national holiday Avdotya Senognoka on July 20

In Russia, the holiday in honor of Euphrosyne of Moscow was called Avdotya Senognoka. By this day, the villagers were trying to finish harvesting the hay so that it would not be lost. The fact is that heavy rains often fell at the end of July, which could cause the grass reserves to rot. This was a disaster for the peasants, because in winter hay remained the main and often the only source of food for livestock.

The harvest season has started on Avdotya. This work was started in a solemn atmosphere. They went out into the field with a sickle wrapped in a towel (an embroidered towel). Later, the first cut sheaf was wrapped in this towel. It was supposed to be consecrated in the church and placed in the most prominent place in the house to attract good luck and prosperity.

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The men were guessing their fate by throwing a sickle over their shoulder. If the tool fell flat, its owner would have a long and happy life, and if it stuck into the ground, the person was destined to die soon.

The oak was considered the symbol of Avdotya Senognoka. On the holiday, oak bath brooms were harvested. It was believed that they would be especially useful. The houses were decorated with oak leaves. According to legend, they could protect the house from the evil eye.

The holiday on July 20 was also called Blueberry, as blueberries ripened in the forest by this date. The berry was used for cooking, jam was made from it and dried to add to tea in winter.

What can and cannot be done on Avdotya Senognoka on July 20

The Orthodox Church does not impose strict prohibitions on the memorial day of St. Euphrosyne of Moscow. Believers can visit the temple or pray at home. Most often, the saint is asked for help in raising children, establishing peace in the family and healing from diseases.

In Russia, Avdotya senognoka was associated with various prohibitions and superstitions. No weddings were played on the holiday, no new acquaintances were made, and no relationships were started. It was believed that everything that began on July 20 was doomed to a tragic ending. Also, on this day, it was forbidden to deceive others and spread rumors. The violator risked incurring serious illnesses.

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They did not swim in rivers and lakes on Avdotya. It was believed that on a holiday, a merman was unfriendly to people and could drown a careless bather. If the celebration fell on a Friday, the housewives did not do the laundry. According to legend, along with dirty water from the house, you can "throw out" happiness.

Some of the bans concerned the financial sector. On July 20, they tried not to lend or borrow money, fearing that it would be problematic to return the funds. Also, they did not engage in trading on Avdotya, so as not to burn out and not encounter scammers.

Folk signs for July 20th

On Avdotya Senognoka, the ancestors paid attention to various signs. If it started raining on July 20, it was understood that the precipitation would not stop in the coming days. An abundance of cobwebs was considered a good sign, which means that the weather will be good in the near future.

During the holiday, villagers did not approach cows unless absolutely necessary. It was believed that a man who was sniffed by a cow could soon become seriously ill.

Earlier, Izvestia told about the history, traditions and signs of the national holiday Andrei Naliva.