A special Russian holiday on July 27 is Akila Solomennyi: history, traditions, omens

On July 27, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of Saint Aquila, an apostle from the seventies who preached the teachings of Christ in the first century. In the national calendar, this date is called Aquila Solomennyi. In 2025, the celebration falls on a Sunday. What customs, signs and prohibitions exist on this day, tell Izvestia.

The history of the national holiday Akila Solomenny

In the Acts of the Apostles, one of the books of the New Testament, it is said that Aquila was a Jew. He came from Pontus, but lived in Rome. Under Emperor Claudius, he was expelled from the city and, together with his wife Priscilla, a Roman by birth, settled in Corinth. There, the couple were engaged in the manufacture of tents and tents for merchants, travelers and seafarers.

In Corinth, they met the Apostle Paul. There is a version that it was Paul who converted the couple to Christianity and introduced them to evangelical preaching. Together they went to Ephesus to carry the word of God. Then Paul moved to Jerusalem, and Aquila and Priscilla, after living in the city for some time, returned to Rome.

Wherever they went, their home became a place of prayer and Christian gatherings. After Rome, their trail is lost. According to some sources, Aquila took the post of Bishop of Heraclea. Subsequently, he, like his wife, suffered martyrdom at the hands of pagans. The relics of the martyrs are in the church of St. Prisca in Rome.

For Christians, Aquila and Priscilla became a model of matrimony and dedication in the work of preaching. Their memorial days are celebrated by the Orthodox Church on January 17, February 26 and July 27. In the Catholic and Anglican Churches, commemoration takes place on July 8.

How was the Aquila of Solomennyi celebrated in Russia

In the folk tradition, the holiday is known as Aquila Straw. This name comes from the bundles of straw that peasants hung around to relieve back pain when harvesting rye, which was going on during this period.

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And in general, straw was endowed by the people with healing and virtuous power. Our ancestors used it as a bedding for women in labor and sleeping, they made shoes from it, stuffed mattresses and pillows with it, insulated windows and fed livestock.

Another name for the day was Watches. Usually, at the end of July, the weather began to change dramatically. It often rained, thunderclouds came up and strong winds rose, which could destroy crops. And the lightning ignited the dry grasses and trees. To prevent trouble, a lookout was posted in the fields. In case of danger, he notified the whole village.

Also in the old days, it was believed that along with whirlwinds, evil spirits descend to earth, which transform into a lost cow, goat or bird, and then try to join the peasants' housing. Various rituals and rituals were performed in the villages to protect them from evil spirits.

After the rains, there was an abundance of mushrooms in the forests. Therefore, residents who were not engaged in field work took baskets and went for mushrooms. Pies and other dishes for the whole family were prepared from the harvested crop, as well as preparations for the winter.

What can and cannot be done on Aquila Solomennyi

Since ancient times, it has been believed that nature on Aquila has healing and healing powers. In this regard, it is good to go outside the city or spend time in the park on a holiday.

It is important not to forget about good deeds. Any kind actions are encouraged on this day. According to popular beliefs, all of them will definitely pay off and return well in the future.

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There are also a number of prohibitions on the holiday. It is considered a bad omen to throw leftovers from the table. They need to be fed to birds or animals. Otherwise, you can lose your wealth and well-being for a long time.

It is not recommended to stand against the wind or walk towards it. People used to say that luck would blow away like the wind. You can not pick up and bring money found on earth into the house, as well as lend. This promises losses.

Folk signs on July 27

Weather signs were given great importance on the Aquila of Solomennoye. They were used to determine what kind of weather would set in the near future. According to observations, loud thunder heralds a prolonged downpour. If it rains on July 27, the storm will last for a whole week. Seagulls swimming in reservoirs are good for good weather. A dry, clear day is a harbinger of a warm autumn.

Earlier, Izvestia told about the traditions and signs of the national holiday Anthony the Thunderer.