A special Russian holiday on July 28 is Kirik and Ulita: history, traditions, omens

Every year, on July 28, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the holy martyrs Cyric and Julitta, who suffered for their faith in the fourth century. In 2025, the celebration falls on a Monday. In the national calendar, this day is called Kirik and Ulita. On the holiday, women rested from their labors, and men did not go out into the field, so as not to encounter evil spirits. Izvestia tells about the traditions and signs of the mystical day.

What is the church holiday on July 28th?

Saint Julitta lived in Asia Minor in the late third and early fourth centuries. She came from a noble family and professed Christianity. The woman lost her husband early and raised her three-year-old son Kirik alone.

During the time of Emperor Diocletian, the persecution of believers in Christ began. Fearing torment, Julitta distributed her possessions, and then fled the city with her son and two faithful slaves. For some time she managed to hide under the guise of a beggar, but she was recognized and taken to court before the ruler Alexander.

At the trial, the saint openly called herself a Christian and refused to sacrifice to idols. She was severely beaten for this, but Julitta stood her ground. Kirik, seeing his mother's suffering, cried and begged to be allowed to see her. Alexander ordered the servants to distract the boy, but he broke away from their arms and shouted that he was also a Christian. In anger, the ruler threw the child from the platform onto the stone steps, Kirik hit his head and died. After that, Julitta's head was cut off. The bodies of the saints were taken away and buried by their faithful slaves.

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During the reign of St. Constantine the Great, the relics of Cyric and Julitta were found on the instructions of one of the slaves. A church and monastery were built in honor of the martyrs. Over time, they began to be revered as patrons of sick children and married couples.

Kirik and Ulita holiday traditions on July 28

In Russia, the feast of the holy martyrs was called Kirik and Ulita. The ancestors believed that the middle of summer was coming on this day, and the sun was shining especially brightly. The sun's rays were endowed with special power, it was believed that they could get rid of negative energy, spoilage and the influence of evil spirits. Therefore, on July 28, windows and doors were left wide open to let in as much light as possible.

On the holiday, women were freed from any work, especially related to agriculture. Saint Julitta was revered as the intercessor of women and was called "Mother Julitta." They prayed to her for the children's health and family harmony.

The men on Kirik and Julitta helped their spouses with household chores. According to legend, it was dangerous to go out into the field on July 28, as the midday girls were rampaging there, causing trouble for people. A careless peasant also risked encountering an evil spirit in the guise of an old woman or an emaciated woman. After that, the person could allegedly become seriously ill.

On July 28, healers and healers went to get medicinal herbs. It was considered a good omen to see a fly agaric — they believed that it promised good luck and prosperity.

What can and cannot be done on Kirik and Julitta's day on July 28

The Orthodox Church does not set any special prohibitions on the day of Kirik and Iulitta's memory. On the holiday, believers can visit the temple, pray at home or spend time with their loved ones. There is no fast on this day.

In Russia, Kirik and Ulita were associated with many different signs and superstitions. On this day, the ancestors tried not to look at the night sky. It was believed that anyone who saw a shooting star could incur misfortune, get nightmares and insomnia.

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They didn't start new businesses on the holiday, fearing disappointment. Large purchases were also postponed for another time, as they were afraid that the purchased item would not last long. In addition, on July 28, they did not complain about life — according to beliefs, after that there will be more troubles.

On Kirik and Ulita's day, mothers did not leave young children unattended. They believed that evil spirits could get into the house and scare the kids, after which they would become anxious and moody.

Folk signs for July 28

The ancestors paid attention to Kirik and Ulita for various weather signs. If a lime tree began to turn yellow by the holiday, they understood that autumn would be early. Rain in the morning promised a sunny day, and the absence of a rainbow meant that the clear sky could be enjoyed for a long time. Actively jumping grasshoppers foreshadowed the heat.

The weather for the near future was also judged by the direction of the wind. If it was blowing from the south, they understood that the sky would be clear for several days, if from the east, they were preparing for prolonged rains. Evening fog also indicated heavy precipitation.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the history and traditions of the national holiday Akila Solomennyi.