Folk signs for August 14th: what can and cannot be done
Omens in Russia were given great importance. They were used to judge the weather, when to sow and harvest, and what to expect in the future. They especially listened to these signs on the days of big holidays, believing that they were given by higher powers themselves. And, although superstitions are most often based on superstitions, in the peasant environment they were passed down from generation to generation, forming the national experience. Izvestia tells us what signs our ancestors had associated with August 14 and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for August 14, 2025
According to the national calendar, Honey Savior, or Makovei, is celebrated on August 14. The name of the celebration is explained by the fact that honey and poppy were harvested at that time, and then consecrated in the church. Thus, the first August Spas was a harvest festival when the peasants reaped the fruits of their labor. Large celebrations were held in the villages, treating the poor and children with gifts of summer. It was believed that it was from this day that one could begin to taste fresh honey, which, after consecration, acquires a special healing power.
On the Honeymoon, they also paid attention to weather signs. Here are some of them:
high clouds in the sky — for clear weather for many weeks;
dry but cloudy weather leads to a good harvest in autumn;
cold and frost in the morning are harbingers of an early cold snap;
If the sun is shining, autumn will be dry and warm.;
strong piercing wind — for a snowy winter;
Swallows have left their nests — the cold weather will come earlier than usual;
There are a lot of raspberries in the forest — it's time to sow winter crops;
lightning flashes in the sky — this is a bad sign for future crops.;
a bird has flown into the house — soon favorable changes will take place in life.
What not to do on August 14th
Various prohibitions and superstitions were also associated with the First Savior. According to popular beliefs, on August 14, it was not necessary to work on the farm, especially for the sake of profit. Any hard work, if it was not related to helping other people, was considered a sin.
What else you can't do on August 14th:
to refuse food, especially to children and beggars, leads to losses;
Chasing away and harming bees is getting yourself into trouble.;
selling consecrated honey means losing your blessing for a year;
begging unnecessarily leads to loss of well—being;
quarreling and slandering — swearing on this day drives away luck;
wishing someone harm - negativity can return to the person who wished it.;
swimming in open water is a disease;
to arrange noisy festivities — such behavior was condemned on a holiday;
to play weddings and get married — because at this time comes the fast.
What is the church holiday on August 14th?
On August 14, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Taking down of the Precious Trees of the Life-giving Cross of the Lord. The celebration was established in Constantinople in the 9th century, where it was customary to carry out a part of the Life-giving Tree of the Cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified. It was believed that everyone who joined the crucifixion would receive healing. Nowadays, believers worship the cross and consecrate the water in the church.
Even on this date, the Maccabean martyrs are remembered — the Hebrew brothers who suffered for their faith during the reign of the Syrian king Antiochus. The Old Testament saints lived in the second century, when Christians were persecuted. They were executed for refusing to eat unclean food — pork meat. The Maccabean martyrs are revered as a symbol of spiritual purity and strength, especially in families where children are raised in the Orthodox traditions.
The start of the two-week Dormition fast also falls on August 14. This is one of four multi-day posts. It precedes the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos and is comparable in severity only to the Great One. Both on the first and subsequent days of fasting, eggs, butter, meat and dairy products, as well as fish are excluded from the diet. Some fish and wine are allowed on the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, which will be celebrated on August 19th.
Prayers for August 14th
On the day of the Taking Down of the Precious Trees of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, they pray for strengthening in faith, forgiveness of sins, guidance on the right path, health and family well-being. On a holiday, it is customary to read a prayer to the Honorable Cross ("May God rise again") or to the All-merciful Savior.
"May God rise again, and may His enemies be scattered, and may those who hate him flee from His presence. As smoke disappears, so may they disappear; as wax melts from the face of fire, so may demons perish from the face of those who love God and make the sign of the cross, and in joy say: Hail, Most honorable and Life-giving Cross of the Lord, drive out demons through the power of our crucified Lord Jesus Christ, who came down into hell and restored the power of the devil, and Who gave us His Honest Cross to drive out every enemy. Oh, the Most Honorable and Life-giving Cross of the Lord! Help me with the Holy Lady, the Virgin Theotokos, and with all the saints forever. Amen to that."
Special prayers are also read on every day of the Dormition Fast. They are necessary for spiritual purification and in order to approach the feast of the Assumption with a pure heart. On these days, it is recommended to read morning and evening prayers daily, as well as the akathist to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
"Mother Intercessor, bless me, a sinner, and give me the strength to understand the importance of fasting. Strengthen my faith in our Lord, Your Son, who was crucified on the cross. Forgive me my sins and transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, as I will try to forgive all my abusers. Give me the will of iron and the spiritual strength to come closer to You, Mother of God. Pray to God for my health and for the health of my loved ones. Forgive me for my weakness and give me strength to strengthen my faith. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia reported on the traditions and signs of Evdokimov's day, also known as Evdokimov's conspiracy.
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