Folk signs for August 17th: what can and cannot be done
In Russia, omens have been given special importance since ancient times. They were used to judge the weather, when to sow and harvest, and what to expect in the future. Therefore, every day of the national calendar was full of rituals and superstitions. Izvestia tells about the signs and church holidays of Sunday, August 17th.
Folk signs for August 17, 2025
In Russia, Avdotya Malinovka was celebrated on August 17. By this time, the housewives had finished picking raspberries, as well as cucumbers and other vegetables. Therefore, another name for the celebration is Avdotya Borage. In the old days they used to say: "Avdotya has come — take away the garlic and onions, pick the cucumbers." It was believed that after this day it was too late to harvest, as the fruits would be bitter.
Raspberry jam was traditionally prepared on Avdotya and cucumbers were rolled. In addition, St. John's wort was harvested in the villages. This plant not only protected health, but also served as a talisman against evil spirits. Bunches of St. John's wort were hung over the entrance to the dwelling to protect the house from misfortune and attract prosperity.
The weather determined what the end of autumn would be like. "As Avdotya is, so is November," says the legend. If the day turned out to be hot, then in November there will be warm sunny weather. If it's cold outside, then the autumn month will be wet and cold.
Other signs of the day:
- if there are still a lot of raspberries on the bushes, it will lead to a good harvest of bread.;
- the grass was covered with dew — to the poor harvest of flax;
- fog creeps over the ground — for warm weather without rain;
- A bright scarlet glow appeared in the sky to reflect the changeable weather;
- If you can't hear the birds outside, wait for the cold snap.;
- a lot of cobwebs in the garden — for a dry autumn;
- the birch leaves have turned yellow by early and cold autumn.
What not to do on August 17th
Avdotya Malinovka is considered an unsuitable time for dating and dating. Our ancestors believed that the union concluded on August 17 would only bring disappointment, and the chosen one would very quickly deceive expectations. It is also not recommended to give flowers to women and girls on a holiday. According to beliefs, mutual understanding and love will leave the house.
What else can't be done on August 17th:
- wearing black clothes leads to loss of well—being;
- leaving the house unmade leads to failures and illness;
- trading and making deals — the result will disappoint;
- showdown — conflicts will drag on for a long time;
- to sweep out the garbage after sunset is to "sweep out" happiness;
- participate in noisy events — the Dormition Fast is underway now;
- It is a sin to refuse alms and help those in need during lent.
What is the church holiday on August 17th?
On August 17, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the Venerable Martyr Evdokia (II) of Rome, a Persian who lived in the fourth century. The saint was captured along with other Christians during the invasion of the Persian troops on the territory of the Roman Empire. In total, about nine thousand ascetics of Christ were captured. Despite the cruel tortures, Evdokia did not renounce her faith. At first, she was put in prison and starved there. Then they tied his body tightly with ropes, so that it was impossible to breathe, and beat him with harsh leather belts. Seeing the girl's intransigence, she was sentenced to death by beheading the head.
August 17 also commemorates the seven holy youths of Ephesus: Maximilian, Iamblichus, Martinianus, John, Dionysius, Exacustodian (Constantine) and Antoninus, who lived in the third century during the persecution of Christians. They suffered for refusing to sacrifice to pagan deities. For this, the disobedient were sentenced to death. The Ephesian Youths are revered by the people as healers of life-giving sleep. It is believed that prayer helps them from insomnia.
On the same date, Orthodox Christians celebrate the feast of the Icon of the Mother of God "Penzenskaya-Kazanskaya", one of the main shrines of the Sura region. It is believed that in 1663, Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich blessed the first settlers of the fortress above the Penza River with it. From Moscow to the city, the image was carried in his arms and placed in the city cathedral church. Those who came to the shrine with faith always received help in various needs. Penza owes its salvation from enemies to the same icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Not only Penza archpastors and townspeople prayed before her, but also all the emperors who visited Penza.
Prayers on August 17th
The Prayer of Evdokia of Rome
"O holy saint of God, the Venerable Martyr Evdokia! Having labored with good deeds on earth, you have received in heaven the crown of righteousness, which the Lord has prepared for all who love Him. Looking at your holy image, we rejoice at the glorious end of your residence and honor your holy memory. But you, standing before the Throne of God, accept our supplications and offer them to the All-merciful God, that He may forgive us every sin and help us against the wiles of the devil, so that, having been delivered from sorrows, diseases, troubles and misfortunes, and all evil, we may live piously and righteously in our present age and be worthy of your intercession, even if we are unworthy. May you see the good in the lands of the living, glorifying God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen to that."
Prayer to the Holy Seven Youths
"O most holy and holy youths of the week, praise be to the city of Ephesus and to all the hope of the universe! Look down from the height of heavenly glory upon us who honor your memory with love, and above all upon the Christian infants entrusted to your intercession from their parents. Bestow upon me the blessing of Christ God, rekshago: leave the children to come to Me. Heal the sick from them, comfort the sorrowful, keep their hearts pure, fill them with meekness, and plant and strengthen the seed of God's confession in the lands of their hearts, so that they may grow from strength to strength. And to all of us, who are coming to your most holy icon, and who kiss your relics with faith and pray warmly to you, grant us to receive the Kingdom of Heaven and to glorify with unceasing voices of joy the magnificent Name of the Most Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia reported on the signs of the Anton Vikhrovey national holiday.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
