Folk signs for August 19th: what can and cannot be done

On August 19, Orthodox Christians celebrate the Transfiguration of the Lord, or the Apple Savior. This day has long been filled with special traditions, strict prohibitions and wise omens that help predict the weather and the future harvest. Izvestia tells us why it was forbidden to eat apples before the Savior and what kind of autumn it would be if it rained on August 19.

Folk signs for August 19, 2025

The Transfiguration of the Lord, or the Apple Savior, is a Christian holiday with which many traditions and traditions are associated among the people. Here are some of them:

• Until that day, they tried not to eat new—harvest apples, especially for women, as it was believed that this could lead to trouble.;
• the weather on this day predicts the coming autumn and winter. If the day is sunny and dry, autumn will be warm and winter frosty. If it rains, autumn will be rainy and winter will be snowy. If it's hot, the winter will be mild.;
• Apples, pears, plums and honey were consecrated in the church. After that, they could be eaten and harvested for the winter.;
• It was believed that if you treat a poor person with an apple on this day, the next year will be successful.;
• You couldn't sew, knit, or do hard work —it could bring bad luck.;
• If a fly landed on your hand twice, it's worth the money.;
• bees began to actively collect honey — by early winter;
• If you make a wish while biting into a consecrated apple, it could come true.

This day was a kind of boundary between summer and autumn, so many signs are associated with the harvest and the weather.

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What not to do on August 19, 2025

On August 19, Yablochny Spas, according to folk traditions, there were several important prohibitions. Here's what you can't do on this day:

• before visiting the church and consecrating the fruits, you can not eat apples and other fruits of the new harvest. This rule was especially strictly observed by women, as it was believed that a violation could bring trouble.;
• on this day, you should not do hard work around the house and in the field. Sewing, knitting, washing, cleaning, and building should be devoted to spiritual reflection and relaxation.;
• you can not quarrel, swear and swear. Any conflicts in Yablochny Spas are considered especially sinful and can bring trouble.;
• It is forbidden to kill insects, especially if a fly or bee has landed on your hand — this can scare away luck.;
• you should not refuse to help those in need. If someone asks for treats or alms, they should be served, otherwise the year may be unsuccessful.;
• It is forbidden to hunt and fish — any killing of living beings is condemned.;
• You should not eat meat and dairy products, as the holiday falls on the Dormition fast. Only fish, vegetable oil and wine in moderation are allowed.;

What is the church holiday on August 19th?

On August 19, Orthodox believers celebrate one of the most important church holidays — the Transfiguration of the Lord. This holiday was established in memory of the evangelical event when Jesus Christ, taking with him three disciples, ascended Mount Tabor and was transformed in front of them, revealing his Divine nature. In the liturgical tradition, this day symbolizes not only the miraculous transfiguration of the Savior, but also reminds believers of the need for spiritual transformation. According to the statute, the liturgy is celebrated on the holiday, and the priests are dressed in white robes, which emphasizes the special solemnity of the moment.

Popularly, the Transfiguration of the Lord is known as the Apple Savior, which is associated with the ancient tradition of consecrating the fruits of the new harvest on this day, primarily apples. This custom dates back to the practice of the first Christians, who brought the firstfruits of the harvest to the temple as a sign of gratitude to God. The Church emphasizes that, despite the widespread use of folk rituals, the spiritual meaning of the holiday remains the main thing — it calls believers to inner renewal and strengthening in faith. In 2025, the celebration falls on a Tuesday, and believers will be able to attend divine services, observing both church and folk traditions.

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Prayers for August 19th

On the day of the Transfiguration of the Lord, believers turn to God with special prayers, glorifying the miraculous appearance of the Divine glory of Christ.

Troparion to the Transfiguration of the Lord (Glas 7)

"You were transfigured on the mountain, O Christ God, showing Your disciple Your glory, as you might. May Your ever-present light shine upon us sinners through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Radiant One, glory to You."

Kontakion of the feast (glas 7)

"You were transformed on the mountain, and as Your disciples were housed, you saw your glory, O Christ God. Yes, when they see You crucified, they will understand Your suffering freely, and they will preach to the world, for You are truly the radiance of the Father."

Prayer before eating the consecrated fruits

"O Lord our God, bless the fruits of the tree, for you have blessed the fruits of the vine to Your faithful ones. May they be for our sweetness, for the health of our soul and body, for the fulfillment of Your grace, and as a reminder of the glory of Your Transfiguration. Amen to that."

A short prayer on the feast day

"Save Thy people, O Lord, and bless thine inheritance, who celebrate Thy transfiguration, and by Thy power preserve Thy faithful ones from all evil."

Earlier, Izvestia told about the traditions and signs of the national holiday Lukov Day.