A special Russian holiday on August 20 is Marina Pimena: what can and cannot be done, folk signs

On August 20, Orthodox Christians honor the memory of the Martyr Marin of Caesarea and St. Pimen the Much-Afflicted. This holiday was popularly known as Marina Pimena Day. In 2025, it will be celebrated on Wednesday. Izvestia tells us how the saints became famous, as well as about the customs and signs of this day.

Marina Pimena Day — what is celebrated on August 20

The holiday received its double name in honor of two saints who staunchly defend the Christian faith. Despite the fact that they came from different cities and lived at different times, the church remembers them on the same date.

The Martyr Marin of Caesarea (Palestine) lived in the 3rd century during the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, when Christians were being persecuted. He belonged to the military nobility and held the position of centurion. One day, one of the pagans denounced him, saying that Marin did not sacrifice to idols, and therefore could not take the place of a military commander.

The saint was put on trial and given time to reflect so that he would renounce Christ. Having been refused, he was sentenced to death. The sentence was executed immediately. It happened in 260.

Pimen the Many-sick (Pechersky) was born in the 11th century. Since childhood, he was a sick and weak child. To heal his son, his parents took him to the Kiev Caves Monastery. However, the young man perceived the suffering sent to him as valuable, and instead of praying for recovery, he asked to be tonsured a monk. According to legend, the monk was tonsured by angels who appeared in the form of monks.

Being virtually bedridden, the monk served the Lord with joy and humility. Shortly before his death, Pimen received healing, as predicted by one of the angels, after which he passed away. The relics of the monk are located in the Antoniev Cave of the Kiev Caves Lavra.

Honey, Apple and Nut Saviours in August 2025: dates, what and when to celebrate

On August 14, 19 and 29, Orthodox believers will celebrate three important holidays

How Marinas and Pimens were celebrated in Russia

The day of the saints' memory was popularly called Marina Pimena. Other names are Raspberry and Indian Day. In the old days, at this time, our ancestors would finish picking raspberries and bake raspberry-filled pies. The chores were mostly done by women.

On a holiday, it was necessary to pay attention not only to the household, but also to those who were deprived of care. Traditionally, some of the pastries were taken to orphanages and churches, where they were distributed to the poor. They helped widows and the seriously ill. They were treated to fruits, vegetables, bread and honey.

Storks were also observed on Pimen's Day. It was believed that if the birds circled the house for a long time, then the family would soon be replenished. And if they are preparing to fly south, then autumn will come early and it will be cold.

In order for the storks to return to their former places in the spring, they began to build nests for them, often on the roofs of houses, in order to attract family happiness and well-being.

What can and cannot be done on a holiday

There were also a number of prohibitions on the holiday. First of all, the restrictions are related to the Dormition Fast, which falls at this time. Believers are supposed to adhere to certain dietary rules, eliminating meat, eggs, fish and milk from their diet, as well as refrain from noisy events.

According to popular superstitions, storks should not be offended and driven away at Marina Pimena. It promises troubles and misfortunes. Another belief says that on a holiday they do not dry things on the street, as otherworldly forces may lurk in them, and they do not change the bed linen. Our ancestors believed that if you break the ban, it can negatively affect family relationships.

It is also not recommended to leave the house after dark, and girls should walk down the street with their braids down. In the old days, it was believed that unkempt hair was a real godsend for evil spirits.

Folk signs of August 20th

According to the signs of the day, the peasants determined what kind of weather would set in the coming period. According to observations, fog over the water on August 20 foreshadows clear weather. A rainbow in the morning sky indicates rain, and if it appears in the late afternoon, it indicates a sunny day. If swallows gather in flocks, there may be a thunderstorm. And if there are no spiders in sight, a strong wind is expected soon.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the traditions of the national holiday Stepan Hayloft.