Folk signs for August 20th: 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 folk signs of August 20 and what church holidays fall on this day.
Folk signs for August 20, 2025
In Russia, on August 20, the feast of Marina Pimena was celebrated, whose name comes from the names of two saints, the Martyr Marina of Caesarea (Palestine) and the Monk Pimen the Much-Afflicted (Pechora), whom the church honors today. Other names are Raspberry and Babi Day, which reflects the main occupations of the peasants on this date.
Traditionally, raspberry picking was completed in the villages and raspberry-filled pies were baked. It was also supposed to pay attention to the underprivileged on the holiday. Some of the pastries were taken to orphanages and churches. In addition, they helped widows and built new nests for storks so that the birds could return to their former place after wintering.
According to the signs of the day, it was 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 means rain, and if it appears in the late afternoon, it means a sunny day.
Other signs of the day:
- A scarlet dawn or a rainbow in the sky in the morning leads to rain;
- If the rainbow appeared in the evening, it will lead to sunny weather.;
- Swallows gather in flocks — there will be a thunderstorm soon;
- if there are no spiders in sight, a strong wind is expected.;
- Storks have started to leave their nests — autumn will come early;
- to meet a soaring stork is good luck, for girls it promises marriage.;
- to see a stork with its wings down is a sign of illness and misfortune;
- I had a prophetic dream — everything I saw will come true;
- The morning is cool and foggy — it's time to go for mushrooms.
What not to do on August 20th
Marina Pimen Day falls on the Assumption Fast (it will last from August 14 to August 27). Therefore, believers need to give up meat, dairy products, fish and eggs. There are also no noisy events on this day, including weddings and weddings. According to popular beliefs, bed linen should not be changed on a holiday in order to avoid discord between spouses.
What else can not be done on August 20:
- disturbing and destroying storks' nests: it was believed that this would bring great troubles;
- drying things on the street: the ancestors were afraid that evil spirits would settle in them;
- girls walking with their hair down also attracted evil spirits.;
- make large purchases, because the money will completely leave the family;
- Hit the road or move: there may be troubles along the way;
- Leaving the house after sunset is a recipe for trouble.;
- ask for a raise or salary increase: the request will be rejected;
- to start new business and projects: they will not be crowned with success.
What is the church holiday on August 20th?
According to the church calendar, on August 20, the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord (Apple Savior) is celebrated in honor of the appearance of the divine essence of Jesus Christ on Mount Tabor. The Transfiguration belongs to one of the main Orthodox holidays, which are among the twelve. Like other similar celebrations, the days of pre—celebration and post-celebration are set for it - periods when festive prayers and hymns continue to be heard at services. Since the holiday does not depend on Easter, it is celebrated on the same date every year.
Also, on August 20, the relics of St. Mitrofan, Bishop of Voronezh, canonized by the Russian Church, are celebrated. Mitrofan (in the schema of Macarius) was born in 1623 into a family of confessors. At the age of 40, he took monastic vows in the Zolotnikovskaya desert, and later was appointed Bishop of Voronezh. Soon the diocese entrusted to him became the Orthodox center of the Black Earth region. The bishop also supported Peter the Great, who organized a shipyard in Voronezh. The saint died in 1703 and was buried in the Annunciation Cathedral in Voronezh. His incorruptible relics were discovered during the renovation of the monastery in 1831.
Prayers on August 20th
During the celebration of the Transfiguration of the Lord, it is customary to turn to Christ with requests for spiritual enlightenment, inner renewal, strengthening of faith and healing from sins. They also pray for their loved ones, ask for protection, help in life's difficulties and the gift of peace of mind.
Prayer on the Feast of the Transfiguration
"Lord Jesus Christ, our God, in the living, unapproachable Light, is the radiance of the Glory of the Father and the Image of His Hypostasis! When the fulfillment of the times came, You humbled Yourself for Your ineffable mercy to the fallen human race, accepted the sight of a slave, humbled Yourself, and obeyed even to death. Above all, before the Cross and Your free passion on Mount Tabor, you were transformed in Your Divine Glory before Your holy disciples and Apostles, hiding little of Your perception of the flesh, so that when they see You crucified and put to death, they will understand Your free suffering and Divinity. Grant to all of us, too, the Transfiguration of Thy most pure Flesh to those who celebrate, ascend with pure hearts and unclean minds to Thy Holy mountain, to the villages of Thy holy glory, where the voice of those who celebrate is pure, the voice of unspeakable joy, so that we may see Thy Glory face to face with them in the never-ending days of Thy kingdom, and with all the saints, From time immemorial, let us glorify Your All-holy name with Your Beginningless Father and Your All-holy, Good and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."
St. Mitrofan of Voronezh is revered as an assistant in construction, the patron saint of sailors and the navy. His relics bear witness to healings from various ailments, including blindness, fever, and fits of demonic possession. They also pray to him for family well-being, help in finding decent work, getting rid of addictions and in other life situations.
Prayer to Mitrofan of Voronezh
"Oh, all-laudable to the Holy Hierarch of Christ and the wonderworker Mitrofan! Accept this little supplication from us sinners who seek refuge in you, and through your warm intercession beseech our Lord and God, Jesus Christ, that He may mercifully look upon us, grant us forgiveness for our sins, voluntary and involuntary, and by His great mercy deliver us from troubles, sorrows, sorrows, and diseases of the soul and body that support us. us. May the earth bring forth fruitfulness, and all that is needed for the benefit of our present life. May He grant us to end this temporary life in repentance and make us worthy, sinners and unworthy, of His heavenly Kingdom, together with all the saints, to glorify His infinite mercy with His Beginningless Father, and His Holy and Life-giving Spirit, forever and ever. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia reported on the signs of the Anton Vikhrovey national holiday.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
