Folk signs for August 23rd: 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 popular signs of Saturday, August 23, and which church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for August 23, 2025
In Russia, St. Lawrence's Day was celebrated on August 23. He was devoted mainly to household chores: they cleaned, fluffed and dried pillows. Our ancestors believed that it helps to get rid of negative thoughts and bad dreams.
Morning dew was given special properties on Lawrence. It was believed that on a holiday it becomes healing and helps with various ailments. They washed their faces with it to preserve their beauty and health.
At noon, the peasants went out to the ponds and looked at the water. The surface of the water was used to determine the weather conditions for the upcoming season. The waves promised prolonged bad weather, but at the same time promised a successful catch for fishermen. Small ripples predicted rainy weather in September. And a calm surface means a calm, windless autumn and winter without snowstorms.
Other signs of the day:
- If it's hot or rainy on a holiday, the weather will be the same all fall.;
- a yellowing lime tree portends a rich harvest of winter crops;
- A lot of acorns in the forest indicate that next year will be fertile.;
- If the birds have stopped singing, it will rain soon.;
- Cranes gather in flocks and fly south to the early winter.;
- It was considered lucky to meet a black cat — according to beliefs, the animal is able to take away all worries and sorrows.;
- they also listened to their dreams — in the old days they believed that they could be prophetic, but predictions would come true only in the distant future.
What not to do on August 23
There are a number of prohibitions on St. Lawrence Day. According to popular beliefs, you can not be lazy and idle on a holiday, otherwise you will have to starve and sit without money all autumn. It is not recommended to loudly clarify family relations, since in the event of a quarrel, the whole next year will be in discord.
Believers should remember that the holiday falls on the Dormition Fast. Therefore, you should avoid noisy events and follow the rules of nutrition. Meat, fish, eggs and dairy products should not be eaten.
What else can not be done on August 23:
- Collecting hazelnuts is believed to lead to a loss of wealth.;
- walking in the dew in shoes — the ancestors believed that this would cause foot diseases;
- Swimming in rivers and lakes — it's easy to catch a cold in cold water.;
- talk about your plans, otherwise they will not come true;
- to engage in construction — there is a high probability of an accident;
- For women to go into the woods alone, it is necessary to take at least a dog with them.
What is the church holiday on August 23rd?
On August 23, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of Lawrence of Rome, an archdeacon of the Roman Christian community who suffered in the third century during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Valerian. The saint was a disciple of Archdeacon Sixtus. When he took up the position of Bishop of Rome, Lawrence was ordained deacon. He was charged with overseeing the Church's property and caring for the poor.
After the execution, Bishop Lawrence was thrown into prison, where he performed miracles, healed the sick and converted many prisoners to Christianity. After numerous tortures, Lawrence was executed. His body was taken away and buried with honors by the prison governor. Three days later, he and other Christians were martyred.
On the same date, St. Sava, Abbot of Storozhevsky (Zvenigorod), the founder of the Theotokos—Rozhdestvensky Monastery in Zvenigorod and one of the first followers of St. Sergius of Radonezh, is remembered. He lived in the 14th century and became famous as an advocate for the offended, a healer of the suffering, and as a prayer book for kings. According to legend, the saint once saved Tsar Alexy Mikhailovich during a hunt near the Savvinsky Monastery. Since then, the monk has been considered the patron saint of the royal house. All Russian tsars and emperors made pilgrimages to his relics.
Prayers on August 23rd
Lawrence of Rome is revered by the people as a healer for eye diseases. They pray to Him for epiphany, healing from eye diseases, protection from the evil eye and spoilage, as well as strengthening faith and help in difficult life circumstances.
Prayer to St. Lawrence of Rome
"Oh, the most holy and most faithful stratotermist of Christ, Archdeacon Lawrence! Praising your faith and sufferings, we honor your victory and crowning passage through the burning coals from the darkness of this age to the eternal light of the Throne of God's Majesty, therefore we beseech you: just as you have confirmed your miracles with faith, so may you receive us under your protection, and in our sickness and sorrows, the intercessor May you be with us: and just as you healed Crisentianus of the blindness of his bodily eyes by the laying on of his hands, may you heal our spiritual blindness by your intercession at the Throne of God; look upon our weakness of body and soul, and strengthen us with vigor against our enemies, visible and invisible, who afflict us with misfortunes. May we, through your help, have passed away the path of this short-lived life, undefeated from troubles and tribulations and every cruel situation, and attain the unapproachable glory of the majesty of God, where we stand, praying with boldness for people who run to you with faith and sing praises to the wondrous holy God of Israel forever and ever. Amen to that."
Reverend Savva Storozhevoy is addressed with prayers for peace and unity of mind, tranquility to cities and countries, assistance to prisoners of war and the innocently accused, and consolation in sorrows and sorrows.
Prayer to Savva Storozhevsky
"Oh, most honorable and sacred chapter! O citizen of heavenly Jerusalem, the abode of the Most Holy Trinity, Venerable Father Savva! Having great boldness towards the All-merciful Lord, pray for the flock of your fence and for all your children according to the spirit. Do not be silent for us to the Lord, and do not despise those who honor you with faith and love. Through your intercession, ask the King of Kings for the peace of the Church, under the sign of the militant cross, the grace of the bishop, the good of the monks in their asceticism; protection of this holy monastery, this city and all cities and countries; serenity and peace to the world, gladness and perdition; consolation and reinforcement to the old and infirm, good for the young and infants in faith growth, firm teaching in the Gospel teaching, and abiding in purity and chastity; mercy and intercession for widows and orphans, joy and return for the captive, healing for the sick, reassurance for the faint-hearted, correction for those who err, a spirit of contrition for those who sin, timely help for those in need. Do not put us to shame, who flow to you with faith; help us, as a child-loving father to children, and to bear the yoke of Christ with benevolence and patience, and govern all in peace and repentance, to end our lives without shame and to be settled with hope in the heavenly abode. Because of your labors and struggles, you are now living with the Angels and Saints, glorifying God in vain, glorified in the Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia told what the Saints Zosima and Savvati Solovetsky pray for.
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