Prophet Micah's Day on August 27: history, traditions and omens
Every year on August 27, Eastern Rite Christians honor the memory of the Old Testament prophet Micah. This day occupies a special place in the church calendar, preceding the feast of the Dormition of the Virgin and combining liturgical traditions with folk customs. In Russia, the memory of Micah was called "Micah-tikhovey." What is strictly forbidden to do on August 27 is in the Izvestia article.
Prophet Micah's Day on August 27: the story
On August 27, the Russian Orthodox tradition commemorates the prophet Micah, one of the "minor" prophets of the Old Testament, the author of the book of prophecies of the same name. According to church tradition, Micah was originally from Morath and began his ministry around the 8th century BC. His prophecies and speeches were aimed both at condemning the moral and political vices of the era, and at consoling in anticipation of salutary changes.
A special place in his messages is occupied by calls for justice, mercy and humble walking before God, which became one of the grounds for honoring the prophet in the Orthodox tradition.
In church calendars, the memory of Micah is often associated with a number of other commemorations and church events: August 27 also stands on the eve of the feast of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary and coincides with the transfer of the relics of individual saints.
In Orthodox liturgical practice, the memorial day of the prophet is intended to read his book and remind believers of the simple but fundamental requirements of faith — righteousness and caring for one's neighbor.
Prophet Micah's Day: traditions, what to pray for
The traditions of commemorating Micah were formed at the junction of church readings and folk customs. Special divine services are held in temples on this day, including the reading of prophecies and prayers for the gift of prudence to the rulers and the salvation of the people from disasters.
For lay people, prayer on the feast of the prophet is traditionally addressed to the fulfillment of his main ethical formula: to do justice, love works of mercy and humbly follow the will of God, especially in matters where social foundations and the position of the weak are affected.
In addition to common prayers, folk practice also involves personal petitions for the protection of the family hearth, the health of loved ones, and help in solving everyday difficulties. Since August 27 coincides with the end of the Dormition Fast in a number of local Orthodox churches, there is also a thanksgiving motif in the prayers for the end of the lenten preparation for the holiday.
What can and cannot be done on August 27
Popular prohibitions and recommendations related to the Day of Micah are a set of prescriptions combining church rules and everyday beliefs. Since this day historically marks the end of a certain lenten period, one of the strict recommendations for believers is to continue fasting until the official end of the Dormition Fast: abstinence from meat and dairy foods until the time allowed by the church.
Folk beliefs persistently prescribe a "quiet" greeting of the holiday: do not make noise, do not argue and do not make a fuss. It was believed that noise and quarrels on this day would attract troubles and discord in the family.
In particular, they warned against quarrels with elders and against unfair treatment of the elderly. For this, according to the popular version, heavenly punishment may follow. There was also a sign not to wear torn or dirty clothes and not to do much housework, so as not to disturb the completion of the fast and the peace associated with the name of the prophet.
In agricultural and weather-sensitive communities, the practice of observing the weather persisted: decisions on the completion of harvesting, sowing and harvesting depended on this. From practical actions, quiet family rituals, trips to the temple, commemoration of ancestors and conversations about order and justice in everyday life were allowed.
Prophet Micah's Day: folk signs
The national calendar on August 27 is filled with weather signs, on the basis of which popular forecasts for the near future were formed.
The main feature is related to the observation of the wind. If there was a light, steady wind on that day, a warm and clear autumn was expected; a strong wind or storm foreshadowed a stormy September. Some signs associated the new moon and the color of the dawn with sudden changes in the weather in the coming days.
August 27 was considered the last day when young people could woo in order to get engaged before the autumn weddings and the end of lent, which explained the peculiarities of celebrations in some regions where the tradition of "matchmaking for Micah" still persists.
In addition, in the popular consciousness, the day was associated with favorable or unfavorable signs regarding luck in the household: one could not count money out loud, lend money, or wear crumpled clothes, as it was believed that this would attract a loss of funds.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
