A special national holiday on August 27 is Mikhei Tikhovey: history, traditions, omens
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- A special national holiday on August 27 is Mikhei Tikhovey: history, traditions, omens
Every year on August 27, the Orthodox Church remembers the prophet Micah, one of the key figures of Old Testament prophecy, who was included among the 12 "minor prophets." In the national calendar, the holiday is called Micah Tikhovey. In 2025, it falls on a Wednesday. Read about its history, traditions, signs and strict prohibitions in the Izvestia article.
What is the church holiday on August 27th?
The prophet Micah is considered one of the key figures of Old Testament prophecy — he is one of the 12 "minor prophets". His ministry lasted for almost half a century — from the end of the 8th to the beginning of the 7th century BC and covered the reign of kings Jotham, Ahaz and the pious Hezekiah. And the predictions concerned both the Jewish and Israeli kingdoms.
His speeches were distinguished by directness and boldness. He was not afraid of the wrath of the authorities, openly criticized idolatry, social injustice, hypocrisy of the nobility and indifference to the poor, called for mercy, honesty and justice. He himself led a modest life.
Micah predicted the fall of Samaria, the destruction of Judea, and the approaching invasion of the Assyrian king Sennacherib. But one of his key prophecies was an indication of the birth of Jesus in the city of Bethlehem: "... from you will come the One Who should be Ruler in Israel ...". This message, recorded in the fifth chapter of his book, was later recognized by the Christian Church as a fundamental testimony of Divine providence.
Despite the fact that his speeches caused tension at court, Micah's fate turned out differently from that of many of his fellow prophets. According to the Book of Jeremiah, the Jews did not dare to take his life.
According to church tradition, the relics of the prophet were found in the 4th century in the town of Varafsatiya. This happened according to a revelation given to Bishop Zevin of Eleutheropolis. Micah's name has been fixed in the church's memory as a symbol of courage, uprightness and fidelity to the Divine truth.
Traditions of the national holiday Mikhei Tikhovey on August 27
In the national calendar, the name of the holiday, Micah Tikhovey, reflects the changes taking place in nature during the transition from summer to autumn. Everything around seems to "freeze", the wind subsides.
On the morning of August 27, Orthodox believers went to churches and turned to the prophet with prayers for intercession in everyday difficulties, protection from illness, mental anxiety and sudden disasters. It was also customary for Micah to ask for help in matters related to housing, from building to purchasing his own house.
Mikheev's day was also associated with active work in the fields, vegetable garden and orchard, but physical labor was accompanied by inner concentration — the ancestors avoided noise and idleness. Silence was perceived as a guarantee of peace of mind and the successful completion of the work begun.
Masons, who were feared in Russia, had a special status on this day. On the holiday, they were shown special honors — they were treated, thanked and asked for blessings. According to popular belief, an offended architect could put a goose feather in the chimney during construction. When the furnace was kindled, such a pipe made a long-drawn sound, resembling a howl.
The holiday was also important for the winegrowers. On this day, they turned to Micah with pleas for the well-being of the vines and a rich harvest. Grapes symbolized prosperity and God's blessing, and therefore their fruiting was associated with the spiritual support of the saint.
After Mikheev's day, the Dormition Fast ended, which runs from August 14 to 27 inclusive, so the holiday was considered a kind of boundary between strict abstinence and a return to ordinary life. After him, the autumn meat—eater began - it was time for weddings and family celebrations. It was believed that August 27 was the last successful day for matchmaking, and a marriage proposal made on that day would bring happiness and stability.
What not to do on the holiday of Micah Quiet
St. Michael's Day is an important stage of spiritual preparation for the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which begins on August 28. On this day, believers follow the tradition of inner purification and humility, as well as observe a number of strict prohibitions. Since the holiday marks the end of the Dormition fast, you can not eat meat, eggs, dairy products and fish.
What else can not be done on August 27:
- Being aggressive and raising your voice, especially at the elderly and children, can lead to illness and family discord.;
- make noise, sing, talk loudly. in order not to disturb the inner concentration;
- Kneading dough and baking bread can lead to long—term financial difficulties.;
- Drinking alcohol can attract misfortune or undermine the well—being of the family.;
- walking barefoot in the dew is a risk of causing a fire in the house;
- unmarried girls wear dirty, wrinkled clothes — according to beliefs, this is how you can alienate a potential spouse.
Folk signs for August 27
On Mikhei Tikhovei, the ancestors carefully observed nature, believing that it was on this day that the coming weather could be predicted. So, if the north wind blows, it promises a generous harvest of rye. There were other signs, too:
- Cranes are flying south, and there will be frosts by mid—October.;
- wet leaves on poplars — prolonged rains are expected;
- the day is hot — the winter will be harsh, cool — mild;
- rain or thick fog in the morning — prolonged bad weather is approaching;
- birch foliage is turning yellow — night frosts are coming soon;
- calm during the day — clear and dry weather ahead;
- strong wind gusts — September will be stormy and rainy.
Earlier, Izvestia told when and how the national holiday Tikhon Strastnoy is celebrated in Russia.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
