Folk signs for January 15th: 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 Thursday, January 15, and which church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for January 15th
In Russia, Sylvester's Day, or Chicken Day, was celebrated on January 15. It fell in the middle of Yuletide, a special mystical period between Christmas and Epiphany, when, according to popular beliefs, evil spirits are especially active. The main rituals of the day were aimed at protecting the farm from evil spirits and taking care of poultry.
In the old days, the morning of this day always began with a visit to the chicken coop. The peasants carefully cleaned the poultry houses: they cleaned the old litter, litter, and covered the floor with fresh, fragrant straw. The feeders and roosts were inspected and repaired. The birds were fed with selected grain, which was sometimes reserved specifically for this date. It was believed that such generosity would ensure a healthy and numerous brood throughout the year.
Observing nature on Sylvester's Day was especially important for predicting the weather for the future. Our ancestors closely monitored the sky, the behavior of animals and birds to make a forecast for the coming months. For example, if the day was clear and frosty, then it was expected that the summer would be dry and warm. And the thaw on January 15 promised a prolonged and wet spring.
Other signs of the day:
- chickens climb up to the roost early in the evening and huddle closely — to severe night frosts.;
- the rooster sings in the morning at an unusual hour — to an early change in the weather, often to warming;
- magpies chirp loudly and circle around the house — to the blizzard and gusty wind;
- snow will fall in large flakes, leading to calm, windless weather.;
- frost on the trees leads to an abundance of mushrooms in autumn.
What not to do on January 15th
Like many days during the Yuletide period, Sylvester's Day was fraught with various prohibitions. Our ancestors believed that violating these rules could bring disaster to a person or his household. For example, on a holiday, it was strictly forbidden to eat poultry dishes, especially chicken, as this could "bite" luck and lead to diseases of domestic birds.
What else can't be done on January 15th:
- to indulge in despondency and remain alone — it was believed that how you spend this day, this will be the whole year.;
- to make large financial transactions, to lend or borrow money — transactions were considered risky and could lead to losses;
- Cutting hair and nails is a procedure believed to "cut off" a person's luck and vitality.;
- For women, cooking after sunset promised quarrels and discord in the family for the whole year.;
- telling outsiders dreams that you had on the night of January 15th is how you can "scare away" a prophetic omen.
What is the church holiday on January 15th?
On January 15 (January 2, Old Style), the Orthodox Church commemorates St. Sylvester, the Pope of Rome, who led the Roman Church in the fourth century, at a turning point when Christianity became the state religion after long persecution. He was born in Rome into a Christian family, lost his father at an early age, and was raised under the spiritual guidance of Presbyter Quirinus, who gave him a deep theological education.
After becoming Pope, Sylvester ruled the Church for more than twenty years, becoming famous as a zealous defender of the Christian faith. According to legend, it was St. Sylvester who won a public dispute with the Jewish sages about the truth of the Incarnation of the Virgin Mary. His name is also associated with the legend of the taming of the sea monster Leviathan, which consolidated his image as a protector from harm.
On the same day, the Holy Martyr Theogenes, Bishop of Paria, who lived in Asia Minor at the beginning of the fourth century, is remembered. His life fell during the reign of Emperor Licinius, who, although he was the co-ruler of the Christian Constantine the Great, resumed the persecution of believers in the eastern provinces of the empire. When Theogenes was asked to resign, the saint courageously refused to renounce Christ. For this, he was severely beaten and thrown into prison, and then sentenced to drown in the sea.
Before his execution, the saint asked for time for his last prayer, and during it, a wonderful heavenly light shone around him. This miracle converted the shipbuilders and some soldiers to Christ, but the rest hurried to throw the bishop into the water. The martyrdom of Theogenes occurred around the year 320. Subsequently, Christians found his body and honorably buried it at the city wall, and numerous healings began to take place at the burial site.
Prayers on January 15th
Pope Sylvester prays for strengthening faith, giving wisdom in difficult everyday situations, protection from slander, success in studies and theological discussions. Hieromartyr Theogenes is traditionally asked for help in enduring trials, steadfastness of spirit, and healing from diseases, remembering the miracles at his relics.
Prayer to Pope Sylvester
Troparion, glas 4
"The rule of faith and the image of the teacher's meekness and abstinence reveal to your flock the truth of all things. For this reason, you have acquired high humility, rich in poverty, Father Sylvester, pray to Christ God that our souls may be saved."
Kontakion, glas 4
"Thou didst appear as a priest, O King and God of God, thou didst become a fasting companion, and now, O Father, thou didst rejoice in the face of an angel, rejoicing in heaven, Sylvester, glorious shepherd, save those who keep thy memory with love."
Prayer to Theogenes of Paria
Troparion, glas 4
"When you were a communicant of the spirit and a vicar of the throne, you found an act inspired by God, ascended into visions, correcting the word of truth for this, and suffered even to the point of blood for the sake of faith, holy Martyr, pray to Christ God that our souls may be saved."
Kontakion, glas 4
"Having lived piously in the holy One and passed through the torments of the way, you have extinguished the sacrifices of idols, and you have been a champion of your flock, O God-wise one. Let us all the more reverently and secretly cry out to you: deliver us from our troubles forever through your prayers, our father."
Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to St. Basil the Great.
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Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
