Folk signs for January 26: 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 Monday, January 26, and which church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for January 26

In Russia, Ermilov Day was celebrated on January 26, which fell at the peak of the winter cold. Frosts at the end of January were considered especially dangerous, so the main tradition was to keep warm and not risk your health by going outside unnecessarily. The people used to say: "Erema on the stove — overcome the disease and no more pain."

In the old days, the holiday was dedicated to household chores, recreation, and watching pets, especially cats. The peasants treated cats with special reverence, believing that they could bring health and well-being into the house. If a stray cat entered the hut, it was perceived as a good sign. They did not send him away, but tried to greet him and treat him to the most delicious food.

There was also a custom: if a child did not sleep well, they put a cat in his cradle. Our ancestors believed that she was able to scare away evil spirits, which disturbed the baby, preventing him from falling asleep. The main weather signs of Ermilov's day were also associated with cats. So, according to the signs, if a cat lies curled up in a ball, it promises cold weather, and if it stretches out in a dream — a thaw.

Other signs of the day:

• the firewood in the stove burns with a strong hum and crackle — in the bitter cold;
• in the forest, the trees crack violently, leading to prolonged frosts.;
• the sparrows are chirping loudly and in unison — for snowfall soon.
• A titmouse chirps loudly at the window — for early spring.

What not to do on January 26th

In addition to the weather signs, many household prohibitions were associated with Ermilov Day. They were designed to protect against troubles, illnesses and material losses. For example, it was considered a bad sign to lend money or bread, since, according to beliefs, one could find oneself in need. They also tried to avoid any conflicts and disagreements with their loved ones, so that quarrels would not "settle" in the house for the whole year.

The Memory of Savva the Consecrated: what kind of holiday is this and how is it celebrated

Venerable Sava the Sanctified is revered as the guardian of the monastic tradition and a spiritual mentor to whom prayers are addressed for peace and perseverance.

What else can not be done on January 26th:

• to engage in hard physical labor — your strength will not recover soon,
• Cutting your nails and hair can shorten your life or cause trouble.;
• Holding a grudge against loved ones can lead to illness.;
• Planning a long journey or moving will be difficult.

What is the church holiday on January 26th?

On January 26 (January 13, Old Style), the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the holy martyrs Ermil and Stratonik of Singidon, who suffered for their faith at the beginning of the fourth century during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Licinius. Ermil served as a deacon and was captured for openly preaching Christianity. Despite the torture, he did not renounce his faith, as did his friend Stratonik, who served as a prison guard.

Seeing Ermil's torment, he could not come to terms with what was happening and openly declared himself a Christian, for which he was also arrested and tortured. After being tortured, both martyrs were drowned in the waters of the Danube. Their bodies were subsequently found by Christians and buried with honors near Singidona (the ancient name of Belgrade, the capital of Serbia).

On the same day, the church commemorates St. Maximus Kavsokalivit, an Athonite ascetic who lived at the turn of the 13th—14th centuries. He was born in Asia Minor and aspired to monastic life from his youth. After leaving his parents' home, he arrived in Constantinople, and then retired to Mount Athos, where for many years he led the life of a hermit.

For his humility, the Lord gave him the gift of perspicacity and miracles. The saint healed the possessed, rebuked sinners, and predicted future events. Ordinary people, monks, and even the Byzantine emperors came to him for advice and prayer. The elder died at the age of 95. Soon after his death, he was revered as a saint. The monk's memory is celebrated on January 26 and at the Cathedral of the Athonite Saints.

A powerful prayer to the Great Martyr Seraphim: when they read and what they ask for

Prayers on January 26

They pray to the Holy Martyrs Ermil and Stratonik for perseverance in faith, protection from evil and strengthening of the spirit in trials. Saint Stratonikos is also addressed separately as the patron saint of prisoners and all those who are in prison or spiritual struggle. And prayers are offered to the martyr Ermil for the gift of courage, remembering how the Angel strengthened him in prison. St. Maximus Kavsokalivit is asked to acquire virtues, get rid of temptations, and heal mental and physical illnesses.

Prayer to Ermil and Stratonik Sinigidonsky

"Holy Martyrs Ermila and Stratonich! Look down from the heavenly palace on those who require your help and do not reject our petitions; but as our eternal benefactors and intercessors, pray to Christ God, that He who loves mankind and is full of mercy, may preserve us from every cruel situation: from cowardice, flood, fire, sword, invasion of foreigners and internecine warfare. May He not condemn us sinners according to our iniquities, and may we not turn the good things bestowed upon us by the all-merciful God to evil, but to the glory of His holy name and to the glorification of your mighty intercession. May the Lord grant us peace of mind through your prayers, abstinence from harmful passions and from all defilement. <...> Praying diligently, holy martyrs, may Christ God establish in His Most Holy Orthodox Church the living spirit of righteous faith and piety; may all its members, pure from superstition and superstition, worship Him in spirit and truth and They diligently take care of the observance of His commandments; may we all live in peace and piety in the present age and attain a blessed eternal life in heaven, through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom befits all glory, honor and power with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."

Prayer to Maxim Kavsokalivit

Troparion, glas 5

"From the womb of the mother, Venerable Maxim, you are chosen as a friend, dedicated to God, of the divine sight, like Moses, you have been vouchsafed, and you are far from providence, like the great Samuel, the divine miracle of Mount Athos, the Virgin of mystery, Who prays, Father, for us."

Kontakion, glas 8

"For the lofty contemplations of the lover, and the prayers of the wise doer of the skillful, we sing praises to thee, thy servants, O God-bearer. But as a sacrament of divine ascents, guide us to a better life, crying out to you: Hail, Venerable Maxim."

Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to St. John Chrysostom.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.