Folk signs for February 1: 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 Sunday, February 1, and which church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for February 1st

In Russia, on February 1, Makariev Day was celebrated, also known as Makar-vesnokazchik, or Makar Yasny. In the national calendar, this day was perceived as an important milestone marking the transition from winter to spring. Although the frosts were still severe and the days were short, the peasants began to systematically prepare for spring and future field work. Hence the name of the holiday.

In the old days, the day began with a visit to the temple. Then the families started active household chores. First of all, cleaning the house. The dwellings were carefully cleaned of the accumulated rubbish and debris over the winter, believing that diseases, quarrels and failures would go away with it. In some regions, huts were fumigated with smoke from wormwood, thyme or juniper, which provided additional protection.

Another important tradition of Makariev Day was baking loaves and pies with poppy seeds, symbolizing prosperity and protection from evil forces. They were served to the household and neighbors. It was believed that the treat brought well-being to everyone who tasted it.

Special attention was paid to weather signs. They were used to judge the timing of spring and the future harvest. The clear, sunny weather on Makaria promised an early and warm spring. A blizzard or blizzard predicted that winter would linger for a long time.

Other signs of the day:

• The sparrows are chirping together for the snowfall.;
• the cattle in the barn are worried and butting heads — for a snowstorm and a blizzard;
• the cat sleeps all day, curled up in a ball, leading to increased frosts;
• The snow begins to melt on the roofs, leading to a bountiful and rich harvest.;
• thunder on Makariev day leads to a strong and stormy flood in spring.

What not to do on February 1st

The holiday, like other days of the national calendar, had its own prohibitions designed to protect the family from troubles, illnesses and financial difficulties. They were especially wary of actions that could lead to discord in the house. For example, it was strictly forbidden to quarrel and sort things out. It was believed that the conflict that began on that day would drag on for the whole year. They also avoided lending money, fearing that their wealth would go with it.

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What else can not be done on February 1st:

• Holding a grudge against loved ones can lead to illness and discord in the family.;
• plan important meetings and initiatives — they run the risk of not being successful;
• cutting hair and nails — according to beliefs, you can "shorten" your vitality;
• gossiping, slandering and discussing others — attract troubles and misfortunes;
• to refuse alms and assistance to those in need leads to poverty in the home.

What is the church holiday on February 1st?

On February 1 (January 19, Old Style), the Orthodox Church commemorates St. Macarius the Great of Egypt, who is revered as one of the founders of Christian monasticism. Macarius was born at the beginning of the 4th century in Lower Egypt. After the death of his parents, he distributed his possessions and retired to the desert, where he spent more than 60 years in strict fasting, prayer and silence.

His spiritual mentor was the famous ascetic St. Anthony the Great. Having settled in the Hermitage, Macarius founded a monastic settlement, which became a major center. For his spiritual feat, the Lord rewarded him with the gift of perspicacity and miracle-working. During his lifetime, the saint also left deep theological instructions, known as "Spiritual Conversations." They are still an important part of the church's heritage.

On the same day, believers remember Blessed Theodore of Novgorod, who lived in the 14th century in Veliky Novgorod. From a young age, Theodore chose the path of asceticism and prayer. Having strengthened himself spiritually, he took upon himself the difficult feat of foolishness for Christ's sake. He had no permanent shelter, wore light clothes in any weather, and distributed all his alms to other beggars.

At night, the saint walked around the Novgorod temples, praying for his hometown. His actions, which seemed strange, had a deep spiritual meaning and often carried prophecies. So, Theodore predicted a crop failure and a big fire in Novgorod. The townspeople revered him as a saint during his lifetime for his foresight and sincere faith.

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Prayers on February 1st

They pray to St. Macarius the Great for strengthening faith, giving wisdom and strength in the fight against sinful thoughts. He is also asked for intercession in sorrows, getting rid of harmful habits and protection from dark forces. Blessed Theodore of Novgorod is addressed with prayers for healing from diseases, granting patience and humility in life's trials. Both saints are still revered as speedy helpers and intercessors before God.

Prayer to Macarius of Egypt

"O Venerable Father Macarius! We pray to you, unworthy ones, through your intercession, ask our All-merciful God for our mental and physical health, a quiet and God-pleasing life, and a kind answer at the Last Judgment of Christ. Quench the arrows of the devil through your prayers, so that sinful malice may not touch us, so that, having piously ended our temporal life, we may be worthy to inherit the Kingdom of heaven and, together with you, glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen to that."

Prayer to Theodore of Novgorod

"O great servant of Christ, true friend and faithful servant of the Creator of the Lord God, the Blessed Theodora! Hear us many sinners who now cry out to you and invoke your holy name: have mercy on us who today fall down before your most pure image: accept our little and unworthy supplication, have mercy on our wretchedness, and through your prayers heal every ailment and disease of our sinful soul and body, and vouchsafe us the course of this life unharmed by visible and to pass away the invisible enemy sinlessly, and to receive a Christian demise shameless, peaceful, and serene, and to inherit the heavenly Kingdom with all the saints forever and ever. Amen to that."

Earlier, Izvestia told us what they pray to St. Athanasius the Great.

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