Folk signs for February 3: 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 Tuesday, February 3, and the church holidays that are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for February 3rd
In Russia, Maximov Day, also known as Maxim the Comforter, was celebrated on February 3. The holiday was based on mutual assistance and strengthening of family ties. It was believed that the patron saint of the day himself promotes all those who seek peace in the house, helps to comfort the offended and reconcile the quarreled.
The main tradition was a ceremony during which the spouses joined hands and shook the frost from the branches of an apple tree or other fruit tree. The ritual was accompanied by the words: "What God has joined, man cannot separate." Our ancestors believed that such an action, symbolizing unity and willingness to overcome any difficulties together, protects the family from discord, bringing peace and prosperity to the house.
On the holiday, it was also customary to do good deeds, remembering everyone who had ever come to the rescue. Gratitude should be expressed not only in words, but also in deeds — to help a widow, visit a lonely neighbor, give alms. Thus, the chain of goodness was not interrupted, and one could count on not having to deal with the problem alone in a difficult moment.
Weather signs on Maximov Day gave hints about what spring and the upcoming summer would be like. So, a clear sunny day promised that the frosts would last for a long time, but spring would eventually be early. And if the sky was clear and dotted with bright stars on the night of Maxim, it foreshadowed a hot and arid summer.
Other signs of the day:
- the wind blows from the south — expect a warming soon; from the north — cold weather;
- Sparrows hide in the brushwood in flocks — in case of strong wind and snowstorm;
- heavy snowfall on February 3 leads to a late but warm spring;
- frost thickly covers the trees — there will be a good harvest in summer.
What not to do on February 3rd
During the holiday, there were strict rules related to the preservation of family well-being. For example, it was strictly forbidden to quarrel with your spouse and family. Our ancestors feared that the negative words and deeds committed on Maxim's Day had a special power and could materialize, leading to a long and serious rift.
What else can't be done on February 3rd:
- complaining about life, slandering and wishing someone harm is getting into trouble.;
- to lend or borrow money, as well as recalculate large amounts, leads to losses.;
- Leaving dirty dishes overnight was believed to attract poverty and quarrels.;
- to pick up lost things from the ground, especially money and jewelry — it was believed that they carried someone else's negativity and diseases.
What is the church holiday on February 3rd?
On February 3 (January 21, Old Style), the Orthodox Church commemorates St. Maximus the Greek, an Athonite theologian and translator who arrived in Russia at the beginning of the 16th century and stayed here until the end of his days. At the request of Grand Duke Vasily III of Moscow, he began translating spiritual books from the library of Tsar Sophia Paleologue's mother.
His work was extensive: he not only translated, but also corrected errors in liturgical texts, created a princely library and left many of his own writings. However, Maxim the Greek's strictness and principles, his criticism of some local customs and disagreement with the Grand Duke's divorce led to disgrace.
The saint spent more than 20 years imprisoned in monastic prisons, where he suffered from illnesses and hardships. Despite this, he did not give up work and continued to write. Only at the end of his life was he allowed to settle in the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, where he died. In 1988, the Russian Orthodox Church canonized him as a saint.
On the same date, another Christian ascetic, Maximus the Confessor, is remembered. He was born at the end of the sixth century in Constantinople into a noble Christian family, received an excellent secular education and made a brilliant career at the court of Emperor Heraclius, becoming his first secretary. However, he soon left the court and took monastic vows.
Like Maxim the Greek, the saint suffered many hardships and persecutions, uncompromisingly denouncing the heresy of Monothelitism, which distorted the teaching about the nature of Jesus Christ. In 662, he was put on trial and severely tortured: his tongue and right arm were cut off to make it impossible for him to write and speak. The monk died in exile, leaving behind a colossal theological legacy.
Prayers on February 3rd
They pray to St. Maximus the Greek for help in his studies and scientific work, for strengthening faith during trials, for the gift of wisdom and protection from unfair accusations. St. Maximus the Confessor is asked for help in upholding his beliefs, giving courage in the face of persecution, as well as for guidance in difficult matters of faith and healing from ailments.
Prayer to Maximus the Greek
"Reverend Father Maxime! Look upon us mercifully and raise those who adhere to the earth to the height of heaven. <...> Do not cease, O servant of God, crying out to the Lord for us. Through your intercession, ask our All-merciful God for the peace of His Church, under the sign of the militant cross, harmony in faith and unity of mind, the destruction of superstition and schisms, confirmation in good deeds, healing for the sick, consolation for the sorrowful, intercession for the offended, help for the needy. Do not put us to shame, who flow to you with faith. <...> Oh, great servant of God! Help all of us who flow to you with faith through your intercession to the Lord, and guide us all in peace and repentance to end our lives and be filled with hope in the blessed bosom of Abraham, where you now rest joyfully in labor and asceticism, glorifying with all the saints God, who is glorified in the Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy One. Of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."
Prayer to Maxim the Confessor
"Reverend Father Maxime! Strengthen our cowardice and strengthen us in faith, so that we may surely hope to receive all that is good from the Lord's mercy through your prayers. Through your intercession, ask our All-merciful God for the peace of His Church, under the sign of the militant cross, for harmony in faith and unity of mind, for the destruction of superstition and schisms, for the confirmation of good deeds, healing for the sick, consolation for the sorrowful, intercession for the offended, and help for the needy. Help all of us who flow to you with faith through your intercession to the Lord, and guide us all in peace and repentance to end our lives, the heiress of the heavenly Kingdom, so that we may be with all the righteous who have always pleased our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom all glory, honor and worship befits, with His Beginningless Father and with the Most Holy and by His Good and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia told us what they pray to St. Euthymius the Great.
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