Folk signs for February 8: 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 8, and which church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for February 8th
According to the national calendar, February 8 is Fyodor's Day, or Fedor Memorial Day. In the minds of the Slavs, this day was associated with the world of ancestors and the commemoration of the dead. It was believed that it was during this period that the souls of the deceased, longing for their loved ones, could visit the living.
In the morning, it was decided to visit the temple and submit a note about the repose of the deceased. After the church service, they went to the cemetery to put the graves in order, to clear the crosses of ice and snow. A memorial dinner was served at home, the first and obligatory course of which was pea porridge.
Food was generously distributed to beggars, neighbors, and travelers, believing that it pleased the souls of the dead. Some of the food was placed on the window or carried out of the door, thus treating those who could invisibly come to their home.
There are many weather signs associated with Fedorov Day. People used to say, "Fyodor studies the earth," noting that severe frosts often fell during this period. The peasants closely watched the natural signs to predict when to expect warming and when to prepare for the long cold weather. For example, if there was a snowstorm that day, then the same weather was expected on Shrovetide.
Other signs of the day:
- chickadees sing loudly in the morning — for severe frosts;
- bright sun and calm weather — for early and warm spring;
- the cat sits on the windowsill for a long time, and the dog sleeps, curled up in a ball, to the imminent warming.;
- pale, misty moon — for snowfall or blizzard;
- if dry peas roll loudly down the dish — to severe frosts, quietly — to snowfalls.
What not to do on February 8th
During the holiday, when the boundary between the world of the living and the dead was thinning, they were afraid to inadvertently offend the memory of their deceased ancestors or attract the attention of dark forces. On this day, it was not recommended to look in the mirror for a long time, especially in the evening, so as not to see a restless soul or demonic obsession in the reflection. It was also strictly forbidden to drive away beggars and wanderers, since the dead could appear in their guise.
What else can not be done on February 8:
- arrange noisy festivities — according to beliefs, then you will have to cry a lot.;
- quarreling with family members and neighbors could lead to a year—long rift.;
- to let stray animals, especially cats, into the house, as evil spirits could enter the dwelling with them.;
- for unmarried girls to meet guys or go to gatherings — such acquaintances promised unhappy love and unsuccessful marriage.
What is the church holiday on February 8th?
On February 8 (January 26, Old Style), the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Theodore the Studite, a Byzantine monk and theologian who lived at the turn of the VIII–IX centuries. He was born in Constantinople into a noble family, but from a young age he chose the path of monastic service. Together with his uncle, the Monk Plato, Theodore retired to the monastery of Sakudion, where he took vows.
His life fell during a difficult period of iconoclasm. Theodore became one of the most principled and fearless defenders of the holy icons, for which he was persecuted, imprisoned and exiled. He died in his wanderings in 826, leaving behind a great legacy.
During his reign, the Studium Monastery in Constantinople was restored, which became the largest spiritual center of Byzantium. Theodore also drew up a detailed charter that regulated all aspects of monastic life, from prayer to needlework. Later, it formed the basis of the charters of many monasteries, including in Russia.
On the same day, the church commemorates the Venerable Xenophon, his wife Maria, and their sons Arkady and John, who lived in the fifth century. They were noble and wealthy residents of Constantinople, and they were famous not only for their position, but also for their piety.
Wanting to give their sons a better education, the couple sent them to the Phoenician city of Beirut. On the way, the ship crashed, the brothers miraculously escaped, but were separated. Independently of each other, they took vows in different monasteries. Years later, the family reunited in Jerusalem, devoting the rest of their lives to serving God and acquiring the gifts of miracle-working.
Prayers on February 8th
Various requests are made to the saints venerated on February 8. They pray to St. Theodore the Studite for strengthening faith and giving strength in the fight against temptations and sinful thoughts. They also pray to him for help in mastering the sciences and spiritual enlightenment. Venerable Xenophon, Mary and their children are treated as examples of a strong Christian family, asking for the restoration of peace in the family and help in raising children.
Prayer to Theodore the Student
"O holy head, Venerable Father, Most Blessed Abba Theodora! Do not forget your poor ones to the end, but always remember us in your holy and auspicious prayers to God! <...> Pray for us, holy Father, for your spiritual children, for you have boldness towards the Heavenly King; do not be silent for us to the Lord, and do not despise us, who honor you with faith and love. Remember us who are unworthy at the Throne of the Almighty, and do not stop praying for us to Christ God. <...> Do not depart from us in spirit, keeping us from the arrows of the enemy and all the charms of demons and the machinations of the devil, our good shepherd. <...> We bow down to you and pray to you: pray for us to Almighty God, for the benefit of Grant us time for repentance, so that we may pass from earth to heaven unhindered, and may we be delivered from bitter ordeals, demons, and princes of the air, and from eternal torment, and may we be heirs of the heavenly kingdom with all the righteous who have pleased our God Jesus Christ from the beginning; to them belongs all glory, honor, and worship. With His Beginningless Father, and with His Most Holy, Good, and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."
Prayer to Xenophon, Mary and their children
"About Saints Xenophon and Mary with your children Arkady and John! Behold, we who are unworthy and sinners fervently seek refuge in you and pray with strong hope: mercifully now you will hear our voice of prayer and come to our aid, and now show your love for us, the servants of God (names), by the grace-filled action of your God-pleasing prayers, and send down to us the great and rich mercy of the Lord, so that we may sing and glorify the wondrous In their saints, God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia told about what they pray to St. Gregory the Theologian.
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Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
