Folk signs for February 11: 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 Wednesday, February 11, and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for February 11
According to the national calendar, Laurentian Day is celebrated on February 11. In Russia, the holiday was traditionally considered a women's holiday. On this day, men tried to facilitate women's work and made small gifts to their women — they gave shawls, sweets or jewelry, showing special care and attention.
In the old days, there was a belief that the well-being of the family for the whole year depended on the mood and behavior of the hostess of the house on Lawrence. It was believed that a sullen and dissatisfied wife could "invite" long—term discord and quarrels, while a friendly and kind one could ensure peace and prosperity.
The hard work of the household was often postponed to another time. The women were busy only in the kitchen, preparing the festive table. Cabbage pies were the main treat on the holiday. Each family member had to eat at least a piece, and the crumbs were given to pets in order not to "throw away happiness." There was also fish on the table, which was considered a guarantee of peace and quiet in the house.
Another important tradition was observing nature. According to the weather on Laurentian Day, forecasts were made for the coming days and months, and they also predicted what the harvest would be like. So, the strong creaking of snow underfoot foreshadowed a hot and arid August. This was considered a bad sign for cereals and other crops.
Other signs of the day:
- red moon on the night of St. Lawrence — for windy and restless days;
- smoke from the chimney rose in a steady column —mild weather would set in;
- logs in the oven do not ignite well and quickly go out — to warming;
- the wind on the road whirls the snow dust — the year will be troublesome, with a lot of small things.;
- the yards are quiet, the dogs hardly bark — for a calm and prosperous year.
What not to do on February 11th
Our ancestors tried to spend the day in a calm, friendly atmosphere, restraining anger and irritation. According to beliefs, any negativity and harsh words uttered on a holiday could lead to a protracted conflict. It was considered a great sin on St. Lawrence's Day to refuse alms and help those in need. Generosity, caring, and attention to one's neighbor, on the contrary, were rewarded with kindness and prosperity.
What else can not be done on February 11:
- Being angry and holding a grudge against loved ones can attract diseases.;
- use sharp objects — they attract conflicts into the house;
- cutting bread and pies with a knife — they should be broken with your hands, so as not to "cut off" well-being;
- reflecting in front of a mirror about illnesses and problems — it was believed that a mirror could "materialize" words and thoughts;
- unmarried girls should take the place of the head of the family — it was believed that this would delay marriage, and in the future the husband would not respect his wife.
What is the church holiday on February 11th?
On February 11 (January 29, Old Style), the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Lawrence of Caves, Bishop of Turov, who lived in the 12th century. He came from the lands of the Principality of Polotsk. From a young age, striving for a spiritual life, Lawrence received an education at one of the monasteries, where he studied the Holy Scriptures and theology. Then he chose the path of asceticism, settling in the caves of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra.
The fame of his deep piety and faith quickly spread throughout the area. Laurentius was appointed Bishop of Turov, becoming the successor of the famous Saint Cyril of Turov. However, having fulfilled his archpastoral duty, he returned to the lavra, where he continued to lead the life of a recluse. The monk died around 1194 and was buried in the Nearby (Anthony's) caves, where his relics are still found today.
During his lifetime, Lawrence received the gift of healing from God. According to legend, he could heal eye diseases, including blindness, and cast out demons. The Church reveres him as one of the greatest ascetics and miracle workers.
On the same date, they commemorate the Holy Martyr Ignatius the God-Bearer, a disciple of the Apostle John the Theologian and Bishop of Antioch. According to legend, he was the boy whom the Savior took in his arms, for which he received his nickname. Ignatius became the third bishop in the see of Antioch, ruling the diocese for about 40 years.
In 107, during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Trajan, he was captured and sent to Rome for execution, where he was torn to pieces by animals in the Roman Colosseum, courageously accepting death for Christ. Along the way, he wrote seven famous epistles, which are an invaluable monument of early Christian literature.
Prayers on February 11th
They pray to St. Lawrence for healing from diseases, especially eye diseases, the gift of spiritual insight and protection from demonic temptations. He is also approached with requests for help in difficult life circumstances and finding peace of mind. It is customary for the Holy Martyr Ignatius the God-Bearer to pray for strengthening in faith, protection from enemies, and the admonition of loved ones who have departed from the Orthodox faith.
Prayer to Laurentius of the Caves
"O holy head, Venerable Father, Most Blessed Abbot Lawrence! Do not forget your poor ones to the end, but always remember us in holy and auspicious prayers to God: <...> remember us unworthy at the Throne of the Almighty, and do not stop praying for us to Christ God, for you have been given the grace to pray for us. We don't think you're dead.: For though you have passed away from us in body, but you remain alive after death, do not depart from us in spirit, preserving 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 our souls, And grant us time for repentance, so that we may safely pass from earth to heaven, and may we be delivered from bitter ordeals, demons of the air, and eternal torment, and may we inherit the heavenly kingdom with all the righteous who have pleased our Lord Jesus Christ from the beginning.: To Him belongs all glory, honor, and worship, together with His Beginningless Father, and with His All-holy, Good, and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."
Prayer to Ignatius the God-Bearer
"O great, God-bearing Saint Ignatius! We fall down to you and beseech you: look upon us, sinners, who seek your intercession, and beseech the Lord to forgive us all our trespasses. You have laid down your soul as a martyr for the faith, and grant us the courage to imitate you in everything. Nothing in life has been able to separate you from your love for the Lord: no flattering promises, no reproaches, no threats, below the very torment, you joyfully appeared before the beasts to a fierce death and, like an Angel, you ascended to the abode of our Heavenly Father, and your prayer can do much before the Lord. May you, O holy saint, intercede with the Lord, and ask for a prosperous and peaceful life, health, salvation, and well-being in all things <...> May you be our speedy helper in all tribulation, especially at the hour of our death, appear to us as a bright defender and intercessor, and beseech the Lord to be vouchsafed to all of us who now warmly pray to you, After your Christian death, receive the Heavenly Kingdom, where all the saints, together with you, eternally glorify the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to St. Ephraim the Syrian.
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