Folk signs for February 12: 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 Thursday, February 12, and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for February 12th
According to the national calendar, St. Basil's Day is celebrated on February 12. In the old days, this day was surrounded by a halo of mystery. It was believed that the "animal wedding" begins in the forest thickets and wild animals, obeying their natural instinct, form pairs, simultaneously dividing hunting grounds. The Slavs believed that at this time the forest lived its innermost life and to invade it meant incurring the wrath of its inhabitants.
We tried to spend the day at home, devoting it to household chores. The housewives cleaned up the huts and got rid of old junk. On the holiday, there was a special ceremony: worn-out shoes collected around the house were put outside the door. According to legend, all quarrels and painful thoughts left the house with her. In the evening, the family gathered at a festive table. The centerpiece was game dishes, most often wild boar or hare.
Unmarried girls performed rituals for a successful marriage before sunset. To do this, they went out into the courtyard and tied colorful patches or ribbons on the trees, pronouncing the name of their beloved. According to beliefs, if such a ritual is held on St. Basil's Day, then this year the girl was expected to be married and engaged.
Special attention was paid to signs related to the behavior of animals and birds. The ancestors believed that on this day nature speaks to man in the language of signs, giving hints. So, if hares wandered into the gardens and vegetable gardens, it promised prolonged February frosts. The howling of wolves near the outskirts was a sure sign of the cold. And the mice running out into the snow foreshadowed a thaw.
Other signs of the day:
- the trees are thickly covered with frost — the cold will soon recede;
- snow falls in large, fluffy flakes, leading to stable warm weather.;
- Crows caw loudly and hide under the eaves — in case of a blizzard or snowstorm;
- a strong wind is blowing, without abating in the evening — for the rainy season;
- The rooks arrived ahead of schedule — there will be an abundance of berries in summer.
What not to do on February 12th
Strict prohibitions were observed on St. Basil's Day. Violation of these rules, according to the ancestors, could turn into various troubles. For example, it was forbidden to hunt and go into the forest, especially alone. It was believed that in this way it was possible to disrupt the mating games of the inhabitants of the forest and bring disaster upon themselves. They were also afraid of quarrels, believing that the disagreement that occurred on February 12 could lead to a protracted conflict.
What else can't be done on February 12th:
- swearing, aggression, or anger — in the old days, it was believed that the energy of the day could enhance negative manifestations;
- make spontaneous, thoughtless purchases — they will be useless.;
- Washing clothes for women is believed to bring good luck and well—being with the water from the house.;
- to welcome stray dogs — people were afraid that evil spirits could enter the yard in their appearance.
What is the church holiday on February 12th?
On February 12 (January 30, Old Style), the Orthodox Church celebrates the Council of Ecumenical Teachers and Saints Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom. The history of this holiday, also known as the Three Saints, dates back to the XI–XII centuries. At that time, Constantinople was gripped by heated debates over which of the three saints should be considered the greatest.
Christians were divided into three camps. Some praised Basil the Great for his strictness and organization of monastic life. Others are John Chrysostom for his incomparable eloquence and wisdom. And the "Gregorians" gave priority to Gregory the Theologian for the depth and accuracy of his dogmatic formulations. Theological disputes have reached such a pitch that they have begun to threaten church unity.
The conflict was resolved miraculously: Metropolitan John Mavropod saw all three saints in a dream, declaring their equality before God. The saints ordered the establishment of a single day of their veneration in order to end the strife. Around 1084, the celebration was officially introduced in Constantinople, and then spread throughout the Orthodox world. The icons of the saints also began to be depicted side by side, emphasizing the importance of each of them.
On the same day, St. Zinon of Cappadocia, a disciple of St. Basil the Great, is remembered. A native of Pontus, he served at the imperial court. Later, after leaving the service, Zinon retired to a cave near Antioch, where he spent about 40 years in complete solitude, living only on bread and water. Every Sunday he traveled a long way to receive communion in the temple. The monk died at the beginning of the fifth century. His life became a model of the deepest humility and love for God.
Prayers on February 12th
On the feast of the Three Saints, the holy teachers are addressed with a common prayer, asking for peace in the family, protection from injustice and help in matters of faith. You can also pray to them separately. St. Basil the Great — about deliverance from temptations, strengthening the spirit and guidance on the righteous path. John Chrysostom — about the gift of eloquence and clarity of thought. To Gregory the Theologian about consolation and healing, and help in raising children in the spirit of the true faith. They pray to St. Zinon of Cappadocia for spiritual purification, help in good deeds and good endeavors.
Prayer to the Three Saints
"O most holy lampstand of the Church of Christ, Basil, Gregory and John! <...> I fall down to your mercy, crying out with faith and love from the depths of my soul: I stand before the Throne of the Most Holy, Consubstantial, Life-giving and Inseparable Trinity <...>...> always pray to Her, may she strengthen us in Orthodoxy and like-mindedness, and in our unshakeable confession of the faith of Christ even to death, and in our sincere obedience to his Holy Church.: May our enemies gird us with power from on high against all invisible and visible enemies: may the Church preserve her inviolability from unbelief, superstition, heresies and schism; may she grant our archpastors health, longevity and good haste in everything: may she grant our pastors spiritual sobriety <...>, judgment and truth as a ruler, patience and courage as a warrior and overcoming enemies, intercession for the sick and widows, healing for the sick, good growth in faith for the young, consolation for the elders, intercession for the offended, and everything necessary for temporary and eternal life, so that in peace and repentance, burning with the desire for salvation, working for the Lord, striving with good deeds, we will end our course and be worthy in Heaven May we always bless and glorify the Most Holy and Magnificent Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen to that."
Prayer to Zinon of Cappadocia
"O holy head, Venerable father, most blessed Abbess Zinone, do not forget your poor to the end, but always remember us in holy and auspicious prayers to God: remember your flock, which you have saved yourself, and do not forget to visit your children. Pray for us, holy Father <...> do not be silent for us. To the Lord, and do not despise us who honor you with faith and love: remember us 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 we pray to you: pray to Almighty God for us, for the benefit of our souls, and grant us time for repentance, so that we may pass from earth to heaven unhindered, and may we be delivered from bitter ordeals, demons of the air, and eternal torment, and may we be heiresses of the heavenly Kingdom with all the righteous who have pleased our Lord forever. To Jesus Christ: 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."
Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to St. Ephraim the Syrian.
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