Folk signs for February 16: 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 Monday, February 16, and which church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for February 16
According to the national calendar, Repairs were celebrated on February 16. The name is associated with the word "repair", that is, the beginning or repair. This day was the time of preparation for spring field work. Winter was coming to an end, and the peasants were trying to put the farm in order. The people said: "Fix the old coat, too." It was believed that the success of the next season depended on how this day would go.
In the old days, Repairs were carried out on everything that went out of order during the winter. Furniture, carts, plows, horse harnesses, and agricultural tools were repaired. The men were checking household equipment, and the women were patching clothes and household utensils. In the houses, they cooked salamata, a thick flour porridge, and also baked pies. After the day's chores, the young people gathered for gatherings. There were games and amusements where the guys looked at the future brides. The day was considered important for unmarried girls: a good hostess was especially highly appreciated.
Observations were linked to the weather for Repairs, which helped to make plans for the spring. It was believed that if the day turned out to be sunny, spring would be early. If there was a severe frost, prolonged cold weather was expected. The warm weather was perceived as a sign of the imminent melting of the snows. The blizzard promised a late spring and difficult field work.
Other signs of the day:
- A sunny day leads to early spring;
- severe frost leads to prolonged cold weather;
- It's snowing in large flakes, leading to warming;
- the north wind leads to prolonged frosts;
- starry night — for clear weather;
- fog in the morning leads to a thaw;
- drops from the roofs — for the imminent arrival of spring;
- Birds are chirping loudly to indicate a change in the weather.
What not to do on February 16
There were also certain prohibitions related to Repairs. Our ancestors believed that laziness and carelessness on this day could turn into failures in the household. It was not recommended to postpone repairs and preparations for spring work, so as not to meet the season in disarray. They were afraid of quarrels and unkind words, believing that discord in the family would lead to losses. Idleness was also frowned upon, as the day was meant for work and tidying up. People tried to finish what they had started and not get into conflicts.
What else can not be done on February 16:
- quarreling with loved ones leads to family disagreements;
- leaving broken items without repair leads to losses;
- to be lazy and inactive leads to failures in the household;
- starting new things without completing old ones leads to confusion.;
- scattering tools leads to breakage;
- to refuse help leads to a lack of support;
- being greedy leads to financial losses.
What is the church holiday on February 16?
On February 16 (February 3, Old Style), the Orthodox Church commemorates the righteous Simeon the God-receiver and Anna the Prophetess. They are known as the first witnesses of the appearance of the infant Christ in the Jerusalem Temple. According to the Gospel, Simeon was promised that he would not die until he saw the Savior. On the day the baby Jesus was brought to the temple, he met the Mother of God and Joseph and said the prayer "Now let us go." Anna the Prophetess, an elderly widow, also recognized the Messiah in the baby and glorified God.
Simeon lived in Jerusalem and was distinguished by piety and righteousness. In the church tradition, he is called a God—receiver - the one who took Christ in his arms. Anna came from the tribe of Asher and served at the temple for many years, spending time in prayer and fasting. Their memory is closely connected with the feast of the Presentation of the Lord. In the church calendar, they are honored the day after Candlemas.
February 16 is also the memorial day of St. Nicholas of Japan (1836-1912), Equal-to-the-Apostles. He was born in Smolensk province, received a spiritual education and was sent to Japan as a missionary. Nicholas devoted his life to spreading Orthodoxy in Japan, translated liturgical texts into Japanese, and founded the Tokyo Spiritual Mission. Thanks to his works, Orthodoxy became widespread among the Japanese. In 1970, he was canonized as an equal-to-the-Apostles.
Prayers on February 16
Believers turn to the righteous Simeon and Anna with requests for the strength of faith, patience and spiritual consolation. They pray for family peace and help in making important decisions. St. Nicholas of Japan is asked for assistance in missionary service, strengthening faith, and teaching. He is considered the patron saint of enlightenment and intercultural dialogue.
Prayer to Anna and Simeon
"O bishop of God, Saint Nikita, hear us, your sinful servants, who have flocked today to this sacred temple, praying to you and flowing to your sacred shrine and crying out with emotion: just as you sat on the throne of your holiness in this Great New City, and with a single rainless rain, you brought down through your prayers and surrounded this city with a fiery flame Through prayer, you have extinguished the flame of fire, and now we beseech you, O Saint Nikita of Christ, to pray to the Lord to deliver this Great City and all Christian cities and countries from cowardice, flood, gladness, fire, hail, sword, and from all enemies, visible and invisible, so that your chosen prayers may be for the sake of salvation We glorify the Most Holy Trinity, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and your merciful intercession, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."
Prayer to Nicholas of Japan
"Oh, the long-suffering and wise martyr of Christ Tryphenos! Now, honoring your holy memory, we fervently seek refuge in you and pray in the tenderness of our hearts. You have loved the sweetest Lord Jesus Christ more than all earthly blessings, and you have faithfully followed Him through all your life, nourishing your soul with divine grace. Ask for the grace that enlightens us, so that we may be overshadowed by it, that we may prosper in faith and piety, in the struggles of chastity and love, and that we may strive unflinchingly to serve Christ in His neighbors. Therefore, pray to our Saviour that He may vouchsafe us to complete our earthly pilgrimage without blemish, and to end our life in peace and repentance, so that we may live on earth, eternal and blessed lives in heaven, and there with you and with all the saints, let us together praise the Consubstantial and Indivisible Trinity, and sing of the One Godhead, the Father and the Son and Of the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia told us what they pray to St. Nikita of the Caves.
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