Folk signs for February 18: 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 18, and which church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for February 18

According to the national calendar, Agafya Korovnitsa is celebrated on February 18. The name of the holiday is associated with special attention to livestock, especially cows. At the end of winter, food supplies were running low, so the day was considered important for the protection of animals and the well-being of the family. The people said: "Take care of the cow on Agafia — there will be milk by the Cover."

At the Agafya Cowshed, the owners carefully cleaned the stables, changed the bedding, and fumigated the premises with herbs and incense. It was believed that such rituals protect cattle from "cow death" — epidemics among animals. Consecrated herbs or juniper twigs were often hung above the entrance. In the morning, according to custom, they went to church to pray for the safety of the flock and prosperity in the house.

Important importance was attached to weather signs, which were used to make forecasts for spring. There is a proverb about this: "Agafya freezes — she hurries the spring." Thus, the peasants noticed that usually at this time there are the last frosts, after which the long-awaited warmth comes. If drops were heard on the holiday, it foreshadowed that spring would be early.

Other signs of the day:

• smoke from the chimney spreads across the ground — to the snowfall;
• Crows are sitting low in the trees — for a snowstorm;
• cattle are behaving restlessly, leading to a cold snap;
• strong wind leads to changeable weather in March;
• snowfall on February 18 — towards late spring;
• a clear and frosty day leads to a dry summer.

What not to do on February 18

There were certain prohibitions on Agafia, primarily related to caring for livestock and the well-being of the family. The ancestors feared that neglect of the household could lead to animal diseases and losses. On this day, it was not recommended to leave the barn untidy and treat the cows carelessly. They also tried not to lend food and feed, so as not to "give away" their wealth with them.

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What else can not be done on February 18:

to offend or beat cattle — to the death of animals;
leaving the barn dirty leads to diseases of cows;
starting large purchases leads to financial losses;
quarreling in the house leads to crop failure and poverty.

What is the church holiday on February 18?

On February 18 (February 5, Old Style), the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the Holy Martyr Agatha of Panormia, or Sicily. She lived in Sicily in the 3rd century during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Decius. Agafia came from a noble family and refused to marry a pagan, remaining faithful to the Christian faith. For this, she was severely tortured and executed. Her steadfastness became an example of courage and spiritual firmness.

Saint Agatha is revered as a protector from fires and natural disasters. According to legend, after her death, Mount Etna erupted, and the inhabitants turned to her with prayers for the salvation of the city. In the folk tradition, her name was combined with caring for livestock, which was reflected in the name of the holiday. The memory of the martyr is widely revered in the Orthodox and Catholic traditions.

Also on February 18, St. Theodosius, Archbishop of Chernigov, a Russian saint of the 17th century, is remembered. The saint came from a noble Little Russian family. He was distinguished by a strict ascetic life, took care of the spiritual enlightenment of the flock and the strengthening of Orthodoxy. Temples were built under him and monastic ministry developed. After his death, his relics were found incorruptible. In 1896, Theodosius was glorified as a saint.

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Prayers on February 18

On St. Agatha's memorial day, it is customary to visit the temple, light candles and ask for peace and well-being in the family. She is also addressed with prayers for the protection of the house from fires, diseases and disasters, the preservation of the health of loved ones and livestock. They pray to St. Theodosius for spiritual support, strengthening of faith, help in ministry and overcoming life difficulties.

Prayer of Agatha of Panorma

"O holy saint of God, Martyr Agatha! Having labored with good deeds on earth, you have received in heaven the crown of righteousness, which the Lord has prepared for all who love Him. Looking at your holy image, we rejoice at the glorious end of your residence and honor your holy memory. But as you stand before the Throne of God, accept our supplications and offer them to the All-merciful God, so that He may forgive us every sin and help us against the machinations of the devil. May we be delivered from sorrows, diseases, troubles and misfortunes, and all kinds of evil, may we live piously and righteously in the present age and be worthy through your intercession, even if we are unworthy to see the good in the land of the living, glorifying God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, who alone is glorified in His saints, now and forever and ever. Amen to that."

Prayer to Theodosius of Chernigov

"O holy head, our mighty prayer-bearer and intercessor, to Saint Theodosius, hear us who call upon you with faith and fervently worship your precious and healing relics (your icon). Remember us at the Throne of the Almighty and do not stop praying for us...Beseech the Heavenly Father to grant us all the gift that is needed by others, true faith, firm hope and undying love, the establishment of our cities, peace, deliverance from gladness and perdition, preservation from the invasion of foreigners, good growth in faith for the young and the infant, consolation and reinforcement for the old and the grave, healing for the sick, orphans and widows mercy and intercession, correction for those who have erred, timely help for those in need. Do not put us to shame in our hope; help us, as a father who loves children, and let us bear the yoke of Christ with benevolence and patience, and guide us all in peace and repentance, to end our lives without shame, and to inherit the kingdom of God, as you now dwell with the Angels and all the saints, glorifying God, who is glorified in the Trinity, the Father and the Son. and the Holy Spirit. Amen to that."

Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to St. Nicholas the Student.

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