Folk signs for February 19: 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 19, and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for February 19th

According to the national calendar, February 19 is the Vukol Calf Day. The day was closely related to the care of livestock. At this time, the farms often started breeding cows, so special attention was paid to calves. The welfare of the family for the whole year depended on the condition of the animals. No wonder they said: "Calves are welcome in the barn."

In the old days, housewives carefully cleaned the barn, changed the bedding, and monitored the warmth and dryness in the room. It was believed that drafts and dampness should not be allowed on this day, so that the calves would grow strong. They tried not to show them to outsiders, fearing the evil eye. The cows were watered with warm water and fed with the best hay. In some regions, the barn was fumigated with herbs to protect livestock from disease and spoilage.

Weather observations were also of great importance. They were used to judge future crops and harvests. If there were severe frosts on Vukolu, this promised stable cold weather until the end of winter, which is reflected in the saying: "Frost on Vukolu leads to a long spring." If the day was clear and sunny, then a thaw and early spring were expected.

Other signs of the day:

• A snowstorm on this day will lead to a stormy March;
• the wind increases in the evening, leading to a change in the weather;
• a calf coop is warm and dry — to a healthy offspring;
• starry night — to steady cold weather;
• snow is falling in large flakes, leading to warming.

What not to do on February 19th

There were certain prohibitions related primarily to livestock and family well-being on the day of the Vukola of the Calf House. For example, it was strictly forbidden to swear in a stable or raise your voice next to animals. They also avoided hard work outside the farm, so as not to be distracted from caring for livestock. It was believed that neglecting these rules could harm the offspring and deprive the family of prosperity.

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What else can't be done on February 19th:

• leaving the barn dirty leads to livestock diseases;
• borrowing milk and dairy products leads to losses in the household;
• quarreling and clarifying the relationship leads to troubles in the family;
• letting outsiders into the calf coop leads to the evil eye and spoilage.

What is the church holiday on February 19th?

On February 19 (February 6, Old Style), the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Vukola, Bishop of Smyrna. According to church tradition, he was a disciple of the apostle and evangelist John the Theologian. Vukola lived in the I–II centuries and became the first bishop of Smyrna. His ministry took place at a time when Christian communities were still being formed and were often subjected to persecution.

The saint strengthened the faithful, instructed them in the true teaching and took care of the moral purity of the flock. Before his death, according to legend, he ordained Saint Polycarp of Smyrna, one of the famous apostolic men, as his successor. The Church honors Vukola as an example of a pastor who combined spiritual firmness with meekness and mercy.

On the same day, St. Photius, Patriarch of Constantinople, who lived in the 9th century, is remembered. He came from a noble and educated family, received a brilliant secular education and was known as an outstanding scientist of his time. Prior to taking holy orders, Photius held high government positions at the Byzantine court.

During the period of theological disputes, the saint defended the purity of the Orthodox faith, opposed distortions of the Creed, and made a significant contribution to the development of church literature. Among his works are theological writings, epistles, and the famous "Library," which is a collection of reviews of books he has read.

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Prayers on February 19th

Believers turn to St. Vukola with requests for the strength of faith, spiritual guidance and protection of the family. He is also asked for well-being in the home and peace between loved ones. They pray to St. Photius for wisdom, strengthening in faith and help in difficult life circumstances. It is believed that his intercession also helps in studies and education.

Prayer to the Apostle of Smyrna

"O holy head, Venerable father, most blessed Mother in Law, do not forget your poor to the end, <...> 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 Photius of Constantinople

O all-wise and most excellent bishop, equal-to-the-apostles, enlightener of the Bulgarian land, <...> Holy Father Photius. <...> Hear us, your humble children, show your intercession for us to the Most High, imploring with warmth that your servants may forgive us and open the doors of his mercy to us. <...> Deliver us from all evil and from every resisting thing, direct our mind and strengthen our hearts in the Orthodox faith... But preserve us from heretical devices with kindness and guide us to be true in love. Teach us to do all good deeds, especially tearful repentance for sins.: That, after our departure to the world there, we may cover ourselves with the omophorion of your prayers and preserve you with the maternal intercession of our Most Blessed Lady, so that we may be delivered from the ordeals and eternal torment, so that with you and with all we may always glorify the Holy name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the endless ages of ages. Amen to that."

Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to St. Theodosius of Chernigov.

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