Folk signs for February 23: 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 23, and which church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for February 23rd

According to the national calendar, Prokhor Vesnovey is celebrated on February 23. In the peasant tradition, the holiday has gained special significance. It was believed that by this time winter was beginning to give way to spring, hence the name — Vesnovey. The people said: "Prokhor — spring has come to the courtyard."

In the old days, the day was devoted to household chores. The men inspected the equipment and prepared it for future field work. The women cleaned the house, washed and aired the huts to "let out the winter." If the weather allowed, they went out into the yard, cleaned the paths, and straightened the fences.

Special attention was paid to signs related to the weather. This is reflected in the saying: "Like Prokhor, so is March." The clear sun on Prokhor promised an early and warm spring. A severe frost, on the contrary, promised prolonged cold weather.

Other signs of the day:

• The wind blew from the south, leading to a thaw.;
• hoarfrost on the trees lasts until noon — for wet weather;
• Crows are cawing loudly for the snowfall;
• smoke from the chimney spreads across the ground — to warming;
• Clouds are low, leading to precipitation;
• the stars twinkle brightly at night — to the frost.

What not to do on February 23rd

There were certain prohibitions and superstitions on the holiday. Our ancestors were afraid of getting into trouble with careless words and deeds. It was believed that quarrels about Prokhor could drag on for the whole year. It was not recommended to start important business, so as not to face setbacks. The day should have been spent quietly, without too much noise and fuss.

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What else can not be done on February 23:

• lending money leads to financial losses;
• to be lazy and postpone work — spring worries will accumulate;
• Gossiping and discussing others leads to retaliatory gossip;
• leaving the house in a mess leads to domestic troubles.

What is the church holiday on February 23rd?

On February 23 (February 10, Old Style), the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Prokhor of the Caves, a monk of the Kiev Caves Lavra. He lived in the XI century and labored during the period of the formation of monasticism in Russia. For his humility and spiritual feat, he was respected by his contemporaries and revered after his death.

According to legend, the saint ate bread from quinoa, for which he received the nickname Lebednik. During the famine, he distributed the same bread to those in need, which, according to his prayer, became nutritious and tasty. The chronicles tell of another miracle: the ashes, which he blessed, turned into salt. These events strengthened people's faith and glorified the monk as a merciful ascetic.

February 23 also marks the beginning of Great Lent, the longest and strictest in the Orthodox tradition. It usually starts seven weeks before Easter. The essence of fasting is spiritual purification, repentance, and restriction in food and entertainment. Believers tend to devote more time to prayer, reading spiritual literature, and participating in worship services.

The most important prayer during the days of fasting: it helps to purify oneself spiritually and get closer to the shrines.

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Prayers on February 23rd

St. Prokhor of the Caves is considered to be the intercessor of those who are experiencing financial difficulties. People turn to him with requests for help in need, strengthening faith and getting rid of poverty. During Lent, they pray for repentance, ask for family peace and support in good endeavors.

Prayer to Prokhor of the Caves

"O holy head, Venerable Father, most blessed Abba Prochora! <...> Pray for us, holy Father, for your spiritual children, for you have boldness towards the Heavenly King: 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 to Christ God for us. <...> We fall 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 unchallenged, from the bitter ordeals, the demons of the princes of the air, and from eternal torment, so that we may be delivered, and May the heiress of the heavenly kingdom be 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 in Lent

"Open to me the doors of repentance, Giver of life, because my soul has been striving for Your holy temple since early morning, since the temple of my body is all defiled: but You, Generous One, cleanse me with Your mercy. Guide me to the path of salvation, because by shameful deeds I have defiled my soul and spent all the days of my life in laziness: but through Your prayers, deliver me from all uncleanness. When I think of the many evil deeds that I, the unfortunate one, have committed, I tremble at the thought of the Day of Judgment. But, hoping for Your loving kindness, like David, I cry out to You: have mercy on me, God, according to Your great mercy."

Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to St. Pancratius of the Caves.

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