Folk signs for February 24: 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 Tuesday, February 24, and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for February 24
According to the national calendar, Vlasov Day is celebrated on February 24. The holiday occupied an important place among others, as it fell at the end of winter, when food supplies were running low. Since ancient times, it was considered a cattle festival and was associated with the care of domestic animals, especially cows, on which the well-being of the whole family depended.
In the old days, the owners went to the barn in the morning to inspect the animals and put the room in order. The cows were treated with the best hay, and sometimes special tortillas were baked and fed to the cattle, believing that this would bring health and offspring. The people said: "Vlasia has a beard in oil," hoping for a good yield this year.
There are many weather signs associated with Vlasov Day. It was believed that a severe frost on February 24 heralded an early spring. A thaw, on the contrary, could indicate prolonged cold weather in March. The proverbs noted: "Vlas has come — keep your mittens in reserve," emphasizing the changeability of the weather.
Other signs of the day:
- cows behave calmly — the year will be successful;
- the cattle are worried in the barn — for a change in the weather;
- The sun is shining brightly — for a warm March;
- It's snowing in large flakes — for a wet summer;
- frost on the trees — for a clear day;
- Crows settle low to the wind;
- The smoke from the chimney is spreading along the ground, leading to warming.
What not to do on February 24th
Strict prohibitions were also associated with Vlasov's Day, primarily concerning the household and animals. Our ancestors believed that any disrespect for cattle could lead to diseases and losses. The peasants tried not to raise their voices in the barn. Quarrels in the family were also not allowed, so as not to disrupt peace and harmony.
What else can not be done on February 24:
- scolding or beating cattle leads to animal diseases;
- leaving the barn dirty leads to the death of livestock;
- selling a cow leads to losses;
- laziness and idleness lead to a decline in wealth;
- lending money leads to financial difficulties.
What is the church holiday on February 24th?
On February 24 (February 11, Old Style), the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the Holy Martyr Vlasius, Bishop of Sebaste. The saint lived in the III–IV centuries in the city of Sebaste in Asia Minor. During the period of persecution of Christians, he retired to the mountains, where he led a solitary prayer life.
According to legend, wild animals came to him, and the saint blessed them. In Russia, Vlasius was revered as a defender of livestock. Icons of the saint were often placed in outbuildings. On his memorial day, prayer services were held in churches for the health of animals and prosperity in the home.
On the same date, St. Dimitri Prilutsky, a disciple of Sergius of Radonezh, who became famous for his gift of spiritual guidance, is remembered. Dimitri lived in the 14th century and was distinguished by a strict ascetic life. It was he who founded the famous Spaso-Prilutsky Monastery near Vologda, which became a major spiritual center of the Russian North.
Prayers on February 24
Believers ask these saints for support in various life situations. St. Blasius is approached with requests for health, primarily for diseases of the throat and respiratory tract, as well as for the protection of pets. They pray to St. Dimitry Prilutsky for spiritual strengthening, peace in the family and help in business.
Prayer to Vlasius of Sebaste
"Oh, long-suffering father, great servant of God, Holy Martyr Vlasy. Hear us sinners who run to you and pray warmly to you. <...> You, good shepherd, have great boldness from the Merciful God, just as you are sometimes led to your torment, you did not reject the weeping widows who clung to you, for you freed them from the scourge of the beast, and the other boy was healed by the Lord You have asked, so now look down upon your children, who flow to you at this hour, comforting you and asking for help. For thou hast besought the Lord: if any sickness or trouble befall anyone, and he will remember thy name, help everyone in glorifying His Most Holy Name. Do not reject us who pray to you, but as you promised, grant us every request for good, by the grace of the All-good God, Whose honor and glory are forever and ever. Amen to that."
Prayer to Dimitri Prilutsky
"O holy head, most glorious wonderworker, our God-bearing Father Demetrius! Falling fervently before you, we pray: grant us, the humble and sinners, your mighty intercession. For it is a sin for our sakes, not for the imams of boldness to ask the Lord for His gifts, which we need, but for you, a prayer book favorable to Him, we offer and ask: ask of His goodness all that is for the benefit of our souls and bodies: faith, truth, hope beyond measure, love without hypocrisy, courage in temptation, in suffering patience, constancy in prayer, prosperity in piety, and longed-for health. <...> O holy One of God, do not deprive us sinners of your mighty intercession, but grant us a good end to our lives and inherit the Kingdom of heaven. May we sing and glorify our wondrous God in our saints, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to St. Theodosius of Chernigov.
All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
