Folk signs for February 25: 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 25, and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for February 25

According to the national calendar, Alexey Rybny is celebrated on February 25. Usually, by this time, winter was gradually losing its strength, and fish were "reviving" in the reservoirs. In some regions, it was believed that it was at the end of February that preparations for the future fishing season began, and the catch on this day could be especially successful. Hence the saying: "A fish breaks the ice with its tail on Alexei Rybny."

In the old days, on a holiday, men checked gear, repaired nets, and prepared for a spring trip to the river. Housewives did household chores, baked fish pies or cooked fish soup, if supplies allowed. It was believed that a fish dish on the table would attract prosperity and well-being to the house. The day was also suitable for peaceful work and reconciliation with loved ones.

Special attention was paid to weather observations. If the weather was clear and frosty that day, a prolonged spring was expected. And the thaw was perceived as a harbinger of rapid warming. They said, "Like Alexei, so is spring," emphasizing the date's connection with future changes in nature.

Other signs of the day:

• the cattle are worried in the barn — by the blizzard;
• Crows are cawing loudly for the snowfall;
• Long icicles hang from the roofs — spring will be late.;
• bright sun in the morning leads to early warmth;
• if the fish bites well, the year will be fruitful.;
• a strong wind on this day leads to a wet and rainy spring.

What not to do on February 25

Certain prohibitions were also associated with Alexey Rybny's day. Our ancestors believed that breaking the established rules could lead to setbacks and illnesses. It was not recommended to quarrel and sort things out — this promised protracted conflicts. They also tried not to be lazy, as inaction could lead to financial difficulties in the future.

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What else can not be done on February 25:

• starting a new business without preparation is a recipe for failure;
• throwing away leftovers leads to losses;
• refusing to help those in need leads to loss of support;
• Gossiping and spreading rumors can lead to a loss of trust;
• leaving the house in disarray leads to family troubles.

What is the church holiday on February 25th?

On February 25 (February 12, Old Style), the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Alexy, Metropolitan of Kiev, Moscow and All Russia. He lived in the 14th century and played a significant role in strengthening the Russian Church and state. The saint was known for his wisdom and diplomatic abilities, which allowed him to maintain peaceful relations with the Golden Horde. According to legend, he cured Hansha Taidula of an eye disease, which earned him respect at the khan's court.

Saint Alexy actively promoted the construction of monasteries and temples, and supported spiritual enlightenment. Under him, Moscow's influence as a religious center was strengthened. He raised the future Prince Dmitry Donskoy, influencing the formation of state policy. After his death, the metropolitan was canonized, and his relics rest in the Epiphany Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin.

On the same day, the celebration of the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God takes place. The image is associated with the Iveron Monastery on Mount Athos. According to legend, the icon miraculously appeared to the monks, sailing by sea. She was named the "Goalkeeper" because she was installed above the monastery gates and was considered the protector of the monastery.

The Iveron icon is revered as miraculous. In Russia, lists of this image appeared as early as the 17th century. One of the most famous was in the Iverskaya Chapel at the Voskresensky Gate in Moscow. Believers turn to the icon with prayers for the protection of home and family, for help in illnesses and strengthening faith.

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In the evening, the rite of forgiveness is performed in churches and penitential prayers are performed.

Prayers on February 25

They pray to Saint Alexy for wisdom, peace and harmony, as well as for help in difficult life circumstances. The Iveron Icon of the Mother of God is traditionally approached with requests for intercession, healing, and protection from disasters.

Prayer to Metropolitan Alexy

"O most holy father, to the holy Hierarch Alexy of Christ, our shepherd and teacher, do not reject us (names), who flow with faith to your intercession, but quickly seek to pray to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, that He may deliver His flock from the wolves that destroy it, and protect every Christian country and preserve with your holy prayers from From worldly rebellion and cowardice, invasion of foreigners and internecine warfare, from gladness and destruction, flood, sword, fire, and vain death, and just as by healing the blindness of the Queen of Hagar you saved your fatherland, so have mercy on us, in mind, word, and deed, in the darkness of sinful existence, and deliver us from wrath. God's and eternal punishment, for through your intercession and help, through His mercy and grace, Christ God will grant us a quiet and sinless life in this place, and at His Terrible judgment He will make us worthy to stand with all the saints. Amen to that."

Prayer before the Iveron Icon

"O Most Holy Virgin, Mother of the Lord, Queen of Heaven and earth! Listen to the painful sighing of our souls, and look down from Your holy height upon us, who worship Your most pure image with faith and love. Behold, we are immersed in sins and overwhelmed with sorrows, looking at Your image, as You are alive with us, we offer our humble supplications. Help us, the weak, assuage our sorrow, guide us on the right path, the erring, heal and save the hopeless, grant us to spend the rest of our lives in peace and quiet, grant us a Christian end, and at the Last Judgment of Your Son, a merciful Intercessor will appear to us. May we always sing, magnify and glorify You, as the good Intercessor of the Christian family, with all those who please God. Amen to that."

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

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