The ancient Slavic holiday on March 1 is Yarilin's day: history, traditions, omens

In Russia, on March 1, Yarilin Day was celebrated — the ancient Slavic New Year, which personified the awakening of nature and the beginning of the spring cycle. The day was dedicated to Yarila, the god of the sun, warmth and fertility, on whom, according to the ideas of the ancestors, the future harvest and the well-being of the family depended. In 2026, the date falls on a Sunday. Read about its history, traditions and folk signs in the Izvestia article.

Yarilin's Day – 2026: the history of the holiday

Yarilin's day goes back to the days before the Baptism of Rus, when the worldview of the Eastern Slavs was built around natural cycles. The central figure of the holiday was Yarilo— a solar deity who personified spring power, warmth and fertility. In the popular consciousness, he was perceived as a powerful but benevolent force.

It was believed that Yarilo was able to influence all living things, from crops in the fields to the fertility of women. In spring, according to the ancestors, he "woke up" with nature, filling the earth with warmth and energy.

Therefore, on March 1, the first day of spring, folk festivals, chants and rituals aimed at "pleasing" the solar deity were organized. The noisy round dances and collective celebrations had a symbolic meaning: people's joy had to be heard by the heavenly body.

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Until the end of the XV century, it was on March 1 that the New Year was celebrated in Russia. This day was perceived as a moment of renewal of nature and the beginning of a new stage of life. The arrival of spring meant not only a change of season, but also hope for a future harvest, prosperity and family health. In this context, Yarilo acted as a "guarantor" of well-being and a "protector" from disasters.

Spring Yaril's Day was not the only celebration in honor of the deity. The second date was celebrated on July 1, the so-called peak of summer. It was in the midst of agricultural work. During the haymaking period, people had no time for mass celebrations, so the summer holiday was held more calmly.

Traditions of the national holiday Yarilin day on March 1st

Yarilin's day reflected an ancient model of calendar thinking, in which the solar cycle was directly linked to agricultural practice. The holiday combined faith in the favor of the patron saint with the pragmatic calculation of peasant farmers, for whom spring meant the beginning of a new field cycle.

At the beginning of March, the ground gradually began to warm up, and preparations for field training began in the villages. The peasants were checking agricultural implements, putting carts in order, and assessing seed stocks. The holiday signified an inner willingness to work. "Yarilo has risen — take hold of the pitchfork, man," the ancestors said.

Yaril's day was a celebration not only of the sun, but also of vitality, so a significant part of the rituals were aimed at health, procreation and future prosperity. Pregnant women occupied a special place in the tradition. Relatives tried to take them outside so that they could "receive" the first rays of spring. There was a belief that solar energy could give them strength and make childbirth easier.

On Yaril's day, the midwives collected snow, melted it, washed the expectant mothers with melt water, and also washed their own hands and face. It was believed that such water has special healing properties.

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It was not customary to work on March 1, the day was considered a time of fun and renewal. People dressed up, danced around, organized games and competitions. The young people got to know each other, looked at each other. It was believed that couples formed on Yaril's day would create a strong and long-lasting marriage.

If snow fell on the night of March 1, it was perceived as a special sign. In the morning, the children were woken up early and sent to clear paths from the house to the well. It was believed that such an activity would protect a child from diseases and bring him happiness.

What not to do on Yaril's day

In Russia, Yarilo was considered a bright but wayward deity. The spring sun gave warmth and life, but it could also "burn" someone who showed disrespect. The holiday represented a delicate balance between winter and spring, when it is especially important to keep the house clean, calm in the family and respect for the awakening nature. It was accompanied by a number of strict prohibitions, the violation of which, according to beliefs, could negatively affect health, wealth and destiny.

Actions that "desecrate" snow, a natural symbol of the passing winter and purification, were considered particularly dangerous. He should not have been trampled on, garbage thrown at him, dirty water poured out. Our ancestors believed that this could lead to loss of well-being and illness.

What else you can't do on March 1st:

• washing clothes — dirty water can "take away" the financial stability of a family;
• swearing and swearing — anger and swearing can anger Yarila, and severe illnesses will be the punishment.;
• chopping down trees — such aggression against the awakening nature promises a series of failures.;
• counting small amounts of money can lead to prolonged hardship and "tears for three years";
• Cutting your nails after sunset can "cut off" your vitality and cause trouble.;
• sewing and needlework — such clothes will quickly fail and will not bring joy to the owner.;
• Doing hard work is a day designed for fun and relaxation, and those who violate the ban risk spending a year in endless worries.

Folk signs for March 1st

Yaril's day was considered the boundary between the two seasons, when winter was still in no hurry to retreat, and spring was only gaining strength. People used to say that "in March, day and night are measured." On March 1, the peasants carefully observed nature, trying to figure out what the coming season would be like.:

• Clouds are moving fast across the sky, leading to warm and clear weather in the coming days.;
• The day is warm and sunny, leading to a cold snap soon, as early warmth is deceptive.;
• snowfall on March 1 — for a good harvest;
• birds are behaving restlessly — by the return of cold weather;
• dogs roll on the ground — in the face of a strong wind;
• A warm wind leads to a wet summer;
• The new moon on March 1 refers to a dry year.

Earlier, Izvestia told when and how to celebrate Forgiveness Sunday and Carnival celebrations in 2026.