Folk signs for February 28: 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 Saturday, February 28, and which church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for February 28

In the national calendar, February 28 was called the day of Onesimus the Shepherd or Onesimus the Shepherd. The holiday was associated with the care of sheep and other livestock, which was reflected in its name. It was believed that by the end of winter, the animals were in particular need of care, because the start of field work was just around the corner.

In the old days, the owners inspected the sheep pens, checked the feed stocks, repaired the fences and insulated the barn. Special attention was paid to pregnant sheep so that the offspring was healthy. On this day, the women spun wool and engaged in needlework related to sheep yarn. There was a custom of fumigating the barn with herbs to protect the animals from diseases.

Weather observations were also connected with Onesimus Ovcharnik. According to the state of the sky and the behavior of animals, they judged what spring would be like. People used to say, "Like Onesimus, so is spring." If the weather was clear and the sun was shining that day, a warming was expected soon. A strong wind promised a prolonged spring and a late snowfall.

Other signs of the day:

• lots of icicles on the roofs — for a rich harvest;
• sheep are restless in the barn — the weather is changing;
• hoarfrost on trees — for a dry summer;
• cloudy sky without precipitation — for a rapid warming;
• loud cries of crows — for snowfall.

What not to do on February 28

There were certain prohibitions and superstitions on the holiday. It was believed that one should not be lazy and postpone household chores, otherwise the year would be unsuccessful. It was also not recommended to share your plans, so as not to scare off luck, and lend money, since, according to beliefs, you could "give away" prosperity from home with them.

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What else can not be done on February 28:

• swearing with loved ones leads to lingering resentments;
• Starting big things leads to obstacles;
• refusing to help those in need leads to loss of support;
• taking out the trash after sunset leads to a drain of well—being from the house.

What is the church holiday on February 28th?

On February 28 (February 15, Old style), the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the Apostle Otto, Bishop Onesimus of Byzantium, who lived in the first century. His name is mentioned in the New Testament, in the Epistle of the Apostle Paul to Philemon. According to church tradition, Onesimus was a slave of the noble Christian Philemon. Having committed a misdemeanor, he fled from his master and ended up in Rome, where he met with the Apostle Paul.

Under the influence of Paul's sermon, Onesimus converted to Christianity. The apostle instructed him in the faith and, wishing to reconcile the disciple with his former master, sent him back to Philemon with a letter. This epistle, which entered the canon of Holy Scripture as the Epistle to Philemon, became one of the most personal and touching texts of the Apostle Paul. In it, he asks to receive the fugitive "no longer as a slave, but above the slave — as a beloved brother."

Onesimus was indeed accepted as a brother in faith. Later, he devoted his life to the service of the Church and, according to legend, was appointed bishop of Byzantium. The saint preached Christianity, strengthened communities of believers and instructed new converts. During the persecution of Christians, he was persecuted and suffered a martyr's death, remaining faithful to the confession of Christ to the end.

On the same day, a celebration is held in honor of the Vilna Icon of the Mother of God. According to legend, the image was painted by St. Luke the Evangelist. The icon got its name from its place of residence in Vilna (now Vilnius). For centuries, it has been revered as miraculous: it has been associated with numerous testimonies of help, healing, and protection from disasters.

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Prayers on February 28

They turn to the Apostle Onesimus with prayers for help in difficult life circumstances, for reconciliation and strengthening of faith. He is asked for support in matters related to work and ministry. In front of the Vilna Icon of the Mother of God, they pray for the protection of the home, the health of loved ones and deliverance from troubles. Believers also ask for spiritual comfort and strength in trials.

Prayer to the Apostle Onesimus

"Holy, glorious and all-laudable apostle Onesimus of Christ, we beseech you with faith and love: beseech the Lord Christ to transform our souls from those who love sin into those who love God; preserve and preserve us through your prayers from the temptations of the devil and the falls of sin, and ask for help from above in our time of despondency and helplessness; so that we may not stumble over the stone of temptation, but We are steadily following the saving path of the commandments of Christ, until we reach these blissful mansions of paradise, where you are now settled and having fun. To her, the Apostle of the Savior! Do not put us to shame, who put our trust in you, but be our helper and protector in all our lives, and help us to end this temporary life piously and God-pleasing, to receive a good and peaceful Christian end, and to be vouchsafed a good answer at the Last Judgment of Christ; so that, having escaped the ordeals of the air and the power of the cruel ruler of the world, we may inherit the Kingdom of Heaven and glorify the magnificent The name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen to that."

Prayer in front of the Vilna Icon

"Intercessor of the faithful, Most Holy and Sinless Mother of God! We beseech You before Your miraculous image, do not turn away from us, holy Intercessor and patroness of all Christians. Your help has saved us more than once, so hear our prayers for You. We need You and we cry out to You: deliver us from all troubles and misfortunes, save our souls and help us come to the Lord. We will praise Your name and Your help forever and ever. Amen to that."

Earlier, Izvestia told what they were praying to St. Auxentius of Bithynia.

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