Folk signs for March 3: 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, March 3, and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for March 3
According to the national calendar, Oatmeal Day is celebrated on March 3, also known as "Yarilo with oatmeal" or "Yarilo with a harrow." The holiday is associated with the veneration of a small bird with bright yellow plumage, the bunting, which in the old days was considered the harbinger of early warmth. According to the observations of the peasants, it was at the beginning of March that this bird began to raise its voice, reminding them of the approach of spring.
In the popular consciousness, the image of oatmeal was intertwined with the image of Yarila, a symbol of the sun and the rebirth of nature. Therefore, the day was perceived as a kind of boundary between cold weather and the imminent onset of heat. It was believed that if the oatmeal began to sing, the frosts would not last long. People used to say: "Oatmeal sang — it brought spring," or "Oatmeal came — wait for the warmth."
On holiday, the housewives baked "buntings" — cookies and small buns made of oatmeal, often in the shape of birds. Pastries were served to children and neighbors, and crumbs were left on the windowsills or in the yard — "for luck" and "for warmth." They believed that it was possible to appease spring and speed up its arrival. The men were inspecting harrows and other agricultural implements, preparing for future work. Hence the name "Yarilo with a harrow".
On the Day of oatmeal, special attention was paid to weather signs. A clear day was considered a good sign for early warmth and a dry spring. Cloudy and windy weather, on the contrary, promised prolonged cold weather. By the way the birds behaved and how the snow melted, the peasants drew conclusions about the future harvest. If the snow settled quickly, they expected a friendly sowing campaign.
Other signs of the day:
- oatmeal chirps loudly — for a warming soon;
- sunny day — spring will be early and dry;
- A snowstorm has broken out — the cold weather will linger;
- lots of meltwater — for a rich harvest;
- frost on the trees — for a wet and cool spring.
What not to do on March 3rd
Certain prohibitions were also associated with Oatmeal Day. The ancestors believed that during this period nature "wakes up", so it is important not to disturb it unnecessarily. We tried not to quarrel and not to raise our voices, so as not to scare off luck. It was believed that rudeness and irritation on this day could "drive away" spring.
What else can not be done on March 3:
- holding grudges against loved ones leads to protracted conflicts;
- refusing treats leads to crop failure;
- throwing crumbs on the floor leads to lack of money;
- no need to break tree branches — for a cold spring;
- to be idle is for a difficult year.
What is the church holiday on March 3rd?
On March 3 (February 18, Old Style), the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Leo, Pope of Rome. He lived in the 5th century and went down in history as one of the most authoritative Western prelates. Leo became famous as a theologian and defender of Orthodox teaching during a period of complex dogmatic disputes about the nature of Christ. His epistles played an important role in shaping Christian doctrine.
The saint is also known as a wise pastor and diplomat. According to legend, it was he who managed to convince the Hun leader Attila to abandon the destruction of Rome. His work strengthened the authority of the Christian Church in Europe. He was called the Great for his depth of theological work. The saint's memory is revered both in the West and in the Orthodox tradition.
On the same day, St. Kosma of Yakhrom, a Russian saint of the XV century, is remembered. He asceticized within the Vladimir land and became famous for his strict monastic life. The monk founded a monastery on the Yakhroma River, where he led a solitary and prayerful life. His contemporaries revered him as a spiritual mentor and ascetic.
According to his life, St. Cosmas was distinguished by humility and diligence. He tilled the land with his own hands and encouraged the disciples to be obedient and patient. After his death, the place of his exploits became revered. Believers turn to the saint as the patron saint of farmers and those who seek spiritual support.
Prayers on March 3rd
St. Leo is asked for wisdom and perseverance in upholding the truth. St. Cosmas is asked for his blessing for his labors, family peace, and peace of mind. They also pray to the saints for the preservation of faith, strengthening of the spirit and help in difficult life circumstances. It is believed that sincere prayer on this day helps to gain inner confidence and hope.
Prayer to Leo, the Pope
"O most honorable and holy head and full of the grace of the Holy Spirit, dwelling of the Savior with the Father, great bishop, our warm intercessor, to the holy Father Leo, standing at the Throne of all Kings and enjoying the light of the consubstantial Trinity and cherubic angels, proclaiming the trisagion hymn, and having great and unexplored boldness towards the all-merciful Master, pray for the salvation of the flock of Christ. O people, confirm the well-being of the holy churches: bishops, adorn the monks with the splendor of holiness, strengthen the monks for the feat of the good current, preserve the reigning city and all cities and countries with goodness, and keep the holy immaculate faith, pacify the whole world through your intercession, deliver us from gladness and destruction, and preserve us from the attacks of foreigners, comfort the old, guide the young Be wise to be mad, have mercy on widows, intercede for orphans, raise up infants, return captives, free those who are weak and pray to you from all misfortunes and troubles through your intercession: pray for us to the All-merciful and Loving Christ our God, that on the day of His Terrible Coming He may deliver us from our suffering, and grant us communion with all the saints. forever and ever. Amen to that."
Prayer to Kosma Yakhromsky
"O holy head, Venerable father, most blessed Abbo Cosmo, <...> remember us who are unworthy at the Throne of the Almighty, and do not stop praying for us to Christ God, for you have been given the grace to pray for us. We don't think you're dead.: For though you have passed away from us in body, but you are still alive after death, do not depart from us in spirit, preserving us from the arrows of the enemy and all the charms of demons and the machinations of the devil, our good shepherd. For even though your relics of cancer are always visible before our eyes, your holy soul, with angelic hosts, fleshless faces, and heavenly powers, stands at the throne of the Almighty, rejoicing worthily, leading you in truth and being alive after death, we fall down and pray to you: pray for us to Almighty God, for For the benefit of our souls, and grant us time for repentance, so that we may safely pass from earth to heaven, and may we be delivered from bitter ordeals, demons of the air, and eternal torment, and may we be heiresses of the heavenly Kingdom 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."
Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to the Holy Martyr Hermogenes, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia.
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