Folk signs for March 4th: 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, March 4, and which church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for March 4th

In Russia, March 4 was celebrated on Arkhipov Day, also known as Arkhip and Philemon Day. This date marked an important milestone — spring was finally coming into its own, and the peasants were beginning to prepare for the new agricultural season. Our ancestors believed that how you spend this day largely determines how the whole current year will turn out.

In the old days, a generous table was set in the villages to "invite" prosperity into the house. A large round loaf was baked as a symbol of the sun and prosperity, and treats were shared not only with relatives, but also with the poor, orphans and wanderers. It was considered important not to leave a crumb of the loaf: the leftovers were either given to the birds, or, sprinkled with salt, thrown over their shoulders in order to "be with bread" and not know the need in autumn.

On Arkhipov day, another ceremony was performed: they went out to the hills, the so-called ugorye, and left sheaves of various cereals there overnight. In the morning we watched: whichever sheaf is covered with frost more strongly, that bread will be born better. For example, if the hoarfrost was more abundant on the rye sheaf, it means that in autumn you can expect a rich harvest of rye.

The weather of the day was used to judge the nature of the coming spring. Special signs were associated with the behavior of animals and birds. If a seagull flew by at that time, it means that the ice drift will begin soon. And a meeting in the forest with a white hare was considered a sign of a possible cold snap, while a gray hare, on the contrary, promised an early warming.

Other signs of the day:

• Rooks and jackdaws are sitting in flocks on the road — in bad weather;
• rain on this day leads to high water;
• A reddish moon in the sky is a sign of warm but wet weather.;
• Twinkling stars — for a cold snap;
• high snowdrifts — for late and cold spring;
• a sunny day — for a fertile, fruitful year.

What not to do on March 4th

On Arkhipov Day, as on any other day of the national calendar, there were prohibitions that they tried not to violate in order not to cause trouble. It was supposed to be spent in labor and care, but it was strictly forbidden to be lazy, swear and refuse help. People believed that idleness would lead to acute need, and the work and good deeds done on March 4 would return a hundredfold.

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What else can not be done on March 4th:

• quarreling and swearing can lead to protracted conflicts.;
• to boast of wealth and success — you can lose your gains;
• picking up a fallen needle with your fingers is a sign of resentment from a loved one;
• to be lazy and "oversleep" a day — spring will be sluggish and joyless;
• to refuse help, alms or treats — luck will turn away.

What is the church holiday on March 4th?

On March 4 (February 19, Old Style), the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the 70 Apostles Archippus and Philemon and the Martyr Apphia. Philemon lived in the first century in the Phrygian city of Colossae in Phrygia. Together with his wife, Apphia, he was baptized by the Apostle Paul and turned his house into the center of a Christian community, where believers gathered for prayer, and the sick and destitute found shelter and help.

The Apostle Archippus was the son of Philemon, according to another version, his brother. Since his youth, he has been particularly zealous in his faith. Later he was ordained bishop of the city of Laodicea, and then of Colossus. During the persecution of Christians under Emperor Nero, the saints suffered martyrdom: the Apostle Archippus was torn to pieces with knives, and Philemon and Apphia, by the verdict of the city governor, were stoned.

On the same day, the memory of St. Theodore of Sanaksara (in the world of Ivan Ushakov), a revered Russian saint, who was the uncle of Admiral Fyodor Ushakov, is celebrated. He was born in the early 18th century into a noble family. After starting his service in the Guards Preobrazhensky regiment in St. Petersburg, he later left worldly life and chose the monastic path, becoming one of the organizers of the Sanaksara monastery.

The monk died at the age of 73, receiving disciples and instructing the brethren until his last days. In 1999, he was glorified as a local saint of the Saransk diocese, and in 2004 the Bishops' Council of the Russian Orthodox Church canonized him as a general church saint.

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Prayers on March 4th

Believers pray to the Apostles Archippus and Philemon for strengthening faith, help in doubts and wisdom in decisions, as well as for peace in the family and a good home. St. Theodore of Sanaksara is approached for spiritual support in difficult circumstances, asking for help in choosing a path and strengthening in trials.

Prayer to Archippus and Philemon

Troparion, glas 3

"Holy apostles, pray to the merciful God, that He may grant remission of sins to our souls."

Kontakion, glas 2

"Like the all-shining stars that enlighten the ends, let us praise the apostles of Christ, Philemon the glorious, and Archippus the holy, and with them the all-wise Apphia, crying out: pray unceasingly for us all."

Prayer to Theodore of Sanaksara

"Oh, our joy! To our pastor, Reverend Father Theodore! We sigh from the depths of our hearts and cry out to you with tears: see our weakness, our stay in the darkness of passions, our mental relaxation, self-restraint, carnality, captivity, and impoverishment of all virtues! See our weeping and perplexity! Give us understanding and guide us to the paths of salvation, ask the magnanimous God of our poverty for knowledge, tearful repentance, unfeigned humility and unceasing patience in prayer, so that we may incline His goodness to ourselves for the forgiveness of sins and be worthy to abide with you forever in the Kingdom of heaven, singing and blessing the All-Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Son. Of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."

Earlier, Izvestia told us what they pray to St. Kosma of Yakhrom.

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