Folk signs for March 12: 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 March 12 and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for March 12
In Russia, on March 12, the Prokop Perezimnik, or Dorogorushitel, holiday was celebrated. The day was associated with the transition from winter to spring and got its name because of the slush characteristic of this time. It was believed that it was by the middle of March that winter roads began to collapse and the toboggan run became unreliable.
In the old days they used to say: "The winter digger is ruining the road, but he got stuck in a snowdrift." Thus, the peasants emphasized that winter roads were no longer suitable for long-distance travel and it was time for the spring thaw.
Before setting off, our ancestors carefully checked the road — sometimes they even put their ear to the ground to see if it was safe. If the drops were heavy and the sound of water under the snow was heard, they tried to postpone the trip. It was also customary to help travelers on Prokopiev Day. The doors in the huts were often kept open so that anyone could come in to warm up and ask for help if necessary.
Often, a bathing day was held on a holiday, believing that hot steam helps to "wash away" the diseases accumulated over the winter. Hunters traditionally went to the forest. There was a popular belief that it was much easier to track down an animal during the first drop, so they tried not to miss this opportunity.
A lot of weather observations were also associated with the holiday. The peasants were closely watching nature, trying to figure out what the spring and the future harvest would be like. For example, it was believed that if the first snowdrops appeared on the Winter Ground, it meant that field work could begin soon.
Other signs of the day:
- heavy raindrops from the roofs — spring will be warm and fast;
- fog creeps over the ground in the morning, leading to wet and rainy weather.;
- rivers have begun to open up from the ice — real spring is coming soon.;
- Sparrows chirp loudly to indicate a change in the weather;
- the hare ran across the path of the hunter — to the unsuccessful prey;
- the willow blossomed at the top of the tree — for early sowing and a good harvest.
What not to do on March 12th
On Prokopiev day, there were a number of prohibitions, the violation of which could attract failures or ruin the road. On this date, they tried not to go on a long journey, and if necessary, they were afraid to shout loudly or make noise, believing that this way the evil spirits would notice the travelers and create additional obstacles. It was also believed that on a holiday it was not worth quarreling and clarifying the relationship, so that the discord in the family would not escalate into a long-term conflict.
What else can not be done on March 12:
- to set off without checking the road — you can get stuck in a muddy road.;
- waving your hand after a departing person — he may not come back for a long time.;
- Inviting guests for no particular reason can disrupt the peace of the home.;
- feeding birds with yesterday's bread leads to failures and minor troubles.
What is the church holiday on March 12th?
On March 12 (February 27, Old Style), the Orthodox Church honors the memory of Saints Prokopius the Decapolite and Falalei the Syrian. These ascetics lived in different eras, but both became famous for their firm faith, spiritual feats and devotion to Christian teaching. Their lives became an example of perseverance and prayerful service.
St. Procopius the Decapolite lived in the 8th century in the Decapolis region, located east of Lake Galilee. From an early age, he chose the monastic life and devoted himself to the service of God. During the period of iconoclastic disputes, the saint defended the veneration of icons, for which he was persecuted by the Byzantine authorities.
By order of the iconoclast emperor, he was arrested, severely beaten and imprisoned. Despite suffering, Prokopius did not renounce his beliefs and continued to profess the Christian faith. After his release, the saint lived the rest of his life in prayer and spiritual labors, leaving a memory of himself as a staunch confessor.
The Monk Falalei of Syria lived in the 5th century in Syria and became famous for his ascetic feat, choosing the path of a hermit. According to legend, the saint spent many years in prayer and fasting, renouncing earthly comforts. Thanks to his wisdom and gentleness, Falalei gained great fame among the believers who came to him for advice.
Prayers on March 12th
Believers turn to these saints with prayers for spiritual strength, protection from adversity and help in difficult life situations. They are asked to strengthen faith, grant patience and wisdom in making decisions. It is also believed that prayers to Procopius the Decapolite and Falalei the Syrian help to maintain peace of mind and overcome life's challenges. Many ask them for support on the road, in business, and in finding the right path in life.
Prayer to Procopius the Decapolite
"O holy head, Venerable Father, most blessed Abbot Procopius, <...> remember thy flock, which thou hast saved, and do not forget to visit thy children. Pray for us, holy Father, for thy spiritual children, for thou hast boldness towards the Heavenly King: do not be silent for us to the Lord, and do not despise us. Through faith and love of those who honor you: remember us unworthy at the Throne of the Almighty, and do not stop praying for us to Christ God, <...> do not depart from us in spirit, keeping us from the arrows of the enemy and all the charms of demons and the machinations of the devil, our good shepherd, <...> pray to Almighty God for us, 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."
Prayer to Falalei the Syrian
"O Venerable father, most blessed Falalei, do not forget your poor ones to the end, but always remember us in holy and auspicious prayers to God <...> for 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 charms. of the demons and the machinations of the devil, to 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, <...> and may we be delivered from eternal torment. <.. May we be 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 St. Porphyry of Gaza.
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