Folk signs for March 13: 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 13 and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for March 13
Kasyanov Day was celebrated in Russia on March 13. Our ancestors considered this date to be alarming and even "difficult." It was associated with the turning point of winter, winds and dampness. It was believed that nature was especially changeable at this time, and frosts could still return. In the old days they used to say: "Kasyan, no matter what he looks at, everything withers away," emphasizing the harsh nature of this day.
People believed that at such a time it was better to wait out the vagaries of the weather than to try to resist it. For the same reason, there were no lavish feasts and no weddings. In many villages, the day was spent quietly, in a narrow family circle, avoiding noisy companies and excessive fun.
The housewives tried to keep order in the house especially carefully, kept the fire burning in the stove and did not unnecessarily let the cattle out of the yard, as any disturbance in the household was perceived as an unkind sign. With the onset of evening, they were careful not to let strangers into the house or yard, fearing that trouble or evil spirits could be let in with them.
Since Kasyanov Day fell on the turn of winter and spring, the villages closely monitored changes in nature and animal behavior, considering them signs for the near future. A clear and dry morning served as a harbinger of a calm and warm spring. If a damp wind rose, fog appeared and the sky was overcast, prolonged bad weather and the late arrival of heat were expected.
Other signs of the day:
- The cattle are worried about the weather and dampness in the barn.;
- birds behave noisily — to wind and precipitation;
- lots of water and melted snow in the yard — spring will be wet;
- The day passes quietly, without sharp gusts of wind, which leads to warming.
What not to do on March 13
There are also many prohibitions associated with the holiday, designed to protect against troubles and misfortunes. The ancestors were afraid that any hasty undertaking would turn into failure, so they tried not to tempt fate. For example, it was recommended to abandon the long-distance road, since, according to beliefs, the path could be difficult and useless. They also tried to postpone new business, especially if it concerned money, household, or important family decisions.
What else can not be done on March 13:
- to sort out relations with loved ones — the conflict can drag on for a long time.;
- to lend money or borrow money leads to monetary losses;
- gossiping and swearing — in the old days, it was believed that the day "remembers" bad words;
- to work through strength — it was believed that labor would not bring benefits anyway.
What is the church holiday on March 13th?
On March 13 (February 28, Old Style), the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. John Cassian of Rome, a Christian monk and theologian who is revered as one of the founders of monasticism in Gaul. The saint lived at the turn of the IV–V centuries. In his youth, he became a monk in the Bethlehem monastery, and then traveled for many years through the Egyptian deserts, learning from the experience of famous ascetics.
Later he found himself in Constantinople, where he listened to St. John Chrysostom and became a deacon. After that, he was sent to Rome, and later to Marseille, where he founded monasteries for men and women modeled on oriental monasteries. He was particularly famous for his works on monasticism and spiritual struggle, which set out the rules of monastic life, the meaning of fasting and prayer, as well as opposition to passions.
On the same day, the faithful remember St. Basil the Decapolite. He lived in the 8th century and was a monk during the time of the iconoclast emperor Leo the Isaurian. When the persecution of icon worshippers began, the saint, along with his associate Procopius the Decapolite, was tortured and imprisoned.
After the death of the ruler, Basil was released and continued his monastic feat, instructing people in faith and a virtuous life. The Church honors him as a confessor, that is, a man who did not renounce his faith in the face of severe trials.
Prayers on March 13th
Both saints are revered as an example of perseverance, spiritual achievement, and fidelity to Christian ideals. St. John Cassian is addressed with prayers for help in the struggle against passions, strengthening in fasting and understanding the Christian life. They pray to St. Basil the Decapolite for firmness in faith and courage in troubled times.
Prayer to Cassian the Roman
"O blessed and ever-memorable Father Cassians, <...> remember us, who praise your virtuous life, and do not leave us helpless. Look at our lives, agitated by everyday worries, so that the sinful storm may not drown us, and the depths of pernicious despair may devour us below. Hear the prayer of us sinners who pray, and do not despise the supplications of us who are weak. <...> See, holy One, that our soul is humbled into dust, and that the enemy who hates us would be for joy, killing us all day with evil deeds, for truly we are lost, like sheep without a shepherd. <...> We are blessed by God, We trust in you for God, we praise you, we invoke your holy name for help, and, unworthily, we pray to your miraculous image. Pray, our Father Cassians, to Christ our God, that, having been delivered from our evil ones, we may be worthy of eternal blessings with you, through the grace and generosity of our Lord Jesus Christ, who art blessed with His Beginningless Father and with the Most Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen to that."
Prayer to Basil the Decapolite
Troparion, glas 1
"Thou art a desert dweller, and in the body of an Angel, and a wonderworker, O God-bearing Father Basil, receiving heavenly gifts by fasting, vigil, and prayer, healing the sick and the souls of those who flow to thee by faith. Glory to Him Who gave you a fortress, glory to Him who crowned you, glory to Him Who works with you, healing for all."
Kontakion, glas 2
"From on high I receive the Divine revelation; you have come down, wise one, from the midst of rumors, and having become a monk, you have received miracles and healed ailments by grace, Most blessed Basil."
Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to St. Falalei of Syria.
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Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
