A special holiday on March 13 is Vasily Kapelnik: history, traditions, omens

Every year on March 13, Orthodox believers honor the memory of the Great Martyr Basil the Confessor, who lived in the 8th century. In the national calendar, the holiday is called Vasily Kapelnik. In 2026, it falls on a Friday. Read about its history, traditions, signs and strict prohibitions in the Izvestia article.

What is the church holiday on March 13th?

St. Basil the Confessor lived in the 8th century in the Byzantine Empire during the reign of Emperor Leo III the Isaurian, who went down in history as the initiator of iconoclasm, a large—scale campaign against the veneration of shrines. The authorities considered image worship to be idolatry and sought to eradicate this tradition.

Vasily decided from a young age to devote himself to the service of God. He took monastic vows under the spiritual guidance of the famous ascetic, St. Prokopius the Decapolite, becoming his closest disciple and associate. Together they preached the Orthodox faith and openly opposed iconoclastic politics, defending the ancient church tradition.

Basil and Prokopius were persecuted for their firm position. On the orders of the authorities, they were arrested and subjected to severe torture. After being tortured, the ascetics were imprisoned, where they spent many years. Despite suffering, none of them renounced their beliefs. They were released only after the death of Emperor Leo III the Isaurian.

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After being released from prison, Vasily continued his monastic ministry, instructed people in the faith, called for a virtuous life and strengthened the Christian community. He ended his earthly journey peacefully around the year 750.

Traditions of the national holiday Vasily Kapelnik on March 13

In Russia, March 13 was considered one of the first days of the real spring awakening of nature. Snow began to melt actively on the roofs, long icicles formed, and melt water dripped from the eaves. Hence the popular names of the holiday — Vasily Kapelnik, Vasily Teply, or simply Kapelnik. "Vasily will come, and winter will cry," the peasants said, emphasizing that the cold was gradually receding.

In the morning, the faithful went to the temples. They appealed to Basil the Confessor with requests to strengthen faith, preserve peace in the family and help parents raise their children. It was also believed that it could protect against diseases and support a person in difficult life moments.

In Russia, the saint was revered as the patron saint of diligence, so on March 13, the ancestors tried to do useful household chores, prepare inventory for spring work, and put the yard and buildings in order. It was believed that the diligence shown on this day would bring good luck in business and help to get a rich harvest.

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On Vasily Kapelnik, it was necessary to bring pine branches into the house. They were placed in a hut near the stove or in a red corner. According to beliefs, the needles "cleansed" homes of evil spirits and negative energy. Pine needles have also been used in folk medicine. Infusions and decoctions were prepared from them, which strengthened health and made it easier to survive the changeable March weather.

Also, on March 13, a special ceremony was held in the villages, which, according to beliefs, could heal children with "sheep dyspnea" (dropsy). The mother wrapped the child in a sheepskin coat and laid him on the threshold of the house. Meanwhile, the father drove the sheep into the hut, and then immediately drove them back into the yard. People believed that animals, stepping over a baby, took the disease with them. After that, the baby was given a medicinal infusion made from pine needles to drink.

What not to do on a holiday Vasily Kapelnik

On the feast of Vasily Kapelnik in Russia, they avoided actions that, according to their ancestors, "scared away" luck and well-being. So, on March 13, it was not necessary to sweep and clean the floors in the house — together with the litter, one could "sweep out" prosperity and then struggle with financial difficulties for a whole year.

What else you can't do on March 13:

• open doors and windows unnecessarily — evil spirits can enter the house disguised as cats, dogs or even sheep.;
• quarreling and raising your voice — conflicts on this day can bring long-term discord in the family.;
• voicing your plans near the fire — spoken aloud will not come true, the flame will "burn down" all possibilities for implementation.

Folk signs for March 13

At Vasily Kapelnik, the peasants carefully observed natural phenomena to determine whether the year would be fruitful and what weather to expect in summer.

• long icicles on roofs — for a good flax harvest;
• rainy day — summer will be warm and moderately humid;
• a clear sky on Basil leads to a rich harvest of grain crops;
• cloudy weather — night frosts are possible in the coming days;
• The snow is melting in circles around the trees — spring will be long and cool.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the signs and strict prohibitions of the special holiday Porfiry the Late.