Folk signs for March 20, 2026: what can and cannot be done
On Friday, March 20, 2026, nature makes an important astronomical turn — the day of the vernal equinox arrives. Since ancient times, this milestone moment has been considered in Russia as the time of the awakening of the earth and the meeting of warmth. Izvestia tells about the traditions of this day, as well as what church holidays Orthodox believers celebrate on March 20.
Folk signs on March 20th
According to the national calendar, March 20 marks several significant events at once, the main of which is the day of the vernal equinox. In 2026, the sun crosses the celestial equator, and day is compared with night, marking the beginning of astronomical spring in the Northern Hemisphere. In the folk tradition, this day was considered a magical frontier, when spring finally cedes its rights. This holiday is also popularly called Pavel Kapelnik — in honor of two saints Paul, whose memory is honored by the church, and because of the ringing drop, announcing the imminent warmth.
In the old days, it was customary to spend the winter on Pavel Kapelnik and celebrate spring on a grand scale. The housewives baked round golden pancakes, symbolizing the sun, and special cookies in the form of larks — it was believed that these birds on their wings bring happiness and warmth. People believed that the more joyful and noisy this day was, the more fruitful and prosperous the whole year would be. Adults and children took to the streets, danced, lit bonfires and rolled burning wheels from the mountains, helping the spring gain strength. Special attention was paid to bird watching: it was believed that if larks arrived first, spring would be warm, and if finches arrived, it would be worth waiting for prolonged cold weather.
Special attention was paid to weather observations, which helped predict the future harvest. The people said: "For Pavel Kapelnik, spring comes with the sun, and winter with frost" and "Drips from the roofs, and drips on the nose," reminding of the changeability of spring weather. For example, the warm and sunny weather on this day promised a hot summer, and drops from icicles were considered a sure sign of a rich harvest of flax and hemp. A foggy morning heralded a rainy summer, and clouds moving quickly across the sky heralded a mild and warm autumn.
Other signs of the day:
- The larks have arrived — to steady heat;
- If bullfinches are squeaking under the windows on March 20, the weather will improve soon.;
- cloudy weather during the day leads to night frosts;
- to see a flock of birds is a great luck and happiness.;
- swallows build nests under the roof of the house — for the well-being of the family;
- the south wind is blowing — for a hot and fruitful summer.
What not to do on March 20th
There are many prohibitions and superstitions associated with the vernal equinox and Pavel Kapelnik in the folk tradition. Our ancestors believed that this day has a special energy, so breaking certain rules can attract bad luck for the rest of the year. It was strictly forbidden to quarrel and sort things out — it was believed that any conflict on this day would drag on for a long time and could destroy even strong bonds.
What else can not be done on March 20:
- lending money leads to financial losses and lack of money;
- to refuse to help those who ask — greed closes the way to luck on this day.;
- replant indoor plants — they will not take root and wither;
- Raising money found on the street can bring trouble.;
- slander and gossip — the negativity will return in triple size;
- Leaving broken glass in the house is unfortunate.;
- scolding children and shouting at them — otherwise the relationship with them will deteriorate in the future.
Church holidays on March 20th
On March 20, the Orthodox Church commemorates two saints named Paul: St. Paul the Most Simple and St. Paul the Confessor, Bishop of Prusiada.
St. Paul the Most Simple lived in Egypt in the fourth century and was a disciple of St. Anthony the Great. He became a monk at a fairly mature age, surprising the brethren with his humility and patience. He received the nickname the Simple One not for his meagreness of mind, but for his amazing purity of heart and sincere, childish faith. According to legend, Paul possessed the gift of clairvoyance and cast out demons, while always remaining a meek and obedient mentor to young monks.
St. Paul the Confessor lived in the 9th century and was bishop of the city of Prusiada. His ministry fell during a difficult period of iconoclasm for the church, when many shrines were destroyed and icon worshippers were persecuted. Saint Paul courageously defended the Orthodox faith and the veneration of holy images, for which he suffered exile and deprivation. He died in exile, remaining faithful to his beliefs to the end and receiving from the church the title of Confessor, a man who openly confessed faith in Christ during the persecution.
Prayers on March 20th
Believers turn to Saints Paul the Most Simple and Paul the Confessor with various requests. The first one prays for the gift of humility, patience and strengthening of faith, especially those who are just beginning their spiritual path. St. Paul the Confessor is asked for protection from injustice and persecution, for perseverance in difficult circumstances, and for peace in the family. Also on this day, according to folk tradition, it is customary to pray for the health of children and loved ones, ask for forgiveness of offenses and guidance on the right path. In memory of St. Paul, believers try to spend this day in labor and prayer, avoiding empty conversations and evil thoughts.
Prayer to Paul the Most Simple
Troparion, glas 8:
"In you, Father, salvation is known, which is in your image: for you have accepted the Cross, you have followed Christ, and you have taught thousands to despise the flesh, for it is passing away, and thousands to be diligent about souls, things more immortal.thousands of thousands, and your spirit rejoices with the Angels, Venerable Paul."
Kontakion, glas 2:
"Armed with the purity of your divine soul and unceasing prayers, for having firmly grasped the spear, you have broken through the demonic army, O our father Paul, and pray unceasingly for all of us."
Prayer to St. Paul the Most Simple:
"O holy head, Venerable Father, Most Blessed Abba Paul! Do not forget your poor to the end, but always remember us in holy and auspicious prayers to God: remember your flock, which you have saved yourself, and do not forget to visit your children. Pray for us, holy Father, for your spiritual children, for you have boldness to the Heavenly King: do not be silent for us to the Lord, And do not despise us who honor you with faith and love: remember us 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."
Prayer to the Holy Martyrs who served as bishops in Chersonesos
Troparion, glas 4:
"Thy martyrs, O Lord, have received incorruptible crowns from Thee, our God, in their sufferings: for Thou hast thy fortress, and hast overthrown the tormentors, and crushed the demons of feeble insolence; through their prayers save our souls."
Kontakion, glas 2:
"A light-bearing day has come for thousands of pastors who have been bishops of light in Kherson, thousands of whom we celebrate the feast, thousands of those who suffered for Christ's sheep. Thousands of Holy Martyrs, pray to the Shepherd Commander of Christ. and to us, honor the right sheep of standing, thousands, so that we may cry out to you: thousands rejoice, priestly fathers, thousands of thousands who have shed their blood for Christ."
Earlier, Izvestia told what the Saints Constantine and Elena pray for.
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