Folk signs for March 26: 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 26 and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for March 26
In Russia, on March 26, when spring was already noticeably changing the habitual way of life of peasants, Nikiforov Day was celebrated. In the national consciousness, this holiday has become fixed as the time of the final awakening of nature after a winter sleep. The ancestors believed that it was on this day that spring comes into its full rights, and water acquires a special healing power. Therefore, many rituals were associated with water, which was perceived as a symbol of renewal and purification.
The day before, the housewives tried to put the house in order, wipe off the dust and sort out the accumulated debris over the winter. Such cleaning had not only an economic, but also a ritual meaning. It was believed that along with the dirt, everything bad, heavy and painful leaves the home. On the holiday itself, the floors were necessarily washed — there was a belief that if you did it on Nikifor, the household would be healthy all year round.
Another tradition of Nikiforov's Day was a visit to the bathhouse. In the old days, it was believed that steam and water help to relieve fatigue after winter, strengthen the body, get rid of ailments and meet spring in good health. In addition, the holiday was considered a suitable time to purchase cattle: according to beliefs, such an animal took root better and brought more benefits to the household.
On this date, nature was also closely monitored to determine what the summer would be like. A warm and clear day promised a favorable summer season. The arrival of geese heralded a rich harvest in autumn, and the return of finches from warm countries predicted an early cold snap.
Other signs of the day:
- in the morning, the ground is covered with fog — for a rainy summer;
- clouds float high and fast — for good weather;
- The ice on the rivers has not yet moved, and spring will drag on.;
- birch gives a lot of juice — autumn may start earlier than usual.;
- The larks showed up early — there will be no more severe cold weather.
What not to do on March 26th
There were also a number of prohibitions on the holiday, the violation of which, according to beliefs, could deprive prosperity and happiness. They tried to be especially careful in financial matters. On Nikiforov's day, it was forbidden to lend or borrow — a person risked losing his luck and living in need all year round. Aggression towards pets was also prohibited, as it was believed that this could lead to illness of the person himself.
What else can not be done on March 26:
- Wearing black clothes — gloomy wardrobe colors can bring sadness.;
- for young people, cutting their hair means there is a risk of "cutting off" their luck and spoiling their fate;
- doing needlework, sewing, knitting — you can "shorten" your life;
- Holding a grudge against loved ones can lead to illness.;
- plan important meetings — they will go to no avail.
What is the church holiday on March 26th?
On March 26 (March 13, Old Style), the Orthodox Church celebrates the transfer of the relics of St. Nikephoros, Patriarch of Constantinople. The saint was born in Constantinople around 758 in the family of Theodore and Evdokia, who themselves went through the persecution of the iconoclasm era. His father suffered for his faithfulness to Orthodoxy, and his mother shared exile with her husband and later ended her life as a monk.
Having received a brilliant secular education, Nikephoros studied the Holy Scriptures and spiritual books especially diligently. Under Emperor Leo IV, he occupied a high position at court, but this did not change his inner disposition. In 787, he participated in the VII Ecumenical Council in Nicaea, advocating the veneration of holy icons.
Later, Nikifor left the service and retired to the Bosphorus, where he lived in seclusion, combining scientific work with fasting and prayer. Then he was invited to the Constantinople chair. When Emperor Leo V of Armenia came to power, resuming the policy of iconoclasm, the patriarch refused to support the ban on the veneration of shrines. For this, he was deposed and sent into exile, where he spent about 13 years, remaining true to his beliefs until his last days.
On the same date, the faithful remember the Holy Martyr Nikolai Popov, the presbyter. He was born in the middle of the 19th century in the family of a state councilor. Brought up in a deep faith, even in his youth he felt an irresistible desire to serve people. Realizing that the root of his troubles lay in spiritual ignorance, he entered the Donskoy Seminary and accepted holy orders.
Father Nicholas began his ministry in the remote village of Kolodezny. He actively preached, built schools, and organized farms. And during the Civil War, he selflessly cared for typhus patients, for which he was arrested by the new authorities. In 1919, the priest was sentenced to death by firing squad. In 2006, the priest was canonized at the Cathedral of the New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia.
Prayers on March 26
Believers turn to St. Nikephoros with prayers for strengthening their faith, especially in situations where they have to defend their beliefs in the face of injustice. They pray to Him for the gift of wisdom, humility and strength to overcome the adversities of life. Hieromartyr Nikolai Popov is asked for help in education, protection from slander and slander, as well as intercession before God.
Prayer to Nicephorus of Constantinople
"O most honorable and sacred head and full of the grace of the Holy Spirit, dwelling of the Savior with the Father, great bishop, our warm intercessor, to Saint Nikephoros, standing at the Throne of all Kings and enjoying the light of the consubstantial Trinity and cherubic angels, proclaiming the trisagion hymn, and having great and unexplored boldness towards the all-merciful Master, pray for the salvation of the flock of Christ by the people Confirm the well-being of the holy churches: bishops, adorn the monks with the splendor of holiness, strengthen the monks for the feat of the good current, preserve the reigning city and all cities and countries with goodness, and keep the holy immaculate faith, pacify the whole world through your intercession, deliver us from gladness and destruction, and preserve us from the attacks of foreigners, comfort the old, guide the young, Be wise to the insane, have mercy on widows, intercede for orphans, raise up infants, bring back captives, free those who are weak and pray to you from all adversity and troubles through your intercession: pray for us to the All-merciful and Loving Christ our God, that on the day of His Terrible Coming He may deliver us from our suffering, and grant us the joys of the saints with all the saints in forever and ever. Amen to that."
Prayer to the Holy Martyr Nikolai Popov
"O chosen one and servant of Christ, Holy Martyr Nicholas, the unshakable pillar of the Russian Church, our lands have good growth and red fruit, your kindred intercessor and mentor! During the time of the Godless persecution, You carried away from the treasury of your soul the saving confession of the Orthodox faith, and you appeared to the faithful as a good shepherd, laying down your soul for Christ and His sheep, and driving away the fierce wolves. For now, look down upon us, your unworthy children, who call upon you with a tender soul and a contrite heart. Pray to the Lord God, may He forgive our sins and deliver us from the bonds of hell and eternal torment. Strengthen us in the most holy faith, teach us to always do the will of God and keep the commandments of the church. May our shepherd be the rule of faith, a spiritual leader for warriors, a good physician for the sick, a comforter for the sad, a protector for the persecuted, a mentor for the young, and a compassionate father and warm prayer book for all, so that Holy Russia may be preserved in Orthodoxy through your prayers and the name of the Most Holy Trinity, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, may be unceasingly glorified in it forever and ever. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to St. Theophan the Confessor.
All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
