Folk signs for April 3: 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 April 3 and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for April 3rd

In Russia, on April 3, the Cyril Katanik holiday was celebrated. The day was perceived as an important boundary between the cold and warm seasons. In the old days, it was by this period that sledding ended, so the "katanic" symbolized a farewell to winter fun. The people said: "Kirill came and brought spring," "Kirill came and put the sled in the barn."

It was believed that after the holiday, the snow no longer lasts, and the roads begin to thaw quickly. Therefore, the main occupation in the villages was preparing for field work. The peasants inspected the farm, checked stocks, and prepared inventory. The women cleaned their houses, washed and aired their clothes after the winter. There was a tradition of taking things out in the sun to "clean" them from the winter dampness.

It was also customary to observe nature in order to predict the weather and harvest. If the snow was actively melting by this time, an early and warm spring was expected. The sunny weather on Cyril Katanika promised a good harvest of grain crops. And if it was raining, there would be a lot of honey mushrooms in the fall.

Other signs of the day:

• clouds are floating high in the sky — for a quick and steady warmth;
• heavy fog in the morning — for a clear, sunny day;
• Clouds increase in the evening, leading to precipitation the next day.;
• Crows are cawing loudly to indicate a change in the weather;
• the birch tree was covered with a green haze — by the dry and hot summer.

What not to do on April 3rd

Our ancestors believed that in the off-season, "dashing diseases" are in the air, which are easiest to catch on Kirill Katanik. In order not to get sick, it was not recommended to carry out wet cleaning, wash bed linen outside and wash your hair before traveling. It was also strictly forbidden to swear with loved ones and wish someone harm. According to beliefs, any evil word spoken on this day will return with a lingering illness.

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What else can't be done on April 3rd:

• tobogganing or downhill — by the return of the cold weather;
• starting important things may not bring results.;
• leaving the house unmade leads to failures in the household;
• letting a cat on the bed — the ancestors believed that an animal could take away the strength of a sleeping owner;
• to cook cabbage soup and potato pies — these dishes were considered commemorative and could attract trouble.

What is the church holiday on April 3rd?

On April 3 (March 21, Old Style), the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Cyril, Bishop of Catano (Sicily). The saint was born in Antioch and was a disciple of the Apostle Peter, who appointed him bishop of the city of Catana in Sicily. The saint wisely guided his flock, having been honored by the Lord with the great gift of miracle-working.

The most famous miracle is associated with a spring in which the water was bitter and undrinkable. Through the prayer of the saint, the water was purified, and it became possible to eat it. This miracle shocked the local pagans and converted them to Christianity. Saint Cyril died at a very old age, and he was buried with honors in Sicily.

On the same day, St. Thomas, Patriarch of Constantinople, is remembered. Having begun his ministry as a deacon, in 607 he was elected to the Patriarchal See of Constantinople. During his lifetime, a terrible sign occurred, which became part of the church traditions. During the procession in Galatia, heavy crosses began to sway, bump against each other and break by themselves.

The visionary elders interpreted this as a harbinger of ecclesiastical strife and the ruin of the state from the barbarian invasion. Shortly after the patriarch's death, the predictions came true: heresies and a severe war with the Persians began, which led to the ruin of the Greek lands and the fall of Jerusalem.

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Prayers on April 3rd

The faithful turn to Saints Cyril of Katana and Thomas of Constantinople with prayers for spiritual strengthening and help in life's difficulties. They are asked for protection from adversity, strengthening of faith and guidance on the right path. It is also believed that their prayerful intercession helps to find harmony and inner peace. Since there are no separate prayers for these saints, it is permissible to read common prayer books corresponding to their rank on the day of church veneration.

Common prayer to the Saint

"O most honorable and sacred head <...>, our warm intercessor, to the holy One (name), 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: hierarchs with splendor Adorn the holy hierarchies, strengthen the monastics by the feat of the good current, preserve the reigning city and all cities and countries well, and keep the holy immaculate faith, appease 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, wise the insane, have mercy on widows, intercede for orphans O infants, grow up, bring back the captives, and free those who are weak and pray to you from all misfortunes 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 together with all the saints forever and ever. Amen to that."

Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to St. Euphrosyne of Sinozero.

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