Folk signs for April 18: 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 18 and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for April 18
Fedula Vetrenika is celebrated annually on April 18 in the national calendar. In the peasant tradition, the date was associated with the turning point of spring, when, after prolonged cold weather, milder and warmer winds began to blow. In the old days they used to say: "Fedul came — a warm wind blew," and also — "He opened the window on Fedul — he heated the hut without firewood."
This day was perceived as a time of cleansing the living space. Washing windows was considered a good omen for Fedula: clean glass, according to beliefs, attracted luck and prosperity to the house. The housewives made sure to wash their clothes and bed linen to dry it in the first really warm wind.
It was believed that things dried in this way absorbed the vigor and strength of spring, and also helped patients recover faster. In addition, for the first time in Fedul, fresh air was allowed into the houses for a long time, believing that stagnation, quarrels and all the bad things that had accumulated over the long winter would go away with it.
Special attention was paid to weather observations. The peasants believed that Saint Fedul himself controlled the spring winds, and their direction and strength could indicate the nature of the upcoming summer. For example, the south wind predicted a warm and rainy summer, while the north wind predicted a cool and arid one.
Other signs of the day:
- The snow has almost melted in the ravines — it's time to prepare for field work.;
- there is an unusual silence around — the weather will change soon and the wind will increase;
- in the field, the sound is heard especially clearly — in the rain;
- capercaillies talk — for a few clear days, they are silent — for a cold snap;
- The swallows haven't arrived yet — the cold may linger;
- a lot of sap is flowing from the birch tree — the summer will be rainy.
What not to do on April 18
On the holiday of Fedul Vetrenik, Russia had its own prohibitions. Our ancestors feared that misbehavior could scare away good luck and bring disaster. So, it was not recommended to throw anything out of the window, so as not to "take out" prosperity from home. It was considered a bad omen to keep windows and doors tightly closed, otherwise, according to beliefs, illnesses and heavy thoughts would linger in the dwelling.
What else can not be done on April 18:
- to be lazy and postpone household chores — spring worries will go awry.
- quarreling and swearing — it leads to protracted conflicts.;
- going against the wind — the day will bring unnecessary trouble and worry;
- Letting a cat in and out through a window is believed to be how anxiety gets into the house.;
- to refuse to help those in need — stinginess can turn into losses.
What is the church holiday on April 18?
On April 18 (April 5, Old Style), the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the martyrs Agathopod and Theodulus, who suffered for their faith at the beginning of the fourth century. These saints lived in the city of Thessalonica (modern Thessaloniki in Greece) during the reign of the emperors Diocletian and Maximian, who unleashed one of the most severe persecutions of Christians.
Agathopod was a deacon in his old age, and the young Theodulus served as a reader in the same parish. Both of them led righteous lives and openly professed Christianity, despite the death threat. Church tradition has preserved the story of a miraculous sign: once Feodulus dreamed of a man in a light robe, who put a ring in his hand, and when he woke up, the young man saw a ring with the image of a Cross on his palm. With the help of this gift, the saint healed the sick and converted pagans to Christ.
The ruler of Thessalonica tried to persuade first Theodulus and then Agathopod to renounce the faith. But neither threats nor deception made them abandon Christ. After being imprisoned, the martyrs continued to pray and strengthen the other prisoners. Then, by order of the governor, they were thrown into the sea. The bodies of the saints were washed ashore, after which the Christians honorably gave them burial.
On the same date, St. Platon of Studia, abbot, is remembered. He lived in Constantinople in the 8th–9th centuries and became famous as a zealous defender of iconoclasm during the iconoclastic heresy. The saint became a monk in his youth and for his virtues was elected abbot of the Studium Monastery, where he introduced a strict rule and educated many holy fathers, including St. Theodore the Studite.
Prayers on April 18
The holy Martyrs Agathopod and Theodulus are addressed with prayers for strengthening faith and courage in times of life's trials, as well as for help in overcoming fears and doubts. They pray to St. Plato of Studia for the gift of humility and patience, as well as for guidance in monastic asceticism and help in the fight against heresies.
Prayer to Agathopod and Theodulus
"Holy Martyrs Agathopoda and Theodula! Look down from heaven upon those who require your help and do not reject our petitions, but as our benefactors and intercessors, pray to Christ God for us. May the Lord protect us from all evil, troubles and misfortunes, from diseases, sorrows and every cruel situation, may He not condemn us according to our iniquities and forgive every sin. May He grant us peace of mind, mental and physical health, strengthen us in faith, deliver us from temptations, and guide us on the path of righteousness. May He help us to live godly lives, keep His commandments, and not turn away from evil, but to do good deeds for the glory of God's name. Through your prayers, may we be worthy to live in peace and piety in our present age and attain blissful eternal life, glorifying the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen to that."
Prayer to Plato the Studian
"O holy servant of God, Martyr Plato! Having labored with a good deed on earth, you have perceived the crown of righteousness in heaven, and the Lord has prepared it for all who love Him. In the same way, looking at your holy image, we rejoice at the most glorious end of your residence and honor your holy memory. But you, standing before the Throne of God, accept our supplications and offer them to the All-merciful God, that He may forgive us every sin and help us against the wiles of the devil, so that, having been delivered from sorrows, diseases, troubles and misfortunes, and all evil, we may live piously and righteously in our present age and be worthy of your intercession, even if we are unworthy. May you see the good in the lands of the living, glorifying God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to St. Titus the Wonderworker.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
