Folk signs for April 20: what can and cannot be done
In Russia, omens were given special importance: they were used to judge the weather, favorable timing for sowing and harvesting, and also tried to predict the future. Therefore, every day of the national calendar was accompanied by rituals and superstitions. Izvestia tells about popular omens and church holidays celebrated on April 20.
Folk signs for April 20th
On April 20, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the Holy Martyr Aquilina. She is popularly called Saint Akulina, and the holiday itself is Akulina Day. In Russia, it was believed that this day was associated with the awakening of mermaids after winter.
According to legend, in the fall they go under water and stay there throughout the winter months, and in the spring they come to the surface of reservoirs and wait for people.
According to beliefs, in order to avoid danger when encountering mermaids, they tried to appease them: women left gifts on the banks of rivers and lakes — dresses, skirts, shirts and scraps of cloth. It was believed that by accepting the offering, the mermaid would not harm any of the family members for a year.
In addition, fearing that the mermaids might drag them to the bottom, they tried not to go to the reservoirs alone. They took a bunch of wormwood with them, because it was believed that it deters evil spirits. According to legend, otherwise mermaids could tickle a person to death. According to one legend, they sing and dance on the shore only at night, and during the day they turn into water lilies. In this regard, in Russia they believed that on April 20 one should not pick these flowers, so as not to bring trouble.
On this day, they also paid attention to the weather signs. It was believed that the rain on April 20 foreshadowed a bad harvest, and the bright starry sky on the night of Shark Day meant an abundance of mushrooms and berries in the forest.
Among other signs of the day, weather and household observations were noted: frosts in the wee hours and a clear sky at dawn were considered harbingers of a good harvest of cereals and buckwheat, a prolonged downpour was a bad harvest of viburnum, and the habit of looking out through the window at night, according to beliefs, could lead to misfortune.
What not to do on April 20th
Shark Day is associated with a number of restrictions and superstitions. It was believed that on this day one should not swear and quarrel, so as not to scare away luck and provoke protracted conflicts. It was also not recommended to clog reservoirs and sort things out on the banks of rivers and lakes, so as not to anger the water spirits.
According to popular beliefs, on April 20, it is important to pay attention to water: when encountering a stream, According to popular beliefs, on this day it is not recommended to look into other people's windows or look out of the window, so as not to attract trouble into the house.
Also, do not make noise, laugh loudly, or sing in someone else's home, as this may anger the brownie. In addition, it was considered bad luck to dry umbrellas in the bedroom, cut a new loaf of bread after sunset and take out the trash at night — all this, according to beliefs, could lead to quarrels, poverty and financial losses.
Church holidays on April 20th
On April 20, the Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Martyr Aquilina and the holy Martyr Deacon Rufinus, who lived in the fourth century. They are known for converting more than 200 warriors to Christianity. This happened around the year 310 in the city of Sinope, located on the Black Sea coast, now it is part of Turkey. The saints, along with the soldiers, were persecuted under Emperor Maximin of Daza.
The Martyr Rufinus was imprisoned for professing the Christian faith. The Martyr Aquilina, who showed compassion for the saint and cared for him, was also arrested. While in prison, they converted 200 Roman soldiers to Christianity through prayer.
As a result, this event became a testament to the strength of their faith. Aquilina and Rufinus were sentenced to death by beheading with a sword, which the saints courageously accepted.
On April 20, the Orthodox Church also honors the memory of the martyr Kalliopius of Pompeopolis. The exact date of the saint's birth is unknown, he lived in Perga, located on the territory of modern Turkey. It is assumed that after the death of his father, the martyr was raised by his mother, who professed the Christian faith.
After the persecution of Christians began, Kalliopius of Pompeopolis was exiled to the city of Pompeopolis. There, the young man was invited to take part in pagan feasts, but he refused, openly declaring his faith. For this, the saint was tortured and then crucified on a cross. This event coincided with Holy Thursday, the day of remembrance of the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the disciples.
Prayers on April 20th
On this day, believers pray to Aquilina and Rufinus for firmness of spirit, strengthening of faith, courage in the face of various trials and help in life's difficulties. The martyrs are also asked for perseverance and mercy. Saint Kalliopius of Pompeopolis is prayed for inner strength and help in difficult periods of life.
Prayer to Aquilina
Kontakion to the Martyrs, glas 4
"Through the terrible torment that lies before / the Lord's sufferers,/ in unafraid rejoicing wisdom, / converse with you, who are negligent of the flesh, / thereby inheriting eternal glory, / praying for us forever, // praising their deeds."
Prayer to Kalliopius of Pompeopolis
Troparion to the Martyrs, glas 4
"Thy martyrs, O Lord,/ have received incorruptible crowns from Thee, our God, in their sufferings: / for thou hast thy fortress,/ hast overthrown the tormentors,/ hast crushed the demons of feeble insolence./ Through their prayers// Save our souls."
Earlier, Izvestia told us what they pray to St. Nikita the Confessor.
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Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
