Folk signs for April 22: 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 22 and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for April 22
In the national calendar, April 22 was named Vadim Klyuchnik. This nickname did not arise by chance: it was believed that it was from this day that Saint Vadim unlocked the earth with keys, releasing the spring warmth and plant juices outside. In some provinces, the day was also called Vadim Veshny, emphasizing its connection with the revival of nature and the transition to an active agricultural cycle.
In the old days, it was customary at this time to go out into the field to assess the condition of winter crops. The owners walked around the plots, flattened the ground with their palms. According to popular observations, if the earth has crumbled into dust, it means it's time to plow, and if it sticks to your hands and rolls into lumps, it's still damp.
This day was also considered suitable for "calling out" the rains. The women went out to the outskirts with ceremonial pies, pronouncing special nicknames so that there would be no drought in the summer. The young people danced around the first blossoming trees, and the old men began to repair agricultural implements — plows and harrows.
Special attention was paid to signs related to water and wind. Our ancestors noticed that if a strong south wind blows on April 22, the summer will be warm but rainy. And if it's a clear day on Vadim Klyuchnik, flax and hemp will be born.
Other signs of the day:
- it rains in the morning, leading to a good rye harvest, but wet haymaking;
- Sparrows swim in the first puddles — for a quick warming and clear days.;
- there are a lot of "waves" (ripples) on the meltwater — the summer will be uneven, with thunderstorms;
- rooks play in the air and fall to the ground — to steady warmth without frost;
- the first flight of bees from the hives is the final and friendly spring;
- mice squeak loudly in the field or under the floor — to cause cold weather and winds.
What not to do on April 22
On Vadim Klyuchnik's day, there were strict prohibitions, the violation of which, according to beliefs, threatened personal misfortunes or crop failure. Our ancestors were afraid to take up new yarn or knitting, believing that tangled threads would lead to problems in business for the whole year. It was also considered a great sin on this day to deny a traveler water or a piece of bread — this could "lock up" luck in the house.
What else can not be done on April 22:
- sleeping for a long time in the morning — you can "oversleep" luck and well-being;
- spilling water in vain leads to losses and domestic troubles;
- sweeping the floor with a broom can "sweep away" health and prosperity;
- to envy someone else's happiness is evil, according to beliefs, it will return to the envious person.;
- quarreling with loved ones — peace in the house will be difficult to restore.
What is the church holiday on April 22
On April 22 (April 9, Old Style), the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the Holy Martyr Vadim of Persia and seven of his disciples, as well as the Martyr Eupsychius of Caesarea. These names belong to the early Christian era, when the profession of faith often required courage and willingness to suffer.
Venerable Martyr Vadim lived in the 4th century in Persia and came from a noble and wealthy family. In his youth, he converted to Christian teaching, distributed part of his property and retired to the desert, where he founded a monastery at his own expense. He led an ascetic life, devoting time to prayer and solitude, and therefore is revered by the church not only as a martyr, but also as a monk.
During the time of the persecution of the Persian king Sapor, Saint Vadim, along with seven disciples, was imprisoned and tortured, demanding renunciation of Christianity. However, neither the Archimandrite himself nor his disciples renounced their faith. According to the life, the execution of the saint was carried out by the hand of the apostate Nirsan, who could not stand the trials. But even before his death, Vadim showed no fear and courageously accepted a martyr's death.
On the same day, the Martyr Eupsychius of Caesarea (Cappadocia) is remembered. He lived in the city of Caesarea during the time of Emperor Julian the Apostate (361-363). During the wedding celebration, Eupsychius saw a pagan sacrifice in the temple of Fortune and, driven by zeal for the faith, gathered the people and destroyed this temple. After severe tortures, the saint was beheaded with a sword. Later, a church was erected over his coffin, where, according to church tradition, believers received help and healing.
Prayers on April 22
Venerable Martyr Vadim of Persia is prayed for the gift of courage and firmness in faith, especially in times of life's trials and unfair insults. Prayers are offered to the Holy Martyr Eupsychius of Caesarea for courage, protection from enemies, and firmness in upholding the truth. In addition, he is approached by spouses who want to keep their marriage pure and pious, remembering his own Christian marriage.
Prayer to Vadim the Persian
"Oh, Holy Venerable Martyr Vadim, good shepherd and mentor, sufferer of Christ! Having glorified the Lord through your feat of faith and patience, you were not afraid of torment and death, but remained faithful to Christ to the end. Hear us now, sinners and unworthy, who run to you with faith and love, and beseech the Lord God to grant us strength of spirit, patience in tribulation, and unshakeable faith. Help us to resist temptations, deliver us from cowardice and fear, and strengthen our hearts in the hope of God's mercy. Ask the Lord for forgiveness of our sins, peace of mind and bodily health, so that we may glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen to that."
Prayer to Eupsychius of Caesarea
"Oh, Holy Martyr Eupsychius, valiant sufferer of Christ! Kindled by zeal for the faith, you were not afraid of persecution and torment, but courageously confessed the name of the Lord and remained faithful to Him to the end. Hear us who run to you with faith, and beseech the Merciful God to grant us firmness in trials, courage in tribulations, and strength to resist evil. Teach us to stand up for the truth, to keep our souls pure, and not to deviate from the path of salvation. Ask the Lord for forgiveness of our sins, peace of the heart, and strength in good deeds, so that with thanksgiving we may glorify the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia told what prayers are read on Rodion Icebreaker Day.
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