Folk signs for April 28: 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 28 and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for April 28
In the folk calendar of the Eastern Slavs, April 28 was called "Pudov Day." It was associated with the beginning of active field and gardening work, but most importantly — with the awakening of bees after hibernation. The holiday got its name in honor of the holy apostle from seventy Pounds, who was considered the patron saint of beekeeping in Russia. Usually, it was from this day that the bees were released from the dormitories, insulated rooms for wintering, and the first honey harvest began.
Beekeepers carefully prepared for this moment: they cleaned the hives, fumigated them with herbs and checked the condition of the bees after the winter. It was also customary to perform special rituals. For example, in some regions there was a custom to "call out the bees." The owner toured the hives three times with the icon of St. Pud and loudly uttered conspiracies designed to appease the bees and ensure a rich harvest of honey.
In addition, the housewives baked special gingerbread in the form of beehives or bees, which they then distributed to children and neighbors — this promised a sweet life for the family. On the same day, on the eve of agricultural work, they put the farm in order: they repaired the inventory and prepared the land for further work.
Weather signs and observation of bees were given great importance on Pudov Day. If the insects began to actively fly, it was considered a sign of an early and warm summer. If the swarm flew together to the fields, they expected a good grain filling. And a bee that flew into the house promised good luck for the whole year. At the same time, the bees were not driven out or harmed, so that luck would not turn away.
Other signs of the day:
- The birch tree has already opened its leaves for a warm and dry May.;
- fog creeps over the lowlands in the morning — for rainy days;
- the forest is noisy without wind, leading to a change in the weather and a cold snap;
- a lot of mosquitoes have appeared — the heat is coming soon;
- clouds float high and fast — towards steady warmth without precipitation.
What not to do on April 28
On that day, there were strict prohibitions. Our ancestors believed that on April 28, bees should never be harmed, otherwise, according to beliefs, it could deprive honey or even lead to the degeneration of the apiary. Quarrels and profanity near the hives were also strictly forbidden — it was believed that the bees would "take offense" and stop bringing honey.
What else can not be done on April 28:
- making empty promises leads to failure to fulfill your plans.;
- leaving the house in disarray leads to financial losses;
- starting risky business leads to failure and losses;
- picking up coins on the road — you can "grab" other people's problems;
- looking in a cracked mirror leads to a series of minor setbacks.
What is the church holiday on April 28th?
On April 28 (April 15, Old Style), the Orthodox Church commemorates the Apostle Pud, one of the 70 disciples of Christ and a follower of the Apostle Paul. Saint Pud came from a noble Roman family and held a high position in the Senate. However, he did not boast of his wealth and power, but devoted his life to serving God.
According to the hagiography, it was in his house that the first Christians often gathered. The Pud House became a real church, called the "Pastoral", where, according to legend, the first-born Apostle Peter himself performed divine services. During the persecution of Christians under Emperor Nero, Pud and his associates were persecuted. All of them were executed for refusing to renounce their faith.
On the same date, the memory of another apostle from 70 is celebrated — Aristarchus of Apamea, bishop of the Syrian city of Apamea. He was also the closest associate of the Apostle Paul and accompanied him on his missionary journeys. Aristarchus shared with him the hardships of preaching and was repeatedly in danger. According to legend, he was imprisoned with Paul, but did not renounce his faith.
Both Pud and Aristarchus belonged to the first wave of Christian preachers who began spreading the teachings of Christ outside Judea, including in Asia Minor and other regions of the Roman Empire. In the church tradition, they are revered as witnesses of the early history of Christianity, being considered an example of perseverance and selfless service, which neither trials nor the threat of persecution could shake.
Prayers on April 28
They turn to the saints with prayers for strengthening faith, help in difficult life circumstances and protection from adversity. Believers ask them for the well-being of the family, peace in the home and support in spiritual trials. Since the folk tradition has firmly linked the Puda with beekeeping, prayers are often offered to him for a good harvest and success in work, especially those who are associated with land and agriculture.
Prayer to the Apostle Peter
Troparion, glas 3
"Holy apostles, pray to the Merciful God, that He may grant remission of sins to our souls."
Kontakion, glas 4
"This holy apostolic feast has appeared, enlightening us and banishing the darkness of sin, calling out: Light has appeared, and deliverance is coming."
Prayer to Aristarchus of Apamea
"Holy, glorious and all-laudable apostle of Christ Aristarchus, we beseech you with faith and love: beseech Christ the Lord to transform our souls from sin-loving to God-loving; preserve and preserve us through your prayers from the temptations of the devil and the falls of sin, and ask for help from above in times of our despondency and helplessness; so that we may not stumble over the stone of temptation, but We are steadily following the saving path of the commandments of Christ, until we reach these blissful mansions of paradise, where you are now settled and having fun. To her, the Apostle of the Savior! Do not put us to shame, who put our trust in you, but be our helper and protector in all our lives, and help us to end this temporary life piously and God-pleasing, to receive a good and peaceful Christian end, and to be vouchsafed a good answer at the Last Judgment of Christ; so that, having escaped the ordeals of the air and the power of the cruel ruler of the world, we may inherit the Kingdom of Heaven and glorify the magnificent The name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia told which saints are remembered on the feast of Martin Lisogon.
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