Folk signs for April 29: 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 29 and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for April 29

According to the national calendar, Arina is celebrated on April 29 — "urvi berega". This day was directly related to the condition of the rivers after the spring flood. By Irina's (or Arina's) day, the shores, washed away by meltwater, became extremely unstable and could collapse at any moment. The people talked about it.: "Arina has come and snatched the shores."

The peasants walked along the rivers with great caution, fearing landslides. Children and livestock were also kept away from the water to avoid accidents. Even experienced fishermen during this period preferred not to take risks, postponing fishing until the water finally subsided and the shores strengthened.

The day was considered a labor day, according to custom it was devoted to work in the garden and vegetable garden. At that time, seedlings began to be planted, primarily cabbage, which was one of the main garden crops. Also on this day, the trunks of trees were whitewashed to protect them from pests, and special attention was paid to the condition of the banks and bridges — any damage caused by the spring flood was repaired in advance.

According to the signs of the day, the peasants determined what the summer and the future harvest would be like. For example, if seedlings greedily absorbed water during watering, it promised a dry season. At the same time, excessive moisture, especially after river flooding, was perceived as a bad sign. If the rivers had already entered the banks, then they said: "On Arina, the river subsides — for a good summer."

Other signs of the day:

• a clear sky in the morning leads to stable good weather;
• strong wind — to weather changes;
• Birds fly low — to the rain;
• A cold morning leads to a cool May;
• thunder on this day is for a rich harvest of bread.

What not to do on April 29

On Arina's day, there were certain prohibitions that were not recommended to be violated. For example, they avoided washing clothes by the water, fearing washed shores. They also tried not to start important business if the weather was rough, which promised setbacks. On this day, they preferred to finish the work they had already started, pay attention to the house and household, and postpone serious decisions for a more appropriate period.

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What else can not be done on April 29:

• to be lazy and postpone work is to lose prosperity and well—being.;
• to quarrel and sort things out leads to long—term conflicts;
• Leaving the house in disarray leads to trouble;
• throwing bread crumbs off the table is a recipe for a lean and hungry year.

What is the church holiday on April 29th?

The Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Martyrs Agapia, Irina, and Chionia on April 29 (April 16, Old Style). These saints were sisters and lived in the late III – early IV century in the vicinity of Aquileia, an ancient Roman city in Italy. The sisters were orphaned at an early age and were raised by a pious priest. From a young age, they devoted themselves to prayer and service to God, renouncing worldly goods.

During the persecution of Christians, they were captured and brought to trial, persuading them to renounce their faith and sacrifice to pagan gods. The sisters were offered wealth and noble suitors, but they remained adamant. Then they were subjected to severe trials, but failing to achieve what they wanted, they were sentenced to death. First, Agapia and Chionia were executed, then Irina was martyred. According to legend, they met death with prayer, showing no fear of their tormentors.

On the same date, believers honor the Ilyinsky (Chernigov) Icon of the Mother of God. This image was painted in 1658 by the monk of the Trinity-Ilyinsky monastery Gennady (in the world Gregory Dubensky). The icon became famous in 1662, when the Tatars attacked Chernigov, ravaging the city and the Trinity-Ilyinsky Monastery. However, the shrine and its precious salary remained unscathed.

History has preserved many miracles associated with this image. Through her prayers, the sight of the blind, the exorcism of demons and the healing of severe ailments took place before her. The original miraculous icon was lost after the monastery was closed in 1924, but several revered lists have been preserved. One of them is located in the Yelets Assumption Monastery in Chernigov.

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Prayers on April 29

The Holy Martyrs Agapia, Irina and Chionia are addressed with prayers for the strength of faith, patience and protection in difficult life circumstances. In front of the Ilyinsky icon of the Mother of God, they pray for healing, help in troubles and intercession before God. Believers also ask for peace in the family, the health of loved ones and spiritual support.

Prayer to Saints Agapia, Irene and Chionia

"O Holy Martyrs of Christ, Agapia, Chionia and Irene! Having despised the fear of death and torment, you firmly confessed your faith in Christ and accepted the incorruptible crown. We beseech you, as those who have boldness before the Lord, to help us in our temptations and trials, strengthen our faith, and grant us the courage to stand up for the truth. Ask the Lord for our forgiveness of sins, patience in sorrow, and love for our neighbors. May we also be worthy, following your example, to be faithful to Christ until the end of our days. Amen to that."

Prayer in front of the Ilyinsky Icon of the Mother of God

"O Most Holy Lady, my Lady Theotokos, Heavenly Queen, save and have mercy on me, your sinful servant, from vain slander, from every calamity and misfortune and sudden death. Have mercy on me in the daytime, morning, and evening, and keep me at all times: keep me standing, sitting, and walking in every way, and provide, cover, and intercede for me in the night. Protect me, O Lady Theotokos, from all my enemies, visible and invisible, and from every evil situation. In every place and at every time, O Most Gracious Mother, be an invincible wall and a strong intercession. O Most Holy Lady, the Virgin Mother of God, accept my unworthy prayer and save me from a futile death, and grant me repentance before the end. Holy Mother of God, save us. You are the guardian of my whole life, O Most Pure One! Deliver me from demons in the hour of death! May you rest upon your death! We run to your mercy, O Virgin Theotokos, do not despise our supplications in sorrow, but deliver us from our troubles, O one pure and blessed one. Holy Mother of God, save us. Amen to that."

Earlier, Izvestia told which saints are remembered on St. Peter's Day.