Folk signs for May 15th: 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 May 15 and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for May 15th

In Russia, Boris and Gleb Sowers celebrated the holiday on May 15. This name did not arise by chance. According to the national calendar, it was from this date that the active sowing campaign began. Our ancestors believed that if you don't meet this deadline or don't go out into the field at all, the year will be hungry. At that time, the crops started on Boris and Gleb promised to be particularly successful.

The peasants had been out in the field since early morning. Before the start of sowing, they read prayers and asked for blessings for hard work and a rich harvest. The women cooked simple meals right in the field, while the men plowed and sowed. There was also a custom of treating neighbors and helping each other at work. The works themselves were often accompanied by songs and heartfelt conversations.

Weather signs on May 15 played an important role for farmers. According to the state of nature, the future summer and harvest were judged. For example, clear skies and warm weather foreshadowed a rich grain harvest. And if the morning started with a thick fog, a humid and cool summer was expected.

Other signs of the day:

• the cattle are worried and misbehave in the barn — to a change in the weather;
• Clouds are moving fast across the sky — ready for a windy day;
• Sparrows flock together and chirp noisily to the rain.;
• The wind blows from the south all day, leading to warm and dry weather.;
• dew is plentiful in the morning — by the harvest summer.

What not to do on May 15th

On the day of Boris and Gleb the Sowers, there were strict prohibitions related to the beginning of field work and respect for the land. People were afraid of quarrels, laziness and refusal to help others, as this "destroyed" harmony in the family and community. Any careless word or deed, according to ancient beliefs, also promised trouble and could affect the future harvest.

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What else can't be done on May 15th:

• burning last year's weeds leads to an invasion of pests;
• wearing someone else's or dirty clothes leads to gossip and conflict;
• holding a grudge against loved ones leads to illness and discord in the family;
• starting new important things will be fruitless.

What is the church holiday on May 15th?

On May 15 (May 2, Old Style), the Orthodox Church celebrates the transfer of the venerable relics of the Holy Princes, the Passion-bearers Boris and Gleb. The brothers became the first saints canonized after the Baptism of Rus, and their holiness was recognized both in Constantinople and in the Russian lands. Their memory has been carefully preserved since the 11th century.

After death, their bodies remained incorruptible for a long time and exuded miracles. Believers perceived this as a sign of God's special grace. Pilgrims began to flock to the burial sites, asking for help and intercession from the saints. In 1115, their relics were transferred to the tomb church in Vyshgorod. Since that time, the day of the transfer of the relics has been widely celebrated in Russia and has become one of the important church dates.

On the same day, celebrations are held in honor of the finding of the relics of St. Athanasius of Syandem, a famous ascetic of the Russian North, who helped strengthen monastic life and supported the traditions of northern monasticism. The monk lived in the XV–XVI centuries and founded a monastic monastery in the area of Syandema. His relics were found during the construction of a new church in 1865.

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Prayers on May 15th

Believers turn to Saints Boris and Gleb with prayers for peace, harmony in the family and the cessation of conflicts. They are asked to help overcome hostility, strengthen fraternal relations and protect against injustice. St. Athanasius of Syandem is asked for spiritual support, strengthening of faith, and help in life's difficulties. He is also considered an advocate for those who seek solitude and inner peace.

Prayer to Boris and Gleb

"O holy two, beautiful brethren, the good passion-bearers Boris and Gleb, who from their youth served Christ with faith, purity and love, and with their blood, as they adorned themselves with purple and now reign with Christ, do not forget us who exist on earth, but as warm intercessors, through your strong intercession before Christ God, preserve the young in the most holy faith and purity, undamaged from every pretext of unbelief and impurity, protect us all from all sorrow, bitterness and vain death, tame all enmity and malice, raised by action from neighbors and strangers. We beseech you, Christ-loving passion-bearers, to ask of Your Gracious Master for all of us the remission of our sins, unity of mind and health, deliverance from the invasion of foreigners, internecine warfare, pestilence and famine. Provide your intercession to all those who honor your holy memory forever and ever. Amen to that."

Prayer to Athanasius of Syandem

Troparion, glas 4

"Enlightened by the love of Christ, thou didst flow from thy youth to the monastery of Alexander Svirsky, in obedience, labor, and prayer vigils, striving, partaking of the miraculous vision of the Queen of Heaven, and after the repose of thy teacher, thou departed into the impenetrable forests of Olonets, where thou didst perform many and great feats, slander, slander, and exile of men. Through suffering, you laid the foundation of the monastery of Syandem, and you brought the monks to Christ the Savior, to whom you pray that we also may be saved, through your child, Venerable Athanasius, our father."

Kontakion, glas 8

"Come, monastic cathedrals and fasters of the estate, having descended, let us praise Blessed Athanasius, prayer companion and companion of St. Alexander of Svir, for the Holy Trinity stands with him and prays for our souls."

Earlier, Izvestia told which saints are remembered on the feast of Jeremiah the Harrier.