Folk signs for May 21: 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 21 and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for May 21
In Russia, Ivan the Long, or Ivan the Wheat, was celebrated on May 21. Usually by this time, the peasants had completed their spring crops, primarily wheat, the main grain crop.
While the men were in the field, the housewives baked bread from the remains of last year's grain to "summon" fertility. This bread was considered special — it was prepared with prayer and kind thoughts, believing that the well-being of the family depended on it. A coin or a button was baked into one of the loaves. It was believed that whoever got the slice with the "surprise" would have a good year.
Rituals for a good harvest were also held on the holiday, asking nature for protection from pests, drought and other misfortunes that could destroy crops. The peasants believed that it was on this day that they could "appease" the land and strengthen its forces before the summer. It is no coincidence that another name of the holiday is the Niva Amulet, which reflected the peasants' attitude to the land as a source of life and well—being.
The ancestors believed that on Ivan the Wheat, nature itself dictates what the weather and the future harvest will be like. Therefore, special attention was paid to weather signs. If the day was windy and cool, it was considered a harbinger of a dry summer. If the morning was clear and warm, a good wheat harvest was expected.
Other signs of the day:
- bees are actively flying — for warm and stable weather;
- Birds fly low — to the rain;
- heavy dew in the morning — on clear days;
- fog at dawn — a change in the weather;
- thunder — for a fertile summer.
What not to do on May 21
There were certain prohibitions on the holiday, which they tried to adhere to in order not to cause trouble. Farmers were afraid to disrupt harmony with nature and "scare away" luck. For example, it was forbidden to swear in the field, so as "not to offend the earth." They also tried not to be lazy, because inaction could lead to failures in the household. This superstition is reflected in the saying: "Whoever is lazy on Ivan will not have bread."
What else can not be done on May 21:
- to work carelessly — the harvest will be poor;
- breaking branches and trampling young plants — for a hungry year;
- swearing and fighting can lead to long—term discord in the family;
- to refuse help leads to need and loss of luck;
- starting new big businesses will not bring results.
What is the church holiday on May 21st?
On May 21, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, one of Christ's closest disciples and a witness to key evangelical events. John was present at the Transfiguration of the Lord, the Last Supper, and the crucifixion of the Savior. It was to him that Jesus entrusted the care of his Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The life of the Apostle John was amazing. He preached in Asia Minor, where he was persecuted more than once. By order of Emperor Domitian, he was thrown into a cauldron of boiling oil, but the apostle survived. Then he was pelted with stones, but even then he remained unharmed. After these miracles, John was sent into exile to the island of Patmos. It was there that the Lord revealed to him the mysteries of the destinies of the world, which the apostle wrote down in the book of Revelation.
The Apostle John lived for more than a hundred years. Before his death, he told his students to dig a cross-shaped grave and cover themselves with earth. When other students dug up the grave some time later, the body was not there. According to legend, every year on May 21, ashes appeared at the burial site, with which believers were cured of diseases. In memory of this miracle, the church established a celebration.
In 2026, this date coincides with the feast of the Ascension of the Lord, one of the main (twelve—day) holidays, which always falls on the 40th day after Easter. The celebration symbolizes the completion of Christ's earthly ministry and the beginning of a new era — the era of the church. Having ascended to heaven, the Lord did not leave the world, but promised to send the Comforter (the Holy Spirit), who descended upon the apostles on the day of Pentecost.
Prayers on May 21st
The Apostle John the Theologian is asked for healing from diseases, strengthening faith and giving wisdom. Travelers, icon painters, authors of spiritual books, fishermen and farmers also consider him their patron saint, asking for inspiration in their labors, protection from dangers, a successful catch and harvest. On Ascension Day, believers pray for the salvation of their souls, the forgiveness of sins, and the hope of eternal life.
Prayer to John the Theologian
"O great and all-laudable Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, the confidant of Christ, our warm intercessor and speedy helper in tribulation! Beseech the Lord God to grant us the remission of all our transgressions, which we have sinned from our youth in our whole life by deed, word, thought, and all our feelings; and at the end of our souls, help us sinners (names) to be delivered from aerial ordeals and eternal torment, so that through your merciful intercession we glorify the Father, the Son, and the Holy One. Of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."
Prayer for the Ascension of the Lord
"Lord Jesus Christ, our God, who has descended from the heavenly heights for our salvation. <...> On this clear and all-luminous day of Your Divine ascension to heaven, the earth celebrates and rejoices. <...> For this reason, we fervently ask You, O Lord, by Your most glorious Ascension, quicken our conscience, which is the most necessary thing in the world Lead us out of the captivity of this sinful flesh and the world and create us to be wise above, and not earthly, so that we may not please ourselves and live, but we will serve and work for You, the Lord and our God, until we have renounced the bonds of the flesh and passed through the heavenly ordeals unchallenged, we will reach Your heavenly mansions, ideally At the right hand of Your Majesty, together with the Archangels and Angels, and with all the saints, let us glorify Your All-holy name, together with Your Beginningless Father and Your All-holy, Consubstantial, and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia told which saints are revered on the national holiday Kupalnitsa.
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