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

Folk signs for May 29

In Russia, Fedor Zhitnik Day was celebrated on May 29, one of the most significant agricultural holidays that fall at the height of spring field work. The name "Granary" comes from the word "breadbasket", as in the old days they called cereals, primarily rye and wheat. It was by this time that the peasants were finishing their sowing.

In the old days, they tried to spend the day working and on the ground in the morning. The men went out into the field, engaged in sowing and preparing the arable land, the women helped in the gardens and household chores. Special attention was paid to the grain: it was protected, consecrated and distributed with extreme care. There was a tradition to go around the fields with prayer or a kind word so that the harvest would be generous.

Weather-related signs were given special importance on this day. So, clear skies and warm weather promised a rich and fruitful summer. Another good sign was the rain. The people said: "Rain on Fedor the Breadbasket — for good bread."

Other signs of the day:

• heat after sunrise leads to prolonged drought and weak shoots.;
• fog is spreading over the water — the day will be warm, without rain;
• clouds float against the wind low above the ground, leading to a sharp cold snap;
• Sparrows are swimming in the dust on the road — it's going to rain heavily in a day or two;
• Swallows fly very low, almost at the ground, in case of a thunderstorm with heavy rain.

What not to do on May 29

Fyodor Zhitnik had a number of strict prohibitions, the violation of which, according to beliefs, could bring misfortune to the entire harvest. They were especially afraid of jinxing crops or quarreling with other farmers. It was forbidden, for example, to pick up other people's seeds or borrow your own — it was believed that then "neither your own nor someone else's field would give birth."

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What else can not be done on May 29:

• quarreling and swearing in the field leads to protracted conflicts;
• Being lazy and procrastinating leads to a bad year;
• leaving grain unattended leads to spoilage and losses;
• starting important things will not bring results.;
• making noise in the arable land can "scare" the land.

What is the church holiday on May 29th?

The Orthodox Church on May 29 (May 16, Old style) commemorates St. Theodore the Consecrated, who lived in Egypt in the fourth century. From a young age, he aspired to a strict spiritual life and obedience. And later he became one of the closest disciples of St. Pachomius the Great, the founder of the Cenobitic monasticism.

It was Theodore who was the first in the Tavenisi monastery to be ordained a priest, for which he received the nickname Consecrated. After the death of Pachomius, he became the head of the monastic communities and continued to develop the charter of the dormitory. His work played an important role in strengthening monasticism in Egypt. The saint also became famous for his gift of healing the sick and exorcising demons.

On the same date, the memory of St. Ephraim of Perekom, the wonderworker of Novgorod of the XVI century, whose feat is associated with the strengthening of the Christian faith in Russia and spiritual enlightenment, is honored. Ephraim became famous as the founder of the Perekom monastery in the Novgorod lands. The celebration on May 29 was established on the occasion of the transfer of his relics, which took place in 1545.

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Prayers on May 29

Believers turn to these saints with requests for spiritual perseverance, patience and strengthening of faith. Theodore the Consecrated is asked for guidance on the spiritual path and the gift of humility. Ephraim Perekomsky is addressed with prayers for the protection of his family, home and well-being. Both saints are revered as intercessors who help in trials and difficulties of life.

Prayer to Theodore the Consecrated

Troparion, glas 1

"You are a desert dweller, and in the body of an Angel and a wonderworker, our God-bearing Father Theodore: by fasting, vigil, and prayer you receive heavenly gifts, healing the sick and the souls of those who flow to you by faith. Glory to Him Who gave you strength, glory to Him who crowned you, glory to Him Who works with you, healing all."

Kontakion, glas 2

"In the house of God, like the phoenix, you have blossomed, but you have brought forth the fruits of the virtues of the Lord with a great deal of fasting, Reverend Father, so that you may be blessed, like a bodiless abbot."

Prayer to Ephraim Perekomsky

Troparion, glas 4

"From your youth you have been enslaved to God, O blessed one, and for the sake of loving your fatherland and your family you left, settled in the desert, and lived a cruel life there, and you accepted the miracles of God's gifts, Reverend Ephraim. Pray to Christ God, may He save our souls."

Kontakion, glas 8

"Having become jealous of the angelic life, O venerable one, having left all earthly life, you flocked to Christ and, being protected by the commandments, you appeared as a pillar unshakable from the enemy's attacks. To them we call thee: Hail, Ephraim, most luminous luminary."

Earlier, Izvestia reported on folk and church traditions on the day of Pakhom the Warm.