Folk signs for June 16: 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 June 16 and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for June 16

In Russia, the Lukyan Vetryak holiday was celebrated on June 16. Its name is directly related to the wind, which at this time of the year became the main weather forecaster for the coming months. The peasants closely monitored its direction and strength: it depended on what the harvest would be, whether it would be possible to carry out haymaking on time and whether it was worth waiting for a drought.

It was believed that the wind had a special power on this day. "If the wind blows on Lukyan, it will show the way to bread," the people said. People also believed that he was able to take away all the bad things. In the old days, housewives tried to dry their laundry directly in the wind, and also carefully ventilated the huts in order to "blow out" the accumulated negative energy, quarrels and illnesses from the dwelling.

In addition, our ancestors often chose a place for a new well on Lukyan. According to legend, the water found on this day was especially clean, delicious and could not spoil for a long time. Because of this, she was often credited with healing properties.

A lot of observations are connected with the weather on the Lukyan Windmill. Special attention was paid to the direction of the wind. For example, if the wind was blowing from the south, a warm and fruitful summer was expected. And if the north wind rose, they were preparing for a cold snap and prolonged rains.

Other signs of the day:

• The wind often changes direction to unstable weather.;
• a quiet day without wind leads to prolonged heat;
• the wind increases in the evening — to worsen the weather;
• clouds are moving quickly across the sky — towards a strong wind or storm;
• morning dew is plentiful — by a clear day;
• Birds fly low — to the rain;
• Heavy rain fell at dawn, leading to a rich harvest of mushrooms in the forests.

What not to do on June 16

There were certain prohibitions on the day of Lukyan Vetryak. Our ancestors believed that you should not go against a strong wind, especially if you expose your face to it — this way you can "catch ailments." They were especially afraid to count money on the street — it was believed that the wind could blow away financial well-being.

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What else can not be done on June 16:

• to waste words leads to a series of troubles;
• quarreling and raising your voice can lead to protracted conflicts.;
• starting important things will not bring results.;
• working with threads and fabrics leads to confusion in business;
• throwing away garbage leads to losses and losses;
• leaving windows closed leads to stagnation in the house;
• complaining about fate leads to new difficulties.

What is the church holiday on June 16?

On June 16, the Orthodox Church commemorates two saints with similar names at once — the Martyrs Lucilian of Nicomedia and the Holy Martyr Lucian of Belgium. Both ascetics lived in the first centuries of Christianity, when faith in Christ was severely punished by the Roman authorities.

The Hieromartyr Lucian of Belgium lived in Rome in the first century under Emperor Domitian and was known as Lucius in paganism. He was enlightened by the light of the Christian faith by the Apostle Peter himself. After the death of the apostle, Lucian continued to preach in Italy, and then was ordained bishop by Pope Clement.

After that, Lucian and his brethren preached for many years in Gaul (the territory of modern France and Belgium). The preaching of the saints converted almost all the inhabitants of these lands to Christ. Upon learning of the beginning of new persecutions, Saint Lucian gathered the flock, convinced them not to be afraid, and left with the presbyter and the deacon for the mountain. The warriors caught up with them there. After the torture, the saints were beheaded with a sword.

Saint Lucillian of Nicomedia lived in the 3rd century during the reign of Emperor Aurelian. He was a pagan priest for many years and was highly respected. However, in his old age, he realized the falsity of paganism and was baptized. Lucillian began to preach openly, and under the influence of his words, many Nicomedia residents converted to the new faith. This caused fury among the local Jews. The saint was executed, suffering a martyr's death.

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Prayers on June 16

Believers turn to these saints with various requests, first of all — with requests for the gift of courage and firmness in faith in times of trials and unfair accusations. They also pray for guidance on the right path. It is believed that their intercession helps those who face internal doubts or external pressure.

Prayer to Lucian of Belgium

"O chosen one and servant of Christ, Holy Martyr Lucian! <...> During the persecution of the godless, You brought forth from the treasury of your soul the saving confession of the Orthodox faith, and you appeared to the faithful as a good shepherd. <... For now, look down upon us, your unworthy children, who call upon you with a tender soul and a contrite heart. Pray to the Lord God, may He forgive our sins and deliver us from the bonds of hell and eternal torment. Strengthen us in the most holy faith, teach us to always do the will of God and keep the commandments of the church. May the rule of faith be our shepherd, the spiritual leader of the warrior, the comforter of the sad, the protector of the persecuted, the mentor of the young, the compassionate father and the warm prayer book <...> in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen to that."

Prayer to Lucillian of Nicomedia

Troparion, glas 4:

"Thy martyr, O Lord, Lukillian, in his suffering has received an incorruptible crown from Thee, our God: for thou hast thy strength, overthrow the tormentors, and crush the demons of feeble insolence. Save our souls through your prayers."

Kontakion, glas 2

"Thou hast appeared as a bright star, O glorious one of the world, proclaiming the suns of Christ, through thy dawns, O passion-bearing Christians, and thou hast extinguished all charm: give us light, praying unceasingly for us all."

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the folk and church traditions of the Green Loach holiday.