Folk signs for July 3: 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 July 3 and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for July 3rd
In Russia, Methodius Sparrowhawk Day was celebrated on July 3. The holiday was associated with the beginning of active quail hunting. It was at this time that birds flocked to the grain fields and often raised their voices, which served as a signal for hunters. The men went to the fields and meadows, trying to get at least one quail. This was considered a good sign and promised prosperity for the whole year.
To find the bird, we paid attention to different signs. If the ears of corn were covered with cobwebs and midges were flying nearby, then they knew that the quails were somewhere nearby. And if the whistling was clearly heard nearby, in this place, on the contrary, luck could not be expected. The color of the feathers was also given importance. It was considered a rare piece of luck to meet a white quail, and if it was possible to catch it, it was considered the main trophy.
Methodius Sparrowhawk is also associated with many weather signs. So, if the quails were actively calling to each other, they expected dry and clear weather. But the rain on this day was considered an alarming sign, promising prolonged bad weather. It was not for nothing that people said: "If it rains on Methodius, it will take him 40 days."
Other signs of the day:
- there is a lot of dew in the morning — the day will be warm;
- Frogs are coming out of the water — heavy rains are coming soon;
- Old cobwebs flying in the air — for thunderstorms and rains;
- there are no ants visible from the anthill due to the strong wind;
- The spider is actively weaving a web to improve the weather.
What not to do on July 3rd
There were certain prohibitions on the holiday. Our ancestors believed that violating these rules could disrupt harmony with nature and lead to troubles. For example, it was impossible to destroy a spider's web, so as not to lose prosperity, and one should not eat poultry meat, so as not to scare away luck.
What else can't be done on July 3rd:
- being lazy leads to business failures;
- quarreling with loved ones leads to protracted conflicts;
- spending the accumulated money leads to financial losses;
- throwing away leftovers leads to losses and serious damage.,
- going on a long journey leads to trouble on the way.
What is the church holiday on July 3rd?
On July 3 (June 20, Old Style), the Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Martyr Methodius of Patara, who lived in the III–IV centuries and was bishop of the city of Patara in Asia Minor. He is known as a theologian and defender of Orthodox teaching. Methodius opposed heresies, explaining the foundations of the Christian faith.
The saint left behind theological works devoted to the interpretation of Holy Scripture and moral issues. For his devotion to the faith, he was persecuted and executed around 312.
On the same date, the icon of the Mother of God of Modena (Kosinskaya) is honored. It was brought in 1717 by Count Sheremetyev from the Italian city of Modena. The shrine was placed in Kosino, near Moscow, where it became known for numerous miracles and healings. Over time, the icon became widely known among believers.
Prayers on July 3rd
Believers turn to the Holy Martyr Methodius with prayers for strengthening faith, protection from error and spiritual support. In front of the Modena Icon of the Mother of God, they pray for health, family peace and protection from harm. They also ask for solace in sorrows and help in difficult situations.
Prayer to Methodius of Patara
Troparion, glas 1:
"Your blood, wise man, cries out secretly from the earth, just as the blood of Abel cries out to God, to the God-wise Saint Methodius, who clearly preaches the incarnation of God. Thus didst thou put Origen's flattery to shame, and didst pass away into the heavenly palace. Pray to Christ God, may He save our souls."
Kontakion, glas 4:
"A priest of the Holy Trinity, and a preacher of divine commands above all reason, and an Orthodox affirmation, Methodius, thou didst denounce the evil meanings of orthodoxy, for the sake of thy blood a holy martyr appeared, and, standing with the Angels of Christ, pray that we may be saved."
Prayer in front of the Icon of the Mother of God of Modena
"O most merciful and most precious Mother of Light, worthily glorified and justly blessed from all the higher orders, as surpassing them without comparison, who gave birth to God and the Creator of all! We thank You for all Your blessings, which you have been pleased to reveal to us by the glorious offering of Your miraculous icon. <...> O all-powerful Helper of our kind! Hear us who pray to You, and show Your mercy; <...> fervently: do not remember the multitude of our sins, but grant us good petitions, grant us everything we need for life and piety, deliver us from sorrows, troubles and all kinds of diseases, especially from deadly plagues and perdition, from the slander of evil people and every situation. Keep and save us by Your grace, O Lady, from the pernicious teachings of unbelief and superstition, from the evil seductions. Preserve us and our fatherland from all kinds of sedition, disorder and evil depravity, raised up by the enemies of the Orthodox faith. <...> May we always sing, magnify and glorify You, as the good Intercessor of the Christian race, with all those who please God. Amen.
Earlier, Izvestia reported on the folk and church traditions of the Zosima Pchelnik holiday.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
