Folk signs for August 24: 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 Sunday, August 24, and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for August 24, 2025

In the national calendar, August 24 is associated with the name of the Russian epic hero Evpaty Kolovrat, who lived at the turn of the XII–XIII centuries on the Ryazan land. During the invasion of the Tatar-Mongols in Ryazan, he managed to assemble an army and engaged in battle with the enemy. The hero was revered in Russia along with other defenders of the Russian land.

However, the people were wary of this date, considering it mystical. Our ancestors believed that on this day a white horse appeared in the swamp, similar to the one on which Kolovrat fought. According to legend, this happens near the place where the legendary battle of his squad with Batu's army took place.

On Yevpatiya, it was forbidden to get close to the marshes, as this promised great misfortunes. Weather signs were also given great importance on the holiday. According to observations, if the stars are shining brightly at dawn, it will rain soon. If there is fog over the river, the weather will be warm all week.

Other signs of the day:

• rain at dawn — bad weather will last for a long time;
• Cirrus clouds appeared in the sky, leading to a strong wind;
• The weather is calm, with clear days ahead.;
• if the sun is shining brightly, no rain is expected in September.;
• rooks rise high into the sky — for bad weather;
• mice dig holes and make supplies — for a snowy winter;
• a large harvest of nuts has been born — expect a blizzard in winter.
• There are few mushrooms in the forest, which means it will be frosty in winter.

What not to do on August 24th

Over the years, the holiday has been overgrown with various signs and superstitions. For example, on Yevpaty Kolovrat's day, it was strictly forbidden to leave windows and doors leading to the bedroom open, as well as to go outside before dawn. Otherwise, it was possible to encounter dark forces. Our ancestors strictly observed these and other prohibitions so as not to cause trouble.

Believers should remember that the holiday falls during the Dormition Fast. Therefore, you should avoid noisy events and follow the rules of nutrition. Do not eat eggs, meat, fish, or dairy products.

What else can not be done on August 24:

• Going to cemeteries is believed to be the day when restless souls wander among the graves in search of victims.;
• to appear near swamps — it is believed that there you can find creepy glowing lights — the souls of the ancestors.;
• go fishing — drowned people can drag a fisherman under the water;
• Hunting in unfamiliar places means there is a risk of losing your way and not returning home.;
• to light candles in the house that are not consecrated in the church — their flame can bring misfortune;
• drink alcohol — otherwise you will be punished by the spirits of long-dead relatives.;
• Talking loudly and shouting is how you can invite trouble.

What is the church holiday on August 24th?

On August 24, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the Holy Martyr Evplaus of Catan (Sicilian), an early Christian saint who lived at the turn of the II—III centuries. This period was marked by the persecution of Christians. Despite the risk of being captured, Euplus carried the Gospel with him everywhere and boldly preached Christ. During one of his sermons, he was detained and thrown into prison.

In conclusion, Evpl performed one of his miracles. According to legend, through the saint's prayers, a water source miraculously appeared in it, but as soon as the soldiers entered the cell, it immediately disappeared. Before his execution, Evpl asked for time to pray. But instead he began to preach to the people, having managed to convert many pagans to Christianity.

The Holy Martyr Evpla was greatly revered in Russia. In 1471, a wooden church of Archdeacon Yevpla was built on Myasnitskaya Street in Moscow, which was later replaced by a stone one.

On the same date, the church celebrates the Cathedral of the Valaam Saints. This is a transitional celebration, celebrated annually on the first Sunday after the Transfiguration of the Lord (August 19). The Cathedral includes saints already glorified by the Russian Church, as well as locally venerated ascetics whose life path was connected with the Valaam Monastery.

Prayers on August 24

In front of the icon of the Holy Martyr Yevpla of Katan, believers ask to be protected from enemies, devilish temptations, to establish faith in the Lord and to guide them on the right path. He also patronizes people who study the Holy Scriptures. The prayer to the holy martyr includes a kontakion and a canon, which describes his martyrdom and the defense of the Christian faith.

Prayer to Evpl of Katan

Kontakion, glas 1

"Bearing the laws of Christ in your hand, you appeared, crying out as an enemy, in asceticism: you are an impostor to suffer most firmly. Moreover, having bowed thy neck joyfully, thou didst raise up the truncation with the sword, ending thy course."

Troparion, glas 4

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

Venerable Sergius and Herman of Valaam are most often worshipped at the Cathedral of the Valaam Saints. They are asked to heal the sick, get rid of deadly dangers (primarily on the water), and protect themselves from enemies and ill-wishers. People who are fighting against sinful passions also ask for their protection.

Prayer at the Cathedral of the Valaam Saints

"Oh, our great fathers, saints of Christ, and warm intercessors to the Savior for our souls, Sergius and Herman! For you are the healers of the dead, the helmsman of the sea, and the drowning, safe deliverance, and guardians from every deadly invasion, especially from unclean spirits, freedom, and all kinds of slander against us, purification, and help. Blessed be the fathers and wonderworkers of the Most Glorious, Sergius and Herman, pray to the Lord Christ for us sinners, that through your prayers we may be worthy on the Day of Judgment to stand and enjoy the Kingdom of God forever and ever. Amen to that."

Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray for in the Cathedral of the Solovetsky Saints.