Prophet Micah's Day is August 27: what can and cannot be done
Every year on August 27, Orthodox believers remember the prophet Micah, an Old Testament righteous man, one of the so—called minor prophets. His memory occupies a special place in the church calendar. The day combines liturgical traditions with folk rituals and beliefs. In the old days in Russia, this day was called "Mikhei-tikhovey." It was believed that it was necessary to meet him in peace and quiet, avoiding quarrels and high-profile cases. What is allowed and what is strictly forbidden to do on August 27, as well as what signs are associated with this date, Izvestia tells.
Prophet Micah's Day on August 27: the story
The memory of the Prophet Micah is celebrated on August 27, and this day is deeply rooted in the Orthodox tradition. Micah is considered one of the "minor" prophets of the Old Testament and the author of the book of prophecies included in the canon of Holy Scripture.
According to church tradition, he came from the village of Morasfa and lived in the 8th century before the Birth of Christ. His ministry came at a time of great social and political upheaval in Israel and Judea.
The prophet's main mission was to expose the moral decline of society and those in power, to warn against future disasters, and at the same time to give people hope for salvation and renewal. In his speeches, special attention was paid to the themes of justice, mercy and the humble following of God. It was these instructions that became the basis of his veneration in the Christian tradition.
In Orthodox calendars, the day of Micah is adjacent to a number of other memorable dates and holidays. It is celebrated on the eve of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, one of the most important holidays, and in some regions it is also associated with the commemoration of the transfer of the relics of saints.
In liturgical practice, this day is dedicated to reading the book of the prophet and reminding believers of the need to live according to the law of truth and take care of their neighbors.
Prophet Micah's Day: Traditions and prayers
The celebration of the prophet's memory was formed at the intersection of liturgical practice and folk customs. On this day, special liturgies and prayer services are served in Orthodox churches, during which prophetic passages are read, prayers are sung for the gift of wisdom to rulers, for the protection of people from disasters and for the consolidation of peace in families.
For ordinary believers, turning to the prophet Micah in prayer is connected with his ethical precepts: to act justly, show mercy and restraint, and avoid pride and injustice. They also pray for well-being in the home, the health of loved ones and help in overcoming difficulties.
Folk piety has added its own shades to this day. Since August 27 often coincides with the end of the Dormition Fast, prayers express gratitude for its completion. In villages and villages, people tried to dedicate the holiday to the family circle, gathered for a meal after the service, and the housewives prayed for the protection of the hearth and harvest.
What you can and can't do on August 27
According to legend, the day of Micah has its own strict prohibitions and regulations. They arose at the junction of religious institutions and peasant experience.
The main rule concerned nutrition: believers were advised to abstain from meat and dairy foods until the end of the fast, following church canons.
Particular attention was paid to behavior. It was believed that on this day one should remain calm and "meet Micah in silence." Any quarrels, loud arguments or swearing could turn into troubles and misfortunes for the whole family.
They were especially strongly warned against conflicts with parents and the elderly: folk tradition claimed that disrespect for elders on this day entails "heavenly punishment."
There were also household prohibitions: it was forbidden to wear dirty or torn clothes, as well as to do heavy housework. It was believed that this disturbed the peace of the day and could attract poverty. The women tried not to start washing, did not sit down to spin or weave.
At the same time, it was allowed to visit the temple, pray, remember deceased relatives and pay attention to the family. The day was considered suitable for conversations about spirituality and reflections on the future.
Folk signs on August 27
The date of the Prophet Micah's memory occupied a special place in the peasant calendar. People watched the weather and made forecasts for the fall.
The main sign was connected with the wind. If the weather was calm on August 27 and the wind was light and steady, the peasants expected a warm and dry autumn. Strong winds or storms were considered harbingers of rainy and cold September.
Other observations concerned the lunar cycle and celestial phenomena. A new moon or a red dawn promised changes in the weather and the onset of inclement weather.
Social customs are also reflected in this day. It was believed that August 27 was the last date for matchmaking before the autumn weddings. Young people were in a hurry to decide on the choice of a bride or groom in order to make it before the end of lent and the beginning of the autumn wedding celebrations.
On this day, you can not count money out loud, borrow or borrow, or wear wrinkled clothes. Violation of these rules allegedly threatens losses and financial difficulties in the future.
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