Folk signs for August 28: 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 Thursday, August 28, and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for August 28, 2025

In Russia, the feast of Spozhinka was celebrated on August 28. Other names are Dozhinki or Roasting. This name is associated with the end of the harvest. Since the main work of harvesting bread was performed by women, from the end of summer there came a period of rest, which in the old days was called the "young Indian summer" — it lasted until Ivan Lenten (September 11).

At the end of the harvest, the peasant women went out into the field and tied the sickles with straw, and the last sheaf was decorated with a sarafan, a cocoanut and carried to the village with songs. In order for the future harvest to be rich, the ears were also consecrated in the church.

Special attention was paid to weather signs. They were used to determine what autumn would be like. So, a clear and sunny day promises warm and dry weather. And the rain foreshadows bad weather until October.

Other signs of the day:

• thunder with thunderstorms — for early and rainy autumn;
• a rainbow in the sky is a harbinger of sunny weather in September;
• The heat foreshadows that Indian summer will be short;
• A thick morning fog promises a rich harvest of mushrooms in the forest.;
• the ears were born full and heavy — the year will be full and prosperous.;
• a large amount of cobwebs in the air leads to a frosty and dry winter.
• complete windlessness warns of a very cold winter.

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What not to do on August 28

In Spozhinki, it is customary to put the house in order, make preparations for the winter, thank for the harvest and guess at the ears. Since the Dormition Fast has already ended by this day, there are no restrictions on food. You can eat meat, fish, eggs and dairy products.

Meanwhile, the holiday has a number of prohibitions. In the old days, they tried not to violate them, so as not to get into trouble. For example, it was believed that on August 28 it was forbidden to work on the ground and use sharp tools, including rakes and pitchforks.

What else can not be done on August 28:

• walking barefoot in the dew, as it is "cold" on this day and can bring diseases, especially to women.;
• cutting your hair — in the old days, it was believed that this way you could "shorten" your beauty;
• to make bonfires and light candles before sunset — fire on a holiday was considered a symbol of troubles;
• getting angry and quarreling — according to beliefs, swearing and insults can scare away luck;
• married women contradict their husbands, otherwise it will attract scandals;
• They won't be able to start new businesses. Previously, any initiatives that were not related to the end of the season were postponed to another day.

What is the church holiday on August 28th?

Orthodox Christians celebrate the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 28, one of the twelve main church holidays. It completes the strict two-week Dormition fast, which is why it is often popularly called the Easter of the Virgin.

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The Orthodox holiday is celebrated annually on August 28.

This day commemorates the earthly death of the Virgin Mary and her subsequent bodily ascension to heaven. The name "Dormition" comes from the word "to fall asleep", indicating that the Mother of God did not die in the usual sense for people, but fell asleep in order to be reborn in a new eternal life.

An all-night vigil is held on the eve of the Assumption. In the morning, a solemn liturgy is held in the churches. The priests wear blue robes in the color of the Virgin's mantle, symbolizing her purity and purity.

Prayers on August 28

The Mother of God is considered the main intercessor of mankind before God. Therefore, believers can turn to her with any petitions — for strengthening faith, getting rid of harmful habits, restoring mental balance and peace in the family. On the holiday, you can read one of the following prayers:

Prayer to the Mother of God

"We sing praises to Your mercy, O Most Holy Mother of God! Do not turn away from our prayers, but deliver us from troubles and misfortunes. The only Holy and Blessed Mother of God Save us! You, the long-suffering Mother of God, surpass all those living on earth in faith and suffering. Hear us and do not forsake us in difficult moments, keep us under the protection of Your mercy and compassion. It is only by Your side that we find refuge and warm intercession in the darkness of hell. Only you have permission to turn to Your Son and beg him for our salvation and passage to the Kingdom of heaven, where we will sing praises to Your Son, His Father, and You, the Lady of peace forever and ever. Amen to that."

Earlier, Izvestia told us what prayers are read for the Transfiguration of the Lord.