Popular beliefs: what is strictly forbidden to do on the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos in 2025

The Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos is one of the most significant Orthodox holidays, which is celebrated on October 14. In 2025, this day falls on a Tuesday. According to popular beliefs and traditions, there are a number of prohibitions and recommendations on the holiday. For more information, see the Izvestia article.

Historical and spiritual context

The feast of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos was established in honor of an event that took place in Constantinople in the 10th century. According to legend, during the siege of the city, the Most Holy Theotokos appeared to worshippers in the Blachernae Temple.

During the all-night vigil, Holy fool Andrew saw how the Most Holy Theotokos stretched her omophorion in the temple over the worshippers, protecting them from enemies. As a result of this miraculous phenomenon, the enemies retreated, and the city was saved. Since then, this day has been celebrated as the feast of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos.

In Russia, the Veil acquired a special significance and became associated in folk tradition with the onset of winter, the completion of agricultural work and the beginning of the wedding season. It is believed that from this day on, the "winter season" begins — the time when nature prepares for winter rest.

Folk signs and beliefs

There were many signs on the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos that helped predict what winter would be like.

If the leaves from the trees had completely flown off the Cover, this foreshadowed a light and snowy winter. However, if the leaves remained, a cold and frosty winter was expected. Forecasts were also made based on bird observations: if the cranes flew away before the Cover, the winter would be cold, and if it was warm after.

If snow fell on that day, it was believed that the winter would be long and snowy. While the rain on the Cover meant that autumn would be warm and rainy. A sign of a good autumn was also a squirrel that had changed its fur coat to Cover. If the wind was blowing from the east or west, the winter promised to be severe. The wind from the south foreshadowed a mild winter, and a snowy one from the north.

On this day, the housewives were preparing the house for winter. It was believed that if all the housework was not completed before the Cover, the winter would be cold and difficult. Also on this day, a ceremony of "baking corners" was held: the hostess walked around the house with pancakes, read prayers and put them in the corners, asking for the welfare and protection of the house.

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And young women burned their old straw bed, and old women burned worn-out bast shoes, hoping for health and well-being. Also on this day, mothers poured water over their children through a sieve on the doorstep to protect them from winter colds.

What can not be done on the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos

It is forbidden to engage in heavy physical work on Pokrov: cleaning, washing, sewing, knitting, digging and other household chores. This time should be devoted to prayer, rest and spiritual purification.

It is also not customary to quarrel, swear or swear on this day. It is believed that such actions can attract troubles and misfortunes to the house. It is not recommended to make promises that cannot be fulfilled or borrow money. It is believed that unfulfilled promises or debts can lead to financial difficulties in the future.

In addition, Pokrov is a day of joy and gratitude. You should not be sad on this day, complain about fate or be in a bad mood. It is best to spend it surrounded by loved ones, in an atmosphere of love and mutual understanding.

Although there are no strict lenten restrictions on Fasting, it is recommended to refrain from alcohol abuse and gluttony. The observance of moderation in food and drinks contributes to spiritual purification and maintaining health.

What is recommended to do on the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos

On the morning of October 14, believers visit the temple, place candles and pray for health, peace and well-being. The girls ask the Virgin for a happy marriage and love. Families are praying for the defenders of their country. Housewives prepare festive dishes, and once upon a time fairs and merry parties were held in the villages.

It is customary to show hospitality on Pokrov. Housewives prepare festive dishes and treat guests and neighbors. Generosity on this day is considered the key to prosperity and well-being in the future.

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The wedding season began with Pokrov. The girls prayed for marriage, and the boys wooed the brides. It is believed that a wedding performed on this day promises a strong and happy marriage.

Special prohibitions on Pokrovskaya Parental Saturday

In 2025, Pokrovskaya Parental Saturday, Memorial Day, falls on October 11. There are also certain prohibitions and recommendations on this day.

It is forbidden to sweep the floor and especially to sweep the litter out of the house. It is believed that in this way you can "sweep away" luck and well-being. It is very bad to eat berries on this day. It is believed that this can lead to illness or misfortune.

You can't cheat or complain about fate. Intercession Parents' Saturday is a time for prayer and commemoration of the dead, not for negative emotions. According to folk traditions, it is not customary to visit the cemetery on Pokrov, since there is a Pokrov Saturday for the commemoration of the dead, which is celebrated on another day.