Wise customs of Philippov's day: what absolutely should not be done on November 27

Every year on November 27, Christians of the Eastern rite celebrate Philippi Day, dedicated to the memory of the Apostle Philip, one of the twelve disciples of Christ. In the folk tradition, the holiday is called "Kudelitsa" and symbolizes the completion of spinning, the beginning of the winter period and the pre-Christmas fast. On this day, special rituals were observed, as well as strict prohibitions related to work, noisy festivities and safety in the forest. Details can be found in the Izvestia article.

The history and ecclesiastical significance of St. Philip's Day

On November 27, according to the old style, the Orthodox Church celebrates the memory of the Apostle Philip, one of the twelve disciples of Christ. According to legend, Philip was born in Bethsaida, was called by Christ, preached in Galilee and neighboring regions, performed miracles and brought Christianity to many people. His martyrdom, described by an earthquake and crucifixion upside down, has also become part of the church's memory.

The date of the holiday coincides with the beginning of the Christmas Fast, which is often popularly called the Philippian Fast. In the church context, the day is dedicated to remembering the righteous life of the apostle, his labors and martyrdom, and for believers it is a time of preparation for spiritual immersion and humility.

Why is the holiday called "Kudelitsa"?

In the folk tradition, this day was also called Kudelitsa. The root of the name is associated with the household structure: "tow" is a prepared flax or hemp fiber for spinning.

In Russia, it is believed that by this day, women completed the harvesting of tow and began spinning. Therefore, the Kudelitsa has become a symbol of the completion of field and women's work, and the transition to winter. At the household level, the day symbolized the end of weddings and harvests, the beginning of lent and the end of active agricultural suffering.

Folk traditions and women's rituals on November 27

On November 27, solemn feasts were often held: the harvest was completed, the bins were closed, the cattle were slaughtered for the winter, and the people "ate enough for the future" before the start of the fast. Girls and women performed special rituals, from spinning to fortune—telling.

On the night of Kudelitsa, unmarried girls could put a piece of beef under their pillow, say the cherished words three times and wait for the vision of the future groom in a dream. It was also believed that the brownie needed to be treated: before the meal, the owners ran out into the yard, called him for dinner, and then left the food for the next day — this strengthened the protection of livestock and the well-being of the family.

The so-called "wolf month" began on this day: it was believed that wolves gather in packs and approach villages, so people were especially attentive to safety in the forest and the countryside.

What not to do in Kudelitsa

Among the traditional prohibitions on November 27 is abstinence from weddings and noisy celebrations: after this day, weddings were considered inappropriate until the end of the fast.

It was impossible to start serious work in the field or to re-equip the farm: the end of active field work symbolized the transition to winter time. It was also considered undesirable to quarrel, swear, or use foul language — it was on this day that the internal state of the family and home was considered particularly vulnerable.

In addition, going out into the forest alone after Kudelitsa was considered risky because of the "wolf month", when, according to beliefs, the beast can approach people.