Folk signs for January 27: 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 Tuesday, January 27, and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for January 27
In Russia, Nina's Day was celebrated on January 27. In the old days, it was customary to take special care of livestock and poultry on this holiday. The peasants went to the barn early in the morning to change the bedding, give the animals an extra portion of food or a treat. There was even a saying: "On Saint Nina, please the cattle."
This tradition was not just an economic necessity, but also an act of gratitude to the "lesser brothers" for their work. They believed that gentle treatment of animals would ensure their health and good offspring.
Also on Nina's day, they tried to help homeless animals — to feed or even shelter them. The evening was dedicated to the family: relatives gathered at a common table to discuss business in a calm atmosphere and strengthen family ties.
Folk signs of the day were associated with the weather and animal behavior, which helped predict what spring and summer would be like. For example, the clear and sunny weather on Nina's day foreshadowed an early, warm spring. If there was a snowstorm or it was snowing, the peasants were preparing for a prolonged and cold season.
Other signs of the day:
- cattle behave restlessly, butting heads — in case of a snowstorm or frost;
- Sparrows chirp together at the houses — for the snowfall;
- the snow lies in a fluffy cover — for a rich harvest in autumn;
- The day is quiet and frosty — in summer there will be an abundance of mushrooms and berries.
What not to do on January 27th
Our ancestors believed that Nina's Day has a special energy. Any conflicts and quarrels were strictly prohibited. It was believed that all the negativity, like a boomerang, would return with a vengeance, causing illness and trouble. It was also forbidden to neglect the care of livestock, so as not to lose prosperity and well-being for the whole year.
What else can not be done on January 27:
- being lazy and sleeping for a long time leads to business failures;
- counting money in the evening leads to loss of well—being;
- cut your hair — so as not to "shorten" your life;
- Shouting and raising your voice can attract evil spirits.
What is the church holiday on January 27th?
On January 27 (January 14, Old style), the Orthodox Church honors the memory of Equal-to-the-Apostles Nina, the enlightener of Georgia, who lived at the turn of the III–IV centuries. According to church tradition, one day the Most Holy Theotokos appeared to her and presented her with a cross made of a vine, blessing her for the enlightenment of pagan Iberia (modern Georgia).
Having miraculously escaped execution during the persecution of Christians, the saint reached the Georgian lands. Her preaching, supported by the gift of healing and many miracles, led to the conversion to Christianity of King Mirian III and his wife, Queen Nana. Georgia was one of the first countries to adopt Christianity. The saint died around the year 335. The Church venerates her as equal-to-the-Apostles.
On the same date, St. Theodulus of Sinai, a monk of the fifth century, who was born into the family of St. Nilus the Fasterer, is remembered. From a young age, the young man chose the path of monastic service and retired with his father to the desert near Mount Sinai.
His life was full of trials. During a barbarian raid, Theodulus was captured and almost sacrificed to pagan idols. After a long ordeal, he was redeemed by a merciful bishop and was able to return to Sinai, where, years later, he ended his days in fasting and prayer.
Prayers on January 27
Saint Nina is considered the heavenly patroness of Georgia, as well as the patroness of all who bear this name. Many people ask her for guidance and guidance on the right path, especially in moments of doubt in life and the search for their destiny. They also pray to her for help in her educational and teaching efforts. St. Theodulus of Sinai is asked for the gift of patience and spiritual strength in trials.
Prayer to Equal-to-the-Apostles Nina
"O all-laudable and most faithful Equal-to-the-Apostles Nino, truly a great adornment to the Orthodox Church and a fair praise to the Iberian people, who enlightened the entire Georgian country with Divine teaching and the feats of apostleship, defeated the enemy of our salvation, planted the gates of Christ with labor and prayers and brought him back to the fruit of many. Celebrating your holy memory, we flow to your venerable face and reverently kiss the all-laudable gift from the Mother of God, the miraculous cross, which you have wrapped around your golden hair, and we implore you, as our eternal intercessor, to protect us from all evils and sorrows, to enlighten the enemies of the Holy Church of Christ and opponents of piety, and to protect your flock. May the Lord grant us peace, longevity, and haste in every good endeavor, and may the Lord lead us into His heavenly Kingdom, where all saints glorify His all-holy Name now, and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."
Prayer to Theodulus of Sinai
Troparion, glas 8:
"Through thy tears thou hast tilled the barren deserts, and from the depths of thy sighs thou hast borne fruit in a hundred labors, and thou hast been a lamp of the universe, shining with wonders, Theodore, our father, pray to Christ God that our souls may be saved."
Kontakion, glas 2:
"Having armed yourself with the purity of your divine soul, and having firmly placed your spear in your hands, you have broken through the demonic militia, Feodule, our father, pray unceasingly for all of us."
Earlier, Izvestia told about what they pray to the holy martyrs Ermil and Stratonikos of Singydon.
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