Folk signs for January 31: 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 Saturday, January 31, and which church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for January 31

In Russia, on January 31, the feast of Athanasius Day was celebrated, also known as Athanasius Lomonosus, Athanasius the Winter, or Athanasius the Frost. The day got its harsh nicknames for a reason — during this period there were often severe frosts, which was reflected in sayings and proverbs: "Athanasius Lomonosus — take care of your nose", "Athanasius pulls your nose and ear".

However, the cold was perceived not only as a test, but also as a cleansing force. Just as frost freezes a hut, so, according to beliefs, it helped to "freeze out" all the bad things from life. On Athanasius, the houses were carefully ventilated to "get rid" of quarrels and negativity.

Special rituals of the day were also associated with the protection of the dwelling from evil spirits. People believed that evil spirits were especially active in the cold. To prevent it from entering the house, thistles, which were specially harvested in the summer, were placed in the cracks of the door jambs and at the threshold.

Weather signs were given great importance on Athanasian Day. They determined what the spring would be like and planned future agricultural work. If the snow creaked loudly underfoot, then a rich wheat harvest was expected. And if thick and fluffy frost has appeared on the windows, it is a good harvest of flax.

Other signs of the day:

• Sparrows are chirping together and gathering in flocks — for snowfall soon.;
• the cattle in the barn are restless, butting heads — to the impending blizzard;
• snowstorm on Athanasian Day — spring will be late and windy;
• The day is calm and overcast, with no wind, leading to a prolonged but mild spring.;
• The sun is bright at noon and clearly visible — spring will be early.

What not to do on January 31

There were many superstitious prohibitions associated with Athanasius Day. Our ancestors believed that violating these rules could lead to illness, business failures, and family discord. For example, it was strictly forbidden to put things, especially shoes or clothes, crosswise on a holiday - this promised health problems and quarrels in the family.

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What else can not be done on January 31:

• Holding a grudge against your loved ones in your heart can lead to illness.;
• plan important meetings and start new projects — they will be fruitless.;
• to change your place of residence or go on a long journey — moving promises a hectic life in a new place;
• to have weddings and marriages — such a union, according to beliefs, will not bring happiness and can quickly disintegrate.

What is the church holiday on January 31

On January 31 (January 18, Old Style), the Orthodox Church honors St. Athanasius the Great, one of the fathers of the Church. Born in Alexandria around the year 297, he devoted himself from his youth to the service of God. His firm position in defense of the faith at the First Council of Nicaea made him a pillar of Orthodoxy and the main opponent of the Arian heresy.

In 326, Athanasius was elected bishop of Alexandria. However, he did not manage to escape persecution. Of his 45 years of service, he spent more than 20 years in exile. But even in exile, he supported monasticism and wrote theological works. Among his most famous works are "The Life of St. Anthony" and "Four Words against Arians."

On the same day, the faithful remember the Venerable Cyril and Mary, the parents of Sergius of Radonezh, who went down in history as an example of piety. The couple actively helped the poor and accepted pilgrims, raising four children: Stefan, Peter, Anna and Bartholomew, the future Sergius of Radonezh.

According to his life, Cyril served the Rostov princes and accompanied them to the Horde. By the end of his life, the family, devastated by the Horde raids, moved to Radonezh. In their old age, Cyril and Maria took vows at the Khotkovsky monastery, where they completed their journey around 1337. Their church-wide glorification took place in 1992.

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Prayers on January 31

St. Athanasius is prayed to for the gift of firmness in faith, especially in times of doubt, trial, or persecution. As an outstanding theologian and teacher, he is also asked for help in his studies, education and Christian upbringing of children. Kirill and Maria, as patrons of the Christian family and parenthood, are prayed for the gift of children, the preservation of peace and piety in the family.

Prayer to Athanasius of Alexandria

"O all-laudable and most glorious Saint Athanasius the Great, for the Orthodox faith you have been through many labors, many struggles, five times exiled and fled, you have endured many slanders and slanders, you have longed for your enemies to kill you, and God Himself has miraculously preserved you from death. And you endured all this from the impious heretics, the Arians, and you fought with them, and plunging them into the abyss of words, you overcame them with your patience, and by driving away their malice from the Church and planting Orthodox teaching, you multiplied the seed of the faith of Christ. Truly, you are a brave soldier of Christ, for you are a warrior, and to the end of your days you gloriously fought for the right faith against heretics. Truly, you are the pillar of the Orthodox faith, for your faith has not been shaken by these heretical persecutions, but rather be established and strengthened, not only by you and your flock, but also by the whole Church of Christ. We pray to you, O God-pleasing one, ask of Christ our God and give us unshakable faith and do not deviate from her right path, but abide in it to the end of your days, fearing neither flattery, nor deceit, nor even persecution, and inherit the Kingdom of Heaven in the glory of God the Father, Son, and Holy The Holy Spirit, because you are with all the saints. Amen to that."

Prayer to Cyril and Mary of Radonezh

"O servants of God, Schema-monk Cyril and Schema-nun Mary! Hearken to our humble supplication. For you have ended your temporary life, but you do not depart from us in spirit, always, according to the commandment of the Lord, walk teaching us and bear your cross patiently, helping us. For together with our venerable and God-bearing Father Sergius, your beloved son, you have acquired boldness towards Christ God and His Most Pure Mother. Even now you will be intercessors and intercessors for us, the unworthy servants of God (names). Be our strong intercessors, that we may live by faith, and through your intercession be preserved, unharmed from demons and from evil men, glorifying the Holy Trinity, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."

Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to St. Anthony the Great.

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