Folk signs for February 15: 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 Sunday, February 15, and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for February 15th

According to the national calendar, Candlemas is celebrated on February 15. This day was popularly considered the first meeting of spring. The second meeting, according to legend, falls on the Magpie, and the third — on the Annunciation. The Sretensky frosts were called the last severe cold of winter, after which the peasants no longer dared to go on a long journey by sleigh.

This day was considered one of the most significant in the transition from winter to spring. No wonder they said: "Candlemas — winter meets summer", "The sun for summer, winter for frost", "The day has more light, the night has less cold", "Winter meets spring, wants to freeze, but she only sweats from her desire."

They paid special attention to the household: they put the house in order, checked the stocks, and inspected the inventory. But first of all, they took care of the poultry. It was believed that the future roost depended on this day. The chickens were fed oats, saying: "Feed the chickens with oats —you'll have an egg in the summer." The behavior of the bird was also monitored: "If the bird drinks water, that is, does not eat, the owners of the trouble will gather."

A lot of observations were connected with the weather on Candlemas. It was believed that the thaw on this day heralds early spring. If there was a severe frost, prolonged cold weather was expected. The sunny weather was perceived as a good sign for the future harvest. A snowstorm could promise a long winter.

Other signs of the day:

• drops from the roofs — to the warmth soon;
• the wind is changeable — to unstable weather;
• cloudy sky without wind — for the harvest year;
• a clear night leads to frost.

What not to do on February 15th

Candlemas was considered a transitional day when it was necessary to be careful in deeds and words. Our ancestors believed that thoughtless actions could affect the entire next year. They were afraid of quarrels and harsh words, as they could bring discord in the family. It was not recommended to go on a long journey, especially in the cold, so as not to cause trouble.

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What else can't be done on February 15th:

• to engage in hard work unnecessarily leads to diseases;
• leaving the house unattended leads to losses;
• being greedy leads to financial losses;
• holding a grudge against loved ones leads to family troubles.

What is the church holiday on February 15th?

The Orthodox Church celebrates the Presentation of the Lord on February 15 (February 2, Old style), one of the twelve feasts. It was installed in memory of the bringing of the baby Jesus Christ to the Jerusalem Temple on the fortieth day after his birth.

According to the Gospel of Luke, the Mother of God and the righteous Joseph fulfilled the Old Testament law by presenting the baby to God. They were met in the temple by the righteous Simeon the God-receiver, who was promised that he would not die until he saw the Messiah. This meeting gave the name to the holiday "Candlemas", which means "Meeting".

The event symbolizes the union of the Old and New Testaments. Simeon, taking the Christ child in his arms, said a prayer known as "Now let us go." In a theological sense, the holiday commemorates the recognition of the Savior as a Light for the enlightenment of nations. Candlemas emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the law and trusting God's providence.

On this day, solemn divine services are held in churches. Believers confess and receive communion, and recite special prayers. Traditionally, candles are consecrated, which are then kept at home as a reminder of the light of Christ. Candlemas candles are lit during prayer, as well as in difficult moments of life: with illnesses, losses and other trials.

Prayers on February 15th

On the feast of Candlemas, believers pray for family peace, the health of loved ones and protection from harm. They also ask for leniency for committed sins and for strengthening faith. It is believed that all prayers said on the holiday have a double power. Therefore, more time should be given to them on Candlemas.

The first prayer to the Lord Jesus Christ

"Lord Jesus Christ, Only-begotten Son and Word of God! <...> On this most holy day of Thy Presentation, Thou didst reveal Thyself as a man in the sanctuary, shining with the ineffable Light of Divinity, so that together with Simeon they might see Thee face to face and grasp Thee with their hands, and receive thee into their arms, so that they might know God in the flesh has come. For this reason, we glorify Your ineffable condescension and great love for mankind, for by Your coming you have now bestowed heavenly joy on the fallen ancients of mankind. <...> To those who remember Your Candlemas, deign to come out with wise virgins to meet You, our Heavenly Bridegroom, with burning luminaries of faith, love and purity, so that we may see with the eyes of faith, O God.May we receive You into our spiritual arms, and may we carry You in our hearts all the days of our lives, so that you may be our God and we may be Your people. <...> Glory to Your Mercy, Glory to Your Kingdom, Glory to Your vision, O One Who loves mankind, for Thine is the Kingdom, and Power and Glory be with Thy Father without Beginning, and with thy Most Holy, Good, and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."

The Second Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos

"O Most Holy, Heavenly purity of the Radiant Virgin, Gentle dove, Unclean Lamb, Good Helper of the world, Mother of Christ our God! You are the beginning, the middle, and the end of our present joy, for Christ our God, the Sun of Righteousness, has risen from You, and you have brought Him into Your holy arms on this fourth day into the Sanctuary for our meeting and for the joy and salvation of the whole world. For this reason we both bless and glorify You. <...> You, O Most Holy Mother, Who yourself are the God-compatible temple of God, have brought Your exalted son, Christ our God, to the legitimate church. Grant us also, above all on earth, to love the temples of Your Son, to visit them all the days of our lives, to see the beauty of the Lord there<...> And thus, O Mother of God, will I bring forth thy Son in our hearts and souls, that through thy prayers we may attain and exalt his blessed Meeting with the Lord, when, with all the saints, we will bring forth to glorify and hymn His Most Holy Name with the Father and the Holy Spirit, and Thy merciful intercession, now and ever and unto the ages. centuries. Amen to that."

Earlier, Izvestia told us what prayers are read on Epiphany.

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