Folk signs for February 22: 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 22, and which church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for February 22

According to the national calendar, Pancraty Day, also known as Pancraty Lapotnik, is celebrated on February 22. In the peasant tradition, this day was considered a turning point: winter gradually lost its strength, and people began to prepare for spring work. It was believed that it was by this time that the sun noticeably increases daylight hours, and frosts become less stable.

In the old days, Pancratia tried to put the house and household in order, sort out grain stocks, check tools and prepare utensils for spring work. The main occupation was weaving bast shoes, which was reflected in the name of the holiday. Pancratius Day was also perceived as a time of inner purification and preparation for Lent.

Special attention was paid to weather observations. They were used to judge the future harvest. The people said: "Pancratia has the sun for summer, winter for frost" and "As Pancratia is, so is spring." For example, a clear day promised a warm spring, and a strong wind was considered a sign of prolonged cold weather.

Other signs of the day:

• Crows are cawing loudly — for an imminent snowstorm;
• A dog rolls in the snow — towards warming;
• hoarfrost on trees — resistant to frost;
• birds stay closer to their homes — to the cold snap;
• clouds are low — snowfall is expected;
• the snow falls in a dense layer — for the harvest summer.

What not to do on February 22

A number of prohibitions and superstitions were associated with Pancras Day in the folk tradition. It was believed that violating the established rules could attract bad luck or illness. People tried to avoid quarrels and harsh words, because they believed that the conflict that arose that day would drag on for a long time. They were also afraid of laziness: idleness, according to beliefs, could lead to financial difficulties during the year.

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What else can not be done on February 22:

• Holding grudges against loved ones can lead to protracted conflicts.;
• Starting important things can end in vain.;
• lending money leads to financial losses;
• Gossiping and discussing others is bad news.;
• leaving the house in disarray leads to troubles in the family;
• to refuse to help those in need leads to one's own difficulties.

What is the church holiday on February 22

On February 22 (February 9, Old Style), the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Pancratius of the Caves, a recluse of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra. Pankraty lived in the XI–XII centuries and was a hieromonk of the Kiev Caves Lavra. He chose the path of seclusion, devoting his life to prayer and spiritual service.

The saint was distinguished by strict asceticism and a desire for solitude. According to legend, he had the gift of healing and helped people with advice and prayer. After his death, the memory of the ascetic was preserved thanks to numerous testimonies of miraculous help.

This day also often coincides with Forgiveness Sunday, the last day before the beginning of Great Lent, when believers ask each other for forgiveness. The holiday is based on the Gospel words about the forgiveness of one's neighbor. By tradition, they speak to each other: "God will forgive, and I forgive." This custom symbolizes liberation from resentment and spiritual renewal.

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Prayers on February 22

Believers turn to St. Pancratius of the Caves with prayers for health, healing from diseases and strengthening the spirit. They also pray for family peace and help in difficult life circumstances. On Forgiveness Sunday, special requests are related to reconciliation, cleansing from grievances and giving peace of mind.

Prayer of Pankraty to Pechersky

"O holy head, Venerable Father, Most Blessed Abbot Pankratius! <...> For though you have passed away from us in body, but you remain alive after death, do not depart from us in spirit, preserving us from the arrows of the enemy and all the charms of demons and the machinations of the devil, our good shepherd. <...> We bow down to you and pray to you: pray for us to Almighty God, for the benefit of of our souls, and grant us time for repentance, so that we may pass from earth to heaven unchallenged, <...> and may we inherit the heavenly kingdom with all the righteous who have pleased our Lord Jesus Christ from the beginning.: To Him belongs all glory, honor, and worship, together with His Beginningless Father, and with His All-holy, Good, and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."

Prayer for the forgiveness of others

"Lord, merciful God! You told us to forgive each other as You forgive us. Grant me the strength from the bottom of my heart to forgive everyone who offended me and not hold a grudge against anyone. Teach me to see Your image in every person and help me walk the path of love, peace and humility. Amen to that."

Prayers for the forgiveness of sins

"Merciful God, forgive me, and forgive me my sins. As I forgive people, so I will be forgiven. God grant me the kindness to be like You. Help me to forgive everyone, to obey all laws. On the Sunday of Forgiveness, may God bless me! Amen to that."

Earlier, Izvestia told us what they pray to the Old Testament prophet Zechariah.

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