Folk signs for February 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 Friday, February 27, and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for February 27

According to the national calendar, Cyril Vesnokazchik Day is celebrated on February 27. It was believed that at this time nature shows the first signs of approaching spring. The very name "Vesnokazchik" emphasized the importance of this day as a kind of landmark. "Like Cyril, so is spring," the people said.

On the holiday, they tried to complete the main winter tasks: they checked grain and feed stocks, inspected inventory, and prepared tools for spring work. The men went out into the fields and packed the snow. In the old days, it was believed that a dense snow cover would retain moisture and ensure a rich harvest. The women sorted through the seeds, planning future plantings.

To improve health after a long winter, sbiten was prepared in the houses — a hot drink with the addition of honey, herbs and spices. They were treated to relatives, neighbors and guests, believing that the drink would get rid of ailments until the summer. Great importance was attached to the dreams that occurred on the night of Kirill Vesnokazchik. They were believed to be able to predict future events.

According to the weather on February 27, the harvest and the timing of field work were judged. If the day turned out to be sunny and quiet, they expected an early warming, which is reflected in the proverb: "On Cyril, the sun will bring warmth soon." A frosty day foreshadowed a hot and sunny summer. And if there was still a lot of snow in the fields, it promised a rich harvest of bread.

Other signs of the day:

• snow sparkles in the sun — by clear days in early March;
• strong wind — March will be cold;
• long icicles on roofs — for prolonged frosts;
• birds stay closer to their homes — to the cold snap;
• hoarfrost on the trees — for the harvest summer.

What not to do on February 27

There were certain prohibitions against Kirill Vesnokazchik. Our ancestors were afraid that careless actions could affect the well-being of the family. For example, it was not recommended to start new major businesses on a holiday, so as not to face protracted difficulties. We also tried not to be lazy, otherwise we could have spent the whole year in need and worries.

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What else can not be done on February 27:

• quarreling with loved ones leads to a long—term quarrel;
• borrowing money leads to financial difficulties;
• taking out the trash after sunset leads to loss of wealth;
• going on a long journey leads to difficulties along the way.

What is the church holiday on February 27th?

On February 27 (February 14, Old Style), the Orthodox Church honors the memory of Equal-to-the-Apostles Cyril, a teacher of Slovene. Saint Cyril, in the world of Constantine, together with his brother Methodius, went down in history as the enlightener of the Slavs. He created the first Slavic alphabet, the Glagolitic alphabet, which became the foundation for the further development of the Cyrillic alphabet.

The mission of the brothers became an important stage in the development of not only Slavic writing, but also the liturgical tradition. It was thanks to their labors that worship became available in a language understandable to the Slavs. The Church calls Cyril equal-to-the-Apostles, emphasizing the importance of his ministry for the spread of Christianity.

On the same day, the church commemorates St. Auxentius of Bithynia. He lived in the 5th century and was a soldier at the court of Emperor Theodosius II. Later, Auxentius left the service and retired to the mountains of Bithynia, where he led a strict ascetic life. The saint became famous for his prayer, spiritual wisdom, and the gift of healing and helping the suffering.

Despite his hermit lifestyle, Auxentius actively participated in church life. In particular, he opposed the heresy of Eutychius at the Council of Chalcedon. He died at a very old age around the year 470.

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Prayers on February 27

It is believed that both saints help in works related to education and service to people. Believers pray to them for help in learning, enlightenment, and understanding the Word of God. Equal-to-the-Apostles Cyril is also asked for wisdom and strengthening of faith, and St. Auxentius is asked for spiritual perseverance and healing from diseases.

Prayer to Cyril of Slovenia

"For the glorification of the enlightenment of the Slovene language, Saints Methodius and Cyril, equal to the Apostles, having been enlightened by the light of your writings and teachings and instructed in the faith of Christ, as children of the father, we now fervently seek refuge and with contrition we pray: <...> even now, do not try to turn away the sinful and unworthy, but, as you have great boldness to the Lord, pray diligently that He may turn us to the path of salvation, that He may pacify the strife of those of your faith, that he may lead those who have fallen away to one mind, and that he may unite us all in the spirit of love. <...>. Do not forsake us, despondent and Grant us, your unworthy children, <...> through your prayers, the zeal of Orthodoxy, so that we may preserve the fatherly traditions for good, faithfully observe the canons of the church, and flee from all strange false teachings, and so, in a life pleasing to God, we will be worthy of paradise in heaven, and together with you we will glorify the One God in the Trinity forever and ever. Amen to that."

Prayer to Auxentius of Bithynia

Troparion, glas 1

"Thou art a desert dweller, and in the body of an Angel, and a wonderworker, O God-bearing Father Auxentius, receiving heavenly gifts by fasting, vigil, and prayer, healing the sick and the souls of those who flow to thee by faith. Glory to Him Who gave you strength, glory to Him who crowned you, glory to Him Who works with you, healing all."

Kontakion, glas 2

"Having enjoyed thyself, O God-wise one, having restrained the abstinence and desires of thy flesh, thou hast appeared, shining by faith, like a garden in the midst of paradise, and hast blossomed, Holy Father."

Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to St. Martinianus of Caesarea.

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