Folk signs for March 14th: what can and cannot be done
In Russia, signs and beliefs have been given special importance since ancient times. They were used to determine when to start field work, what the weather would be like, and what to expect in the coming months. Therefore, every day of the national calendar was full of rituals and superstitions. Izvestia tells about the signs for March 14, 2026, as well as about the church holidays that fall on this date.
Folk signs for March 14th
In Russia, the national holiday Avdotya Vesnovka was celebrated on this day. Its name comes from the name of the Christian martyr Evdokia of Iliopolis. The celebration had not only a calendar, but also a sacred significance, since according to the old style it was celebrated on March 1, coinciding with the beginning of the New Year.
There was a belief that Evdokia "manages the spring and keeps the keys to the spring waters." In Russia, the holiday should be celebrated noisily and cheerfully, and feasts and festivities should be organized. In addition, it was customary to conduct certain rituals on this day for the earliest possible warming. For example, men swept snow from roofs and knocked down icicles, and women climbed to higher ground and "clicked" the heat. They were talking: "Spring is red! What have you brought us? Red lettice!"
Avdotya Vesnovka is a bird meeting festival. According to one tradition, on this day, women baked bird figures from dough, believing that in this way they would contribute to their imminent arrival. The girls took them and, performing "freckles" (ritual songs of an incantatory nature), threw them up, while saying: "Larks come, bring spring!"
In addition, on the holiday, women began to weave. People believed that the things created on that day acquired miraculous power. The resulting products were dipped into reservoirs, the water from which was considered curative on that day. It was assumed that clothes sewn and washed on Avdotya could cure diseases.
There were many other signs associated with the holiday. On this day, the peasants closely watched nature, thinking that the weather conditions would be able to determine the future harvest. People said, "Avdotya Vesnovka equips spring," and "Avdotya is like summer." According to another legend, clear and warm weather on this day could predict a plentiful wheat harvest in the coming autumn, snow promised an abundance of mushrooms, and a blizzard promised a prolonged spring and a lean summer.
Other signs of the day:
- warm wind — wet summer;
- Chickens drink from a puddle — spring will come early;
- New moon with rain — be a wet summer;
- puddles on the threshold on a holiday — beekeepers will bathe in honey in the summer.
What not to do on March 14th
There were also many superstitions associated with this holiday. In Russia, they believed that March 14 was not worth planning anything. It was believed that what was planned might not come true, and unexpected circumstances would affect the plans. Quarrels and conflicts should also be avoided on Avdotya Vesnovka. According to legend, a disagreement can drag on for a long time. In addition, children's clothes were not washed that day. There was a belief that such actions would lead to diseases in the baby.
What else can't be done on March 14th:
— destroying swallow's nests — you can get smallpox;
— leaving the house in the evening without urgent need;
— to refuse help to those in need or begging leads to poverty;
What is the church holiday on March 14th?
Orthodox Christians on this day honor the memory of the martyr Evdokia, who lived in Phoenicia in the II century. In her youth, she was famous for her beauty, which she used for selfish purposes, leading a sinful lifestyle and accepting fans from different countries. Thanks to this, the girl became very wealthy.
However, her life changed after the arrival of Monk Herman in the city. Evdokia accidentally overheard him reading a passage from the Holy Scriptures, which told about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and the Last Judgment. After these words, the girl realized that retribution awaited her for her sinful life.
After learning about Christianity from Herman, Evdokia converted to the faith, distributed her possessions to the poor, and entered a monastery, where she devoted herself to serving God. After many years of monasticism, the woman became the head of the monastery, becoming famous for her spiritual wisdom, performing good deeds and her ability to heal illnesses through prayer. In 152, during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Antoninus, Evdokia was accused of witchcraft for spreading the Christian faith, and then executed.
In addition, on March 14, the Orthodox Church also commemorates St. Martyry Zelenetsky, who was born in Velikiye Luki at the beginning of the 16th century. The saint gained fame after he settled on Zelyony Island and founded the Holy Trinity Monastery there. In his youth, the monk lost his parents and was brought up by the priest of the Church of the Annunciation. Then the saint took tonsure from his mentor and was named after Martyrius. He devoted his life to serving God, as well as helping those in need and healing the sick. The monk was buried in his monastery.
Prayers on March 14th
On this day, Orthodox Christians pray to the Martyr Evdokia of Iliopolis for help in solving life problems, healing from diseases and strengthening the Orthodox faith. In addition, infertile women also turn to her, whom she can help with motherhood. The faithful ask St. Martyry Zelenetsky for the healing of the dying and seriously ill, for help with oncological diseases and in studies.
Prayer to the Martyr Evdokia of Iliopolis
"Oh, holy saint of God, Venerable Martyr Evdokia! Having labored with good deeds on earth, you have received in heaven the crown of righteousness, which the Lord has prepared for all who love Him. Looking at your holy image, we rejoice at the glorious end of your residence and honor your holy memory. As you stand before the Throne of God, accept our supplications and offer them to the All-merciful God, so that He may forgive us every sin and help us against the machinations of the devil. May we be delivered from sorrows, diseases, troubles and misfortunes, and all kinds of evil, may we live piously and righteously in the present age and be worthy through your intercession, even if we are unworthy to see the good in the land of the living, glorifying God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, who alone is glorified in His saints, now and forever and ever. Amen to that."
Prayer to St. Martyry Zelenetsky
"O good shepherd, our mentor, Reverend Father Martyrie! Hear our supplication to you now. For you are with us in spirit. Therefore, Reverend, as you have boldness towards your Master, Jesus Christ our God, and the Most Honorable Mother of God, be an intercessor and a warm prayer book for this monastery, which you have protected, and for us, the unworthy servants who live in it, whose enlightener and superior you are, your God-chosen brotherhood's helper and intercessor. May we remain unharmed in this place through your intercession and prayers; we are not promised from demons and evil men, and we will be saved from all troubles and misfortunes. To all who come from everywhere to your holy monastery and pray to you with faith and worship the shrine of your relics, for deliverance from all sorrow, disease and adversity, mercifully hasten to grant the Orthodox peace, silence, prosperity and abundance of earthly fruits; and for all of us, a warm intercessor to the Lord and a helper to our souls, May our sins be forgiven, and through your prayers, O holy One, deliver us from eternal torment and be worthy of the kingdom with all the saints, so that we may send glory, thanksgiving, and worship to the one God, glorified in the Trinity, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to St. Porphyry of Gaza.
All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
