Folk signs for March 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 March 27 and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for March 27
In the national calendar, Venediktov Day is celebrated on March 27, which is also known as Fedor the Cowman. This day was associated with the beginning of active spring changes in the household and special attention to pets. It was believed that it was during this period that nature finally awakens after winter, and cattle need care and protection.
The day was devoted to the care of livestock, as many animals began to molt and weaken after the winter. The owners carefully cleaned the stalls, changed the bedding, fed the animals more nutritious food and examined them for diseases, preparing for an early pasture.
Special attention was paid to cows and horses as the main breadwinners of the family. Women prepared special decoctions and infusions to strengthen animals, and also performed rituals aimed at protecting against the evil eye and diseases.
It was believed that the health of livestock for the whole year depends on the care on this day. On this occasion, the saying has come down to our days: "Take care of your cattle on Venedikt — live in prosperity all year round." Weather observations were also associated with Benedict's Day, which helped the peasants navigate in future work.
People used to say, "Like Benedict, so is spring," emphasizing the importance of observing nature on this day. If the weather was clear and warm at that time, an early and favorable spring was expected. Precipitation on the holiday foreshadowed a dry summer. And abundant frost in the morning was considered a sign of a rich harvest of grain crops.
Other signs of the day:
- frost on this day — bad weather will last for another week;
- Sparrows splashing in puddles — for a warming soon;
- clouds float high and fast — for good weather;
- bright stars in the sky will cause a cold snap.
What not to do on March 27
On St. Benedict's Day, as on other celebrations, there were certain prohibitions. It was believed that violating these rules could lead to setbacks, illnesses, or losses. On the holiday, they avoided quarrels and any conflicts, because they believed that negative emotions would affect the health of livestock and the well-being of the house. It was also not recommended to leave the animals unattended, so as not to cause them illness or injury.
What else can not be done on March 27:
- being lazy and not doing housework leads to losses;
- to refuse help is to lose luck.;
- Starting new businesses can end in failure.;
- to treat animals rudely is to cause trouble in the house;
- throwing away leftovers is a necessity.
What is the church holiday on March 27th?
On March 27 (March 14, Old Style), the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Benedict of Nursia, one of the founders of Western monasticism. He was born in Italy in the sixth century and from a young age aspired to a secluded spiritual life. Renouncing worldly goods, Benedict retired to a cave, where he spent several years in prayer and austerity. Later, students began to gather around him, which became the basis for the creation of a monastic community.
Benedict is also known as the founder of the Monte Cassino Monastery, which became a center of spiritual life and enlightenment. He is also the author of the charter, which sets out the basic principles of moderation, work and prayer, emphasizing the importance of discipline and humility. Later they became the norm for many monasteries in Europe.
On the same day, the church commemorates St. Theognost, Metropolitan of Kiev and All Russia. The saint became famous as a wise pastor and defender of church traditions. He strove to preserve the spiritual unity of Russia, despite political difficulties and external threats.
Theognost headed the Russian Church in the 14th century and played an important role in strengthening its unity. He was actively involved in the construction of churches and monasteries, supported spiritual education and defended the interests of the church before the secular authorities. His work contributed to the strengthening of Orthodoxy in Russia during a difficult historical period. He was canonized for his zealous service.
Prayers on March 27
The faithful turn to St. Benedict and St. Theognost with prayers for spiritual strength, peace in the family and well-being in business. St. Benedict is asked for help in overcoming temptations, strengthening faith, and protecting himself from evil. They pray to St. Theognost for wisdom, justice and support in difficult life circumstances. It is believed that sincere prayer on this day can bring solace and inner peace.
Prayer to Benedict of Nursia
"Oh, Most Blessed Abbot Benedicta! Having labored with a good deed on earth, you have perceived in heaven the crown of righteousness, which the Lord has prepared for all who love Him. In the same way, looking at your holy image, we rejoice at the most glorious end of your residence and honor your holy memory. But as you stand before the throne of God, accept this song of praise, offered to you by love and faith, and graciously bow down from the heavenly heights, as a most child-loving father, intercede through faith and love for those who honor you for forgiveness of sins, correction of life, and a Christian end, peaceful and childless from the spirits of malice, and then, O father, appear, banishing The fear of death from your faithful servants, comfortably creating the separation of soul from body, may we pass from earth to heaven unchallenged, may we be delivered from bitter ordeals and eternal torment, and may we be heiresses of the heavenly Kingdom with all the righteous who have pleased our Lord Jesus Christ from time immemorial, and may He receive all glory, honor, and worship. With His Beginningless Father, and with His Most Holy, Good, and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."
Prayer to Metropolitan Theognost
"O most honorable and sacred head and full of the grace of the Holy Spirit, dwelling of the Savior with the Father, great bishop, our warm intercessor, to Saint Theognostos, standing at the Throne of all Kings and enjoying the light of the consubstantial Trinity and cherubic angels, proclaiming the trisagion hymn, and having great and unexplored boldness towards the all-merciful Master, pray for the salvation of the flock of Christ by the people Confirm the well-being of the holy churches: bishops, adorn the monks with the splendor of holiness, strengthen the monks for the feat of the good current, preserve the reigning city and all cities and countries with goodness, and keep the holy immaculate faith, pacify the whole world through your intercession, deliver us from gladness and destruction, and preserve us from the attacks of foreigners, comfort the old, guide the young, Be wise to the insane, have mercy on widows, intercede for orphans, raise up infants, return captives, free those who are weak and pray to you from all adversity and trouble through your intercession: pray for us to the All-merciful and Loving Christ our God, that on the day of His Terrible Coming He may deliver us from our suffering, and grant us the joys of the saints with all the saints. forever and ever. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to St. Nikephoros, Patriarch of Constantinople.
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