Folk signs for April 16: 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 April 16 and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for April 16
Nikita Vodopol was celebrated in Russia on April 16. It was believed that it was by the middle of April that the snow began to melt violently, the ice began to move, and the rivers really woke up after the winter. For the peasants, it was the boundary between the winter stillness and the spring movement of the waters. The flood was both expected and feared, because it could flood meadows, roads and buildings near the shore.
The holiday had another name — the Treat of the water, which is associated with the custom of appeasing the water, which, according to legend, was awakened by the spring warmth. Bread, porridge, and leftovers were carried to the water, and fishermen poured some oil into the river and asked for good luck in fishing. The meaning of the ceremony was simple: people sought to come to terms with the elements, on which the catch, crossing and safety depended.
The day was considered especially important for those who lived by fishing or often went out on the water. In popular beliefs, the angry owner of the river could scare away fish, break nets or send trouble to boats. Therefore, the food was perceived as an attempt to ensure a quiet season.
In Nikita Vodopol, the weather was closely monitored. According to the observations of our ancestors, if the ice had not yet cleared by that day, they did not expect a good spring fishing. People used to say: "If the ice doesn't get through to Nikita, the whole spring fishing will come to naught." The peasants also studied the nests of sandpipers and the burrows of moles. There was a sign: if sandpipers and moles built nests and burrows higher than usual, severe floods were ahead.
Other signs of the day:
- It's raining, and spring will be long, wet, and stormy.;
- horses are snoring in the stall — to the deterioration of the weather, inclement weather;
- there is a lot of birch sap in the forest, which leads to an abundance of short rains in summer;
- thunder rumbles during the day, leading to a rapid change in the weather and inclement weather.
What not to do on April 16
Nikita Vodopol was also subject to a number of strict prohibitions related to water and household chores. On this date, it was necessary to behave extremely quietly near reservoirs, it was forbidden to talk loudly, swear and swear. According to beliefs, a quarrel on the shore could anger a merman and bring great trouble upon a person, even drowning.
What else can not be done on April 16:
- Holding a grudge against loved ones can lead to illness.;
- plan important meetings — they will go to no avail;
- Throwing crumbs off the table is to attract need;
- offending animals and birds leads to illnesses and misfortunes.
What is the church holiday on April 16?
The Orthodox Church on April 16 (April 3, Old style) commemorates St. Nikita the Confessor, abbot of the Midikian monastery. Saint Nikita was born in Caesarea of Bithynia into a pious family. His mother died on the eighth day after his birth, and his father, having become a monk, left the child in the care of his grandmother, who raised him in a truly Christian spirit.
From a young age, Nikita served in the church, and then took vows at the Midikian monastery, where he was subsequently elected abbot for his virtuous life and rigor. The Lord has bestowed the holy gift of miracle-working. Through his prayer, the deaf-mute boy regained the power of speech, two possessed women were healed, and reason returned to the one deprived of reason.
However, the most difficult trials fell to his lot during the years of iconoclastic persecution under Emperor Leo the Armenian. For his firm defense of the veneration of holy icons, Nikita was thrown into prison, tortured with hunger and cold, and then exiled. But even in prison, he supported other confessors and did not renounce his beliefs.
On the same date, they commemorate the holy Martyr Theodosia of Tyre, who lived at the turn of the III–IV centuries in Tyre (the territory of modern Lebanon). At the age of 18, on Easter Day, she openly approached the Christian prisoners awaiting execution and asked them to remember her before the Lord. After that, she was captured by the warriors. Theodosia refused to sacrifice to idols and was martyred for her faith in 307.
Prayers on April 16
The faithful turn to St. Nikita the Confessor with prayers for protection from the elements of water, for the salvation of drowning people and a safe journey through the waters. He is also asked for the gift of strength to overcome life's challenges and for protection from persecutors and abusers. They pray to the Holy Martyr Theodosia for the gift of courage and steadfastness in faith, for the upbringing of children in piety and fortitude.
Prayer to Nikita the Confessor
"O holy chapter, Venerable Father <... Nikita, do not forget your poor to the end, but always remember us in holy and auspicious prayers to God: remember your flock, which you saved yourself, and do not forget to visit your children. Pray for us, holy Father, for your spiritual children, for you have boldness to the Heavenly King: do not be silent for us to the Lord, and do not despise us, who honor you with faith and love: <...> do not depart from us in spirit, keeping us from the arrows of the enemy and all the charms of demons and the machinations of the devil, our good shepherd. <...> Pray for us to Almighty God, for the benefit of our souls, and ask for time for us to repent May we pass from earth to heaven unchallenged, and may we be delivered from bitter ordeals, demons of the air, and eternal torment, and may we be heiresses of 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.
Prayer of Theodosia of Tyre
"O holy one, to the Venerable Martyr Theodosia. Having labored with good deeds on earth, you have perceived in heaven the crown of righteousness, which the Lord has prepared for all who love Him. All the more we rejoice at the glorious end of your residence and honor your holy memory. But you, come to the Throne of God, accept our supplications and bring them to the all-merciful God, that He may forgive us every sin and help us against the wiles of the devil, so that, having been delivered from sorrows, diseases, troubles and misfortunes, and all evil, we may live piously and righteously in our present age and be worthy of your intercession, even if we are unworthy. May you see the good in the land of the living, glorifying God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia told about what they pray to St. Titus the Wonderworker.
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