Folk signs for April 24: 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 24 and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for April 24
In Russia, April 24 was named after Antipas Vodogon. The name is associated with the key natural phenomenon of mid—spring - the "rush of waters", that is, the active melting of snow and rising water levels in rivers. Our ancestors closely watched the flood to predict the beginning of field work and what the harvest would be like.
If the water was flowing in a powerful, wide stream, they expected an abundance of herbs and grains. But the shallow, barely murmuring water warned: the year would be difficult, with frequent droughts. People used to say about this: "If there were water, bread would be born" and "Antipodes without water — bins without grain."
One of the main traditions of Antipas Vodogon was "washing" with melt river water. People believed that if you dip your hands three times in a cold stream at dawn and rinse your face, the ailments will go away, and you will gain strength and health for the whole year. The girls were especially zealous — they threw a few grains of rye or oats into the water, whispering a conspiracy for a speedy marriage and well-being in the future family.
Forecasts for the coming months were made based on the weather on April 24. If the day was sunny and warm, they prepared for a hot summer. On the contrary, an overcast sky with low clouds promised a rainy season. This day was also of great importance for fishermen. In the old days, it was believed that the fish breaks the ice with its tail on the Antipas of Vodogon, and from that moment the real bite begins.
Other signs of the day:
- In the morning, fog creeps over the water, leading to inclement weather and prolonged rains.;
- The wind is blowing from the north, leading to a cold snap;
- birds fly low — for cloudy days;
- frogs croak loudly — for wet weather;
- the land dries out quickly, leading to an early start of field work.
What not to do on April 24th
There were strict prohibitions on the holiday, which were considered a big mistake to violate. For example, it was strictly forbidden to swear by a river or well — a bad word could "scare away" the water, which could cause it to go into the ground without watering the field. It was also impossible to deny a traveler water, according to beliefs, otherwise you yourself would be left without life—giving moisture on a sultry day.
What else can't be done on April 24th:
- wasting water unnecessarily leads to losses and drought;
- Starting big businesses can end in failure.;
- Quarreling and swearing can attract bad luck and illness.;
- leaving a mess in the yard leads to problems in the household.
What is the church holiday on April 24th?
On April 24 (April 11, Old Style), the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the Holy Martyr Antipas of Pergamon, a disciple of the Apostle John the Theologian. This saint lived in the 1st century and was one of the first Christian pastors in Asia Minor. He led a church in Pergamon, a major pagan center where Christians were persecuted.
Despite the danger, Antipas openly preached the faith and strengthened the community. His activities aroused the discontent of the pagans. According to legend, he was severely tortured for refusing to worship pagan gods, whom he openly called demons. The bishop was imprisoned in a red—hot copper ox, an instrument of execution installed in the temple of Artemis.
However, the fire did not touch his body. Inside the furnace, the saint prayed, quietly surrendering his soul to God, as if in a dream. At night, the Christians carried out the body of the martyr and buried it with honor. His feat became a symbol of spiritual strength and courage. After Antipas' death, his relics were revered as miraculous. Believers turned to him for help in their illnesses and sorrows.
On the same day, the church commemorates St. Barsonofy, Bishop of Tver. He lived in the 16th century during the era of Ivan the Terrible and became famous as a zealous archpastor. The saint was born around 1495 in Serpukhov. In his youth, he spent three years in Tatar captivity, where he learned the language and customs. After his release, he took vows and was sent to Kazan, where he founded the Transfiguration Monastery.
In 1567 Varsonofy became bishop of Tver. He actively participated in the church life of Russia during a difficult historical period, showing wisdom and firmness. His work contributed to the strengthening of Orthodoxy in the region.
Prayers on April 24
Both saints are revered as intercessors who can help in trials and guide on the path of truth. Hieromartyr Antipas is asked for help in difficult life situations and healing from diseases. He is also considered a patron saint in the fight against inner fears and doubts. They pray to St. Barsonofy for deliverance from captivity, the gift of peace, help in illnesses and strengthening in faith.
Prayer to Antipas of Pergamon
"Oh, the Most glorious Hieromartyr Antipos and the speedy Christian helper in his illness! I believe with all my soul and mind that the Lord has given you the gift of healing the sick, healing the sick, and strengthening the weak. For this reason, I seek refuge in you, as a gracious physician of diseases, and, kissing your venerable image with reverence, I pray: through your intercession with the Heavenly King, ask me, who am sick, to be cured of my distressing dental disease, for I am unworthy of you, my most merciful father and ever-present intercessor, but you, Being an imitator of God's love for mankind, make me worthy of your intercession through my conversion from evil deeds to a good life, heal the ulcers and scabs of my soul and body with the grace abundantly bestowed upon you, grant me health and salvation and good haste in everything, so that having lived such a quiet and silent life in all piety and purity, I will be worthy with all Glorify with saints the all-holy name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen to that."
Prayer to Varsonofy of Tver
"Descend, O Saint Varsonofy, from the Mountain villages to those who flow to you and hearken to their supplication, beseech the Lord God to grant us, which we ask of Him for our salvation in the presence of your holy relics. Beseech the Lord God to grant our country strong and indestructible peace, decency, enlightenment of minds and hearts and fruitful lands, holiness as a pastor, truth and strength as a law, wisdom and invincible courage as a military commander, judgment as a mayor, devotion to the fatherland and irresistible courage to the army, and health and piety to all Orthodox Christians. Preserve us from all the slanders of the enemy, so that in word and deed the All-holy name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit may be glorified, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia told which saints are remembered on the feast of Terenty Marevny.
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