Folk signs for April 25: 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 25 and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for April 25
According to the national calendar, Vasily Parilshchik Day is celebrated on April 25. In Russia, the holiday was considered an important milestone when nature finally "warmed up", and with it began household chores. The sun was already well-baked, and moisture was beginning to evaporate intensively, creating the effect of light steam over the fields. Hence the name "steam room". The people said: "Basil and the earth are steaming like in a bathhouse."
At that time, the peasants began to prepare the land for planting: they loosened the soil, took out inventory, and checked the seeds. Special attention was paid to livestock — they were taken out for their first full-fledged walk. A sauna was also heated on Vasily Parilishchik to wash away winter fatigue and strengthen health before sowing. It was believed that steam on this day has a special power, and water helps to get rid of diseases and bad thoughts.
Nature was also closely observed. In the old days, they believed: "as Basil warms the earth, so the summer will go." So, if April 25 was warm and sunny, the summer was expected to be fruitful, without prolonged rains. If the day was cold and windy, the peasants feared frosts and a poor harvest.
Other signs of the day:
- frogs croak loudly in the evening — for warm and clear weather;
- clouds float against the wind, leading to a change in the weather and prolonged rains.;
- sparse clouds at sunset — for a windy but dry week;
- sparrows swim in puddles — for steady warmth.
What not to do on April 25
On Vasily Parilshchik's day, as well as on other holidays, there were prohibitions. It was believed that any wrong action could "scare off heat" or disrupt the natural balance. For example, it was strictly forbidden to stick sharp objects into the ground — stakes, knives or shovels. The ancestors believed that this would "hurt" the earth and it would not bear fruit.
What else can not be done on April 25:
- starting new important things may not bring results.;
- borrowing and lending leads to financial difficulties;
- breaking plants and trees leads to crop failure;
- Putting on other people's clothes means you can take on other people's misfortunes and failures.
What is the church holiday on April 25?
On April 25 (April 12, Old Style), the Orthodox Church honors the memory of Confessor Basil of Paria, who suffered during the period of iconoclasm in Byzantium. Saint Basil lived in the 8th–9th centuries and became famous for his firmness of faith and protection of the veneration of holy icons. The townspeople, who saw his righteous life and pastoral care, themselves elected him to the episcopal see.
The saint zealously defended his flock from heresies and pagan remnants. He completely stopped all communication with heretics, not allowing them to enter his diocese. For this, he was exiled, deprived of dignity and means of livelihood. He spent the years of persecution in poverty and hardship. The confessor died a very old man, becoming an example of unbending faith for believers.
On the same day, the Holy Martyr Zinon, Bishop of Veronica, who came from Syria and was of Greek origin, is remembered. Even in his youth, he became a monk and devoted himself to the study of the Holy Scriptures, wandering through monasteries. Over time, his path led to Northern Italy, to the city of Verona, where the local Christians elected him their bishop.
Zinon was known not only as a wise pastor, but also as the author of numerous theological works. The saint's literary legacy is great — he left behind 16 lengthy and 77 short teachings, which were highly appreciated in the ancient church.
Prayers on April 25
The saints are addressed with prayers for strengthening faith, protection from doubts and spiritual trials. They also ask for help in overcoming life's difficulties and maintaining peace in the home. In addition, Saint Basil is prayed for fortitude against temptation, and Saint Zinon is prayed for wisdom and guidance on the right path.
Prayer to Basil of Paria
Troparion, glas 4:
"The rule of faith and the image of the teacher's meekness and abstinence, show you to your flock what is the truth of things; for this you have acquired high humility, rich in poverty, Father Basil, the hierarch, pray to Christ God for our souls to be saved."
Kontakion, glas 2:
"Enlighten with the light of the Most High, O blessed One, enlighten all who honor thy honest suffering with love, Father. Basil, the suffering priest, pray to Christ God unceasingly for all of us."
Prayer to Zinon of Veronica
Troparion, glas 4:
"You came as a wanderer from an African country to the city of Verona, where, affirming the immaculate faith, you baptized many pagans, converted many who had erred from the destruction of Arianism to Orthodoxy, and you became a monastic mentor, and as a conqueror, you were crowned with a martyr's crown, suffering for the Church of Christ. Pray to Christ God, and we will imitate your virtue and be saved by our souls."
Kontakion, glas 2:
"Enlighten with the light of the Most High, O blessed One, enlighten all who honor thy honest suffering with love, Father. Basil, the suffering priest, pray to Christ God unceasingly for all of us."
Earlier, Izvestia told which saints are remembered on the feast of Antip Vodogon.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
