Folk signs for May 1: 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 May 1 and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for May 1
According to the national calendar, Kuzma Ogorodnik is celebrated on May 1. The holiday was associated with the beginning of active spring work on the land. By this time, the soil in most regions was already warming up, and farmers were starting to plant vegetables. In the old days, there was a belief that everything planted on May 1 would rise well and yield a rich harvest.
It was believed that on this day it was especially favorable to sow carrots, beets and radishes. Seeds were usually prepared in advance, and before sowing, special rituals were often performed — for example, cucumber seeds were soaked in spring water with a silver coin so that the fruits grew large and crisp.
According to tradition, the men were engaged in preparing the beds, loosening the ground and applying fertilizers. They tried to work without haste and with a good mood, as it was believed that the plants would "feel" a bad mood and give weak shoots.
On Kuzma the Gardener's day, they did not forget to pay attention to the horses, who were faithful helpers in the fields. They were given rest and plentiful food. The day ended with a communal meal, where everyone brought treats from home, and the elders discussed plans for the current season.
There are many weather signs associated with the holiday, which predicted the harvest and throughout the summer. A clear and warm day heralded a rich harvest of vegetables, and cold and windy weather could mean a prolonged spring. Another sign said that if it rains on May 1, the summer will be fertile.
Other signs of the day:
- strong wind leads to changeable weather in May;
- lots of dew in the morning — for good plant growth;
- birds are actively singing in the morning — towards steady warmth;
- A cold day — towards late summer;
- A clear night on May 1 will bring a rich grain harvest.
What not to do on May 1st
Our ancestors believed that the earth awakens in early May and reacts sensitively to any wrong action. Therefore, Kuzma Ogorodnik was subject to strict prohibitions, the violation of which, according to beliefs, could affect the future harvest and the well-being of the family. For example, it was strictly forbidden to quarrel in the garden. It was believed that evil words would attract pests that would destroy all plantings.
What else can not be done on May 1st:
- being lazy and postponing sowing leads to a poor harvest;
- breaking tree branches leads to diseases in the family;
- nibble on seeds intended for sowing — the seeds will not sprout;
- to lend money and things — in a place with them, well-being will leave the house.
What is the church holiday on May 1st?
On May 1 (April 18, Old Style), the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Cosmas, Bishop of Chalcedon, as well as St. John of Thessalonica, a disciple of St. Gregory the Decapolite. These saints lived in different periods, but both left a significant mark on the history of the church.
Saint Cosmas of Chalcedon lived in Constantinople in the 9th century. From a young age, he abandoned worldly vanity and took monastic vows. And later he became bishop of Chalcedon. It was at this time that the reign of Emperor Leo the Armenian fell, who resumed the brutal persecution of the worshippers of holy icons. Kosmas continued to openly defend them and urged his flock not to succumb to heresy. For this, the saint was expelled from the pulpit and sent to prison.
St. John of Thessalonica was also an active fighter against iconoclasm. Born at the end of the 8th century, in his youth he became a disciple of the famous ascetic, St. Gregory the Decapolite. It was at the Solunsky monastery that John took vows and, under the guidance of an experienced mentor, achieved high spiritual perfection.
Later, John, together with his teacher and the Monk Joseph the Hymnist, set out from Thessalonica to Constantinople. There, despite the danger, they preached the veneration of holy images for several years. After the death of St. Gregory (about 820), John died soon after. Later, their relics were solemnly transferred by Joseph the Hymnist to the church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.
Prayers on May 1st
Believers turn to these saints with various requests. They ask for help in strengthening faith, overcoming doubts and life trials. They also pray for family peace and peace of mind. It is believed that their prayerful intercession is especially appreciated during difficult periods of life.
Prayer to Cosmas of Chalcedon
"O most honorable and sacred head, our warm intercessor, St. Cosmo, standing at the Throne of all Kings...> pray for the salvation of the flock of Christ by the people, confirm the welfare 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, bring back captives, free those who are weak and pray to you from all misfortunes and troubles 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 the joys of the saints He will create communion with all the saints forever and ever. Amen to that."
Prayer to John of Thessalonica
"O holy head, Venerable Father, Most Blessed Abba John, do not forget your poor to the end, but always remember us in holy and auspicious prayers to God: remember your flock, which you have 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: remember us unworthy at the Throne of the Almighty, and do not stop praying for us to Christ God. <...> Do not depart from us in spirit, keeping us from the arrows of the enemy and all the charms of demons and machinations Pray to Almighty God for us, for the benefit of our souls, and grant us time for repentance, so that we may 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 heirs of the heavenly Kingdom with all the righteous, who have pleased our Lord Jesus Christ from time immemorial: 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 to that."
Earlier, Izvestia told which saints are remembered on the day of Zosima the Bee.
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