A special holiday on May 15 is Boris and Gleb the Sowers: history, traditions, omens

Every year on May 15, Orthodox believers remember the transfer of the relics of the Holy Princes Boris and Gleb, the first saints canonized by the Russian Church. In the national calendar, the holiday was named Boris and Gleb the Sowers. In 2026, it falls on a Friday. Read about its history, traditions, signs and strict prohibitions in the Izvestia article.

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Princes Boris and Gleb lived in the late tenth and early eleventh centuries and were the sons of the Grand Duke of Kiev, Vladimir Svyatoslavich, the Baptist of Russia. Boris was christened Roman, Gleb was named David.

Prince Vladimir had many children from different marriages, including adopted ones. Externally, Russia occupied a strong position during this period, but tension was growing inside the princely house. The eldest sons tried to act independently, Svyatopolk was associated with the Polish princely house, Yaroslav, who ruled in Novgorod, refused to pay tribute to Kiev in 1014. Vladimir was preparing to march against him, but the conflict was cut short by his death.

Boris and Gleb were the younger Vladimirovichs. The exact circumstances of their birth are not known. According to one version, they were not half-brothers to each other, but siblings, and their mother was the Byzantine princess Anna.

Both were raised in the Christian faith — merciful, not seeking power at any cost. Boris, according to legend, loved reading since childhood, especially the lives of saints. At the same time, the young man grew up to be a real warrior, capable of leading a squad. Since 1010, he ruled Rostov. His father handed over the management of Moore to the younger Gleb.

In the summer of 1015, Boris was with his father in Kiev when Russia was threatened by an attack by the Pechenegs. The young prince set out on a campaign, but did not meet the enemy and turned back. On the way back, camping by the Alta River, he learned of Vladimir's death. At that time, Svyatopolk seized power in the capital. According to the chronicle version, it was he who decided to eliminate the brothers, fearing that Boris, beloved by his father and supported by the squad, could become the main contender for the grand ducal throne.

The squad suggested that Boris go to Kiev and take power by force. But he refused to start a fratricidal war, even realizing how such submission could end for him. The prince spent the next night in prayer. On Sunday, July 24, 1015, assassins sent from Vyshgorod broke into his tent.

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Having dealt with Boris, Svyatopolk decided to get rid of Gleb as well. Word was sent to him that his father was still alive and calling him to him. He immediately left Murom in the direction of Kiev, but on the way he received a warning from Yaroslav about the death of Vladimir and the death of Boris, but did not manage to escape. Near the Smyadyn River, not far from Smolensk, he was overtaken and killed by Svyatopolk's men.

Later, Prince Yaroslav of Novgorod, the future Yaroslav the Wise, opposed Svyatopolk. In the internecine struggle, Svyatopolk was defeated and went down in history with the nickname Cursed. Later Yaroslav found the remains of the dead brothers. In 1072, their relics were solemnly transferred to a new church in Vyshgorod, and in 1115 to a temple built for them. This date is associated with the establishment of one of the first proper church holidays in Russia.

The Church honors Boris and Gleb as passion—bearing saints who voluntarily accepted suffering in the spirit of Christ's meekness, as they did not want to respond with violence to violence. Their tomb in Vyshgorod became a place of prayer for believers, and chronicles and hagiographies preserved stories of healings at their relics.

Over time, the saints began to be perceived by believers as heavenly defenders of Russia in days of military danger. There are several legends about the miraculous appearances of Boris and Gleb before major battles. On the eve of the Battle of Nevsky in 1240, the Izhora elder Pelgusiy saw a boat on the water, in which two princes in light clothes were standing. One of them, Boris, allegedly told Gleb that he needed to help their relative Alexander. After that, Prince Alexander Yaroslavich defeated the Swedes and went down in history as Nevsky.

Another legend is connected with the Battle of Kulikovo in 1380. Before the battle, the night guard of Dmitry Donskoy's army, Thomas Katsibey, had a vision — two bright young men with swords appeared from the south and marched against the enemy regiments. He recognized them as Boris and Gleb.

Traditions of the national holiday Boris and Gleb Sowers on May 15th

In Russia, May 15 was a hot agricultural season, and peasants continued to sow fields, work in vegetable gardens, and plant cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, and other crops. Therefore, in the national calendar, several names were assigned to the holiday at once — Boris's Day, Boris and Gleb the Sowers, the Sower.

In the morning, before going out into the field, believers went to the temple. The holy princes were perceived as patrons of crops, honest work and a peaceful family life, they were asked for good weather, strong shoots, protection from drought, hail and hollowflowers.

Sowing on this day did not tolerate fuss and boasting, the ancestors worked in the field without unnecessary conversations, so as not to "scare off" luck and not bring an evil eye on the beds. According to beliefs, seeds dropped into the ground on Boris and Gleb could produce especially good shoots if a person acted calmly, honestly, without evil thoughts.

Another popular name for the holiday, Barysh Day, was associated primarily with trade. Saint Boris was considered the patron saint of merchants and people engaged in money matters. On May 15, fairs were held, deals were concluded, hoping for good revenue. The profit on this day was perceived as a sign that business would continue to be successful.

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In the evening, the trading success was supposed to be shared with those who were less fortunate. After a successful fair, the owners always treated the poor, wanderers, lonely neighbors, and gave alms. A profit that was not combined with generosity, according to legend, could easily turn into a loss.

During the holiday, the ancestors paid special attention to birds. By the middle of May, nightingale trills were already sounding in the forests, so the date was also called Nightingale Day, Whistlers or Whistlers. The peasants listened to these sounds very attentively. If the nightingale could be heard before the cuckoo, it was perceived as a sign that the summer would pass easily, with good news and peace in the house.

What not to do on a holiday Boris and Gleb the Sowers

In Russia, a number of prohibitions were associated with the holiday, the violation of which, according to beliefs, could deprive a family of prosperity. So, Boris and Gleb Sowers were forbidden to mess around. The ancestors knew that those who are lazy during the sowing season risk spending the whole year in care and need.

What else you can't do on May 15th:

• to sweep out the litter from the middle of the hut to the threshold — together with it you can "sweep out" prosperity;
• counting money after sunset — there is a risk of losing the accumulated;
• to make rash purchases — spending will turn out to be empty and will not bring benefits.;
• bragging about profits — luck will be fleeting;
• It is unfortunate to offend birds and ruin nests.

Folk signs for May 15th

At Boris and Gleb Sowers, the peasants carefully observed nature, especially birds, in order to determine by signs how the summer would go, whether the year would be fruitful.

• Nightingales are singing loudly — summer will be early;
• the nightingale sings without a break at night — the next day will be clear, until morning the nightingale will not be heard — to thunderstorms and heavy rain;
• the day is warm and sunny — for a good harvest of bread;
• Rain on May 15 — field work may be delayed;
• there are few clouds in the sky — dry days ahead.

Earlier, Izvestia told about the story of the miraculous icon of the Mother of God "Unexpected Joy".