Folk signs for May 20th: 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 20 and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for May 20th

In Russia, on May 20, the Kupalnitsa holiday was celebrated, which was closely associated with the awakening of water. By that day, the sun was noticeably stronger, the rivers and lakes were warming up, and the peasants were bringing their horses to them for the first time in the season. After the long cold weather, the animals needed special care: they were washed, their mane and hooves were examined to strengthen their strength and endurance in the midst of field work.

The morning traditionally began with washing with spring or well water. She was brought home in buckets and left in the sun until noon to "soak up" the life-giving energy. Then they poured such water on themselves, believing that the rite strengthens the body, relieves fatigue and protects against ailments for the whole year. The housewives did not pour out the remaining water, but sprayed it on the corners of the house, thresholds and courtyard buildings, cleansing the dwelling from the evil eye.

The Bathing suit was also closely monitored by nature in order to make a forecast for the coming weeks and determine what the summer and future harvest will be like. It was believed that this day could give hints for the whole season. If there was a thick fog over the river in the morning, they expected a warm and fruitful summer. If the water in the wells seemed especially cold, it foreshadowed a prolonged spring and a cool summer.

Other signs of the day:

• a lot of ants — the heat will set in soon;
• bees are especially active in the morning — a thunderstorm is possible;
• loud birdsong by the water — for clear and stable weather;
• heavy dew in the morning leads to a good harvest of herbs and grain;
• the water in the river is calm and clear — for a safe summer.

What not to do on May 20

During the holiday, there were also a number of strict prohibitions related to respect for water and natural forces. People believed that careless behavior could "anger" the elements and cause disease or crop failure. They were especially afraid of quarrels and harsh words near the water, believing that they could be "remembered" and return in trouble.

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What else can not be done on May 20:

• spilling water unnecessarily leads to losses and failures in the household;
• washing in someone else's water without permission is a disaster in the house;
• refusing to help those in need leads to poor health;
• quarreling with loved ones — a disagreement risks dragging on for a long time.;
• starting difficult things in a hurry is a bad outcome.

What is the church holiday on May 20th?

The Orthodox Church celebrates two important events on May 20. The first of these is the appearance in heaven of the Cross of the Lord in Jerusalem, which occurred in 351. At that time, the Roman Empire was ruled by Constantius II, the son of Constantine the Great, who leaned towards Arianism. It was during this period that the inhabitants of Jerusalem witnessed a miracle — the appearance of a shining image of an Honest Cross in the sky above Golgotha.

The vision lasted quite a long time, so that many citizens managed to leave their houses and contemplate it with joy. All the residents — old men and young men, men and women with babies — hurried to the temple to give thanks to the Lord. This miracle was a confirmation of the truth of their faith for Christians, and a great shock for pagans and heretics, after which many of them were baptized.

On the same date falls the pre-feast of the Ascension of the Lord. This period prepares believers for one of the twelve great feasts, the Ascension of Christ. He recalls the completion of the Savior's earthly ministry and His ascension to the Father. The holiday itself is celebrated on the 40th day after Easter. In 2026, this day comes on May 21, so on the eve of the church begins special preparations for the great celebration.

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Prayers on May 20th

On the day of the celebration of the Appearance of the Lord's Cross, believers turn to the Lord with special prayers, glorifying the power of the Life-giving Cross. It is believed that prayers offered on this day help strengthen faith, gain protection from enemies, and heal from mental and physical ailments. On the eve of Ascension, Christians pray for the grace of the Holy Spirit, for peace and well-being in their families.

Prayer for the Appearance of the Lord's Cross

Troparion, glas 8

"Now you have lifted up the image of Your cross above the sun, and you have stretched it from the holy mountain even to the place of your forehead, and in it, O Savior, you have made clear Your fortress, thereby strengthening us, and save me in the world through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Christ God, and save us."

Kontakion, glas 4

"The heavens are closed, the most luminous rays are in heaven, the Immaculate Cross has ascended to the earth: thus, we accept the radiance of his actions, we are guided to the Light that is not accessible, and his imams are the weapons of peace and invincible victory in battle."

Prayer on the eve of the Ascension

O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, who hast descended from the heavenly heights for our salvation and nourish us with spiritual joy on the holy and most luminous days of Thy Resurrection, and after completing Thy earthly ministry, ascend from us into heaven with glory and sit at the right hand of God and the Father. On this clear and all-luminous day of Your Divine ascension to heaven, the earth celebrates and rejoices. <...> Grant us also to the weak, to those who are still wise and carnivorous, to create unceasingly Your ascension to heaven, thinking and celebrating. <...> For this reason, we fervently ask You, O Lord, by Your glorious Ascension, quicken our conscience, What is most necessary for nothing in the world, raise us from the captivity of this sinful flesh and the world and create us to be wise above, and not earthly, so that we may not please ourselves and live, but we will serve and work for You, the Lord and our God, until we have renounced the bonds of the flesh and passed through the heavenly ordeals unchallenged. At the right hand of Your Majesty, let us, together with Archangels and Angels, and with all the saints, glorify Your All-holy name, together with Your Beginningless Father and Your All-holy, Consubstantial, and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Earlier, Izvestia told which saints commemorate the day of Job the Horoshnik.