Folk signs for June 2: 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 June 2 and the church holidays that fall on this day.
Folk signs for June 2
In Russia, Timothy the Gardener's Day was celebrated on June 2. The holiday was associated with the beginning of active field and garden work, when the earth was already completely warming up, and the winter crops were sprouting well. The main concern of the peasants at that time was weeding the beds from weeds. Hence the name "Gardener".
In addition to weeding, the day was devoted to caring for early seedlings and planting late crops. Special attention was paid to cabbage and cucumbers, which, according to legend, took root best on Timothy the Gardener. In the old days, it was believed that the work started on this day would be especially easy and fruitful, and the plants would grow quickly.
In the midst of agricultural work, weather signs were given great importance. They were used to determine what the summer and the future harvest would be like. If the weather was clear and warm in the morning, it was a good sign that foreshadowed a prosperous year. If the day turned out to be gloomy and cloudy, prolonged rains were expected in June.
Other signs of the day:
- the ringing knock of a woodpecker is heard — for bad weather soon;
- heavy clouds are hanging in the sky, leading to a heavy downpour with hail;
- The frogs croak loudly until morning, ready for a change in the weather.;
- there are a lot of cones on the fir tree — for a rich harvest of cucumbers;
- a lot of midges and mosquitoes lead to an abundance of mushrooms and berries in summer.
What not to do on June 2nd
There were strict prohibitions on Timothy the Gardener's day. In the old days, it was believed that any careless action could "offend" nature and lead to crop failure or plant diseases. They were especially afraid of quarrels and harsh words, which, according to beliefs, could "transfer" to the ground and spoil the shoots. It was also believed that one should not be lazy on this day, otherwise the year would pass in need and poverty.
What else can not be done on June 2:
- throwing garbage on the ground leads to crop failure and loss of income;
- It's unfortunate to look in someone else's mirror.;
- holding a grudge against your loved ones leads to quarrels and illnesses for the whole month;
- Sharing salt is giving away a part of your well—being;
- leaving unfinished business leads to stagnation in business.
What is the church holiday on June 2?
On June 2, the Orthodox Church commemorates the blessed Prince Dovmont of Pskov, Timothy, who lived in the 13th century. Dovmont of Pskov was a Lithuanian prince who converted to Orthodoxy and became one of the defenders of the Russian lands. He became famous as a wise ruler and a talented military commander who managed to strengthen Pskov and protect it from external threats.
The prince married Alexander Nevsky's granddaughter and settled in Pskov, building an impregnable stone wall around the city, named Dovmontova. According to legend, before every battle, he put his sword on the church throne, so he did not lose a single battle. After his death, Dovmont became famous for a miraculous phenomenon during the siege of Pskov by Stefan Batory at the end of the XVI century.
On the same date, the finding of the relics of St. Alexy of Moscow, Metropolitan of Kiev and All Russia, who played an important role in strengthening the church, is celebrated. He was the spiritual mentor of the princes and in fact one of the key statesmen of his time. Alexy died at a very old age, his relics were found in 1431 and now rest in the Epiphany Patriarchal Cathedral in Moscow.
Prayers on June 2
They pray to Saint Dovmont for protection from enemies and invasion of foreigners, giving courage to soldiers and preserving peace in the family. St. Alexy, Metropolitan of Moscow, is addressed with prayers for strengthening faith, getting rid of diseases, perseverance in trials and giving peace of mind.
Prayer to Dovmont of Pskov
"Oh, holy servant of Christ, venerable Prince Dovmont! Leading you to God with boldness, we humbly ask you in contrition of heart: pray for us sinful and unprofitable slaves (names) and ask us through your prayers for forgiveness of sins, correction of our lives, healing from diseases and all kinds of ailments, deliverance from slander and the machinations of the devil, grant salvation to our souls and grant us heavenly blessings. By the grace and love of mankind of the Most Holy and Life-giving Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen to that."
Prayer to Metropolitan Alexy
"O most holy father, to the holy Hierarch Alexius of Christ, our shepherd and teacher, do not reject us (names), who flow with faith to your intercession, but quickly seek to pray to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, that He may deliver His flock from the wolves that destroy it, and protect every Christian country and preserve with your holy prayers from from worldly rebellion and cowardice, invasion of foreigners and internecine warfare, from gladness and destruction, flood, sword, fire, and futile death, and by healing the blindness of the Queen of Hagar, you saved your fatherland, so have mercy on us, in mind, word, and deed, in the darkness of sinful existence, and deliver us May God's wrath and eternal punishment, for through your intercession and help, and through His mercy and grace, may Christ God grant us a quiet and sinless life in this place and grant us a right standing with all the saints at His Last judgment. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia reported on folk and church traditions on Dukhov Day.
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