Folk signs for July 4th: 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 July 4th and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for July 4th

In Russia, Ulyanovsk Day was celebrated on July 4. In the old days, this day was considered an important milestone in the middle of summer, when nature entered the season of maturity, and the future harvest largely depended on the condition of the crops. The people said: "Ulyan has come — rye has ripened around the edges," emphasizing the importance of this period for grain growers.

The holiday was accompanied by special customs and rituals. The peasants went out into the fields, inspected the crops and read special spells about protecting crops from drought and pests. Women were engaged in harvesting herbs and medicinal plants, believing that at this time they have a special power. There was also a custom of washing with morning dew — it was believed that it brings health and cleanses from diseases.

A lot of weather observations were connected with the Ulyanovsk day. They were used to judge what the rest of the summer and the coming autumn would be like. If it was raining that day, then a prolonged and wet autumn was expected. And the clear and warm weather promised a rich harvest. People used to say, "Like Ulyan, so is August," emphasizing the connection between the beginning of July and the end of summer.

Other signs of the day:

• bees are actively flying — towards sustainable heat;
• Birds fly low to the rain;
• Clouds are moving fast across the sky — for windy days;
• The thunder rumbles for a long time, leading to a prolonged storm;
• a quiet evening without wind leads to prolonged heat.

What not to do on July 4th

On Ulyanovsk Day, there were certain prohibitions. It was believed that violating these rules could cause setbacks or affect future harvests. For example, laziness was discouraged, as the middle of summer required hard work. They also tried not to start important things without preparation, so as not to fail.

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What else can not be done on July 4th:

• Making loud noises in the field can scare away luck.;
• plan important meetings — they will go to no avail;
• Bragging about happiness and success can jinx well—being.;
• to borrow or lend money leads to financial difficulties.

What is the church holiday on July 4th?

On July 4 (June 11, Old Style), the Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Martyr Julian of Tarsus. This saint lived in the late III — early IV century in the city of Tarsus in Asia Minor. He came from a pious Christian family and was distinguished by his firm faith from a young age. During the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian, Julian was captured for professing Christianity.

He was subjected to numerous tortures, trying to force him to renounce his faith. However, the saint remained adamant in his faith, refusing to sacrifice to the pagan gods. In the end, the martyr was executed by drowning in the sea. Later, the relics of the saint were transferred to Antioch, where they became famous for numerous miracles.

On the same date, believers remember the apostle from 70 Tertius (Terentius). He was a disciple of the Apostle Paul and one of those who spread Christian teaching in the early centuries. Tertius took part in missionary work, preaching in Asia Minor. It is believed that it was he who wrote down the Epistle of the Apostle Paul to the Romans. Later, he became the second bishop of Iconium, converting many pagans to Christianity.

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Prayers on July 4th

The Martyr Julian of Tarsus is addressed with prayers for strengthening faith and courage in overcoming life's difficulties, as well as for healing diseases of the soul and body. They pray to the Apostle Tertius for spiritual guidance and support in his work. He is also asked to rid people of false teachings and misconceptions.

Prayer to Julian of Tarsus

Troparion, glas 4:

"Thy martyr, O Lord, Julian, in his suffering received an incorruptible crown from Thee, our God: for having thy strength, Thou hast overthrown the tormentors, and crushed the demons of feeble insolence. Save our souls through your prayers."

Kontakion, glas 2:

"To the piety of an invincible warrior and the truth of a concordant and a swordsman, let us all worthily praise Julian today and cry out to him: pray to Christ God for us all."

Prayer to Tertius of Iconium

Troparion, glas 3:

"Holy apostles, pray to the Merciful God, that He may grant remission of sins to our souls."

Kontakion, glas 2:

"Having enlightened the mind with divine light, having broken the intricate weaves of wisdom, and grasped all tongues, the apostles glorify, O Master, glorify the Divine Trinity instructively."

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the folk and church traditions of the Methodius Sparrowhawk holiday.