Folk signs for July 9th: 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 9th and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for July 9th
In Russia, on July 9, the holiday of David Strawberry was celebrated. In the national calendar, this day was associated with the height of summer and the beginning of the harvest of wild strawberries. It was believed that by this time the berries were gaining strength and had special healing properties. They were dried, boiled, and used in folk medicine.
They tried to go out for berries at first light in order to return before the midday heat. At the same time, they observed the unspoken rules. It was forbidden to make noise and break strawberry bushes in the forest. The ancestors believed that respecting nature would ensure a rich harvest in the future.
There were also special rituals on the holiday. For example, they never ate the first handful of berries themselves. Strawberries were brought home to treat the brownie keeper of the house. A tiny cup of berries was left for him behind the stove. The women washed their faces with strawberry dew, believing that this ritual would help preserve their youth and beauty.
A lot of observations were connected with the weather on David Strawberry. If it rained that day, they called it strawberry and believed that it promised a rich harvest of grain. Some of the weather signs are reflected in folk sayings and proverbs: "Strawberries are red on David for a warm summer," "Lots of berries for a mild winter."
Other signs of the day:
- a clear and sunny day leads to prolonged heat;
- abundant morning dew leads to a rich harvest of mushrooms;
- birds sing loudly and actively — for stable weather;
- The fog is spreading over the ground — for a hot day;
- The wind increases in the evening, leading to a change in the weather.
What not to do on July 9th
There were also many prohibitions associated with the day of David the Strawberry. They were strictly observed so as not to bring trouble on themselves and the family. It was especially important on this day to remain calm and grateful for the gifts of the earth. On a holiday, it was not recommended to go into the forest in a bad mood. Quarrels and swearing were also forbidden, which, according to beliefs, could disrupt harmony with nature.
What else can't be done on July 9th:
- picking berries carelessly leads to a poor harvest in the future.;
- making noise and shouting in the forest can "scare away" luck;
- to remove cobwebs in the house — it was considered a talisman;
- It was a great sin to refuse to help travelers.;
- to lend or borrow money leads to financial difficulties.
What is the church holiday on July 9th?
On July 9, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. David of Thessalonica, a Greek ascetic who lived in the fifth and sixth centuries. According to his life, David worked in a monastery from a young age, and then, inspired by the lives of the Stylites, he left the monastery and settled near the city of Thessalonica in Greece.
There he built himself a hut under an almond tree and lived in it for 70 years, spending time in strict fasting and prayer. For his exploits and humility, the monk acquired from the Lord the gift of miracle-working and healing. He healed many of their diseases, cast out demons, and helped all who came to him for advice and comfort.
On the same day, a celebration is held in honor of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, which, according to legend, was painted by the holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke during the earthly life of the Most Holy Theotokos. In the 5th century, it was moved from Jerusalem to Constantinople, where it was kept in the Blachernae Temple. In 1383, the shrine disappeared without a trace and miraculously appeared over Lake Ladoga.
Later, the icon stopped near the town of Tikhvin. On the site of her last apparition, a wooden church of the Assumption of the Virgin was built, on the site of which the stone Assumption Cathedral was erected in the 16th century. During the reign of Ivan the Terrible, a monastery was founded at the temple, which became the center of pilgrimage in the region.
The shrine became famous for numerous miracles. One of the most famous is the defense of the Tikhvin Monastery from the Swedish troops in 1613-1614. According to legend, when the enemy approached the monastery, the monks decided to leave it, taking the shrine with them, but they could not move it from its place. This event was perceived as a miraculous sign. As a result, the defenders of the monastery remained and managed to repel the onslaught of the enemy.
Prayers on July 9th
Saint David, who spent decades in the wilderness, is reputed to be the patron saint of pilgrims and all those who seek spiritual advice and solace. They turn to him with prayers for health, spiritual fortitude, patience and spiritual guidance. In front of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, they pray for intercession, support and help in various life circumstances.
Prayer to David of Thessalonica
"O holy head, Venerable Father, most blessed Abba David, 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 the machinations of the devil To our good shepherd. <...> We bow down to you and we pray to you: 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 unhindered, from the bitter ordeals, the demons of the princes of the air, and from eternal torment, and the heiress of the heavenly Kingdom. Let us be with all the righteous, who have pleased our Lord Jesus Christ from the beginning.: 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."
Prayer in front of the Tikhvin Icon of the Virgin
"We thank You, O Most Gracious and Most Pure, Most Blessed Virgin, Lady, Mother of Christ our God, for all Your benefits that you have shown to the human race, especially to us, the Christ-named people of Russia, for whom the most angelic language will be pleased to praise. We thank You, for even now you have surprised Your ineffable mercy upon us, Your unworthy servants, by the supernatural self-coming of Your Most Pure icon, which you have enlightened the whole Russian country. In the same way, we sinners, worshiping with fear and joy, cry out to You: O Most Holy Virgin, Queen and Mother of God, save and have mercy on Your people, and grant them victory over all their enemies, and preserve the reigning cities, and all Christian cities and countries, and deliver this holy temple from every slander of the enemy, and grant all things to the benefit of those who have come today with faith, and Your servant prays, and worships Your Most Holy image, for blessed are you with Your Son and God, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia reported on folk and church traditions on the day of Peter and Fevronia.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
