Folk signs for July 12: 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 12 and the church holidays that fall on this date.

Folk signs for July 12th

In Russia, on July 12, Peter's Day was celebrated, which was also called "Petrovka" or "Peter-Pavel". The holiday coincided with the end of St. Peter's Fast and opened the period of active haymaking, thanks to which it received another name — "Green Mowing". In the national calendar, this day was considered the last before the beginning of a severe period of suffering, which lasted until Proclus (July 25).

Going out to the hayfield was accompanied by special rituals. They often went out into the field in fancy clothes to add solemnity to the event. They tried to make the first sheaf especially lush. It was decorated with ribbons and flowers, and then brought into the house and placed in a red corner. It was believed that this rite would bring a good harvest and successful haymaking.

In some regions, it was customary to wash with water from three springs or swim in reservoirs. The ancestors believed that "Petrova voditsa" gives health, beauty and cleanses from sins. There were also lavish feasts in the villages celebrating the end of the fast. Treats were always left for travelers and beggars, taking care of their neighbors.

Great importance was attached to weather observations. Peter's Day was considered an important boundary when the sun "turned to autumn," which was reflected in the sayings: "Peter came — summer waned," "Peter-Paul day turned down." According to popular signs, clear weather on this day promises a warm and dry summer, and rain foreshadows prolonged bad weather.

Other signs of the day:

• heavy dew in the morning — for a hot day;
• the wind changes direction — to change the weather;
• bees are actively working — towards a good honey harvest;
• rain and thunderstorms on Peter's Day lead to bad haymaking;
• yellow leaves began to fall from the birches by early autumn.

What not to do on July 12th

There were many prohibitions and beliefs associated with St. Peter's Day. It was recommended to dedicate this holiday to prayer, church visits and time with loved ones. People believed that hard work on this day promised uninterrupted work for the whole year. They also avoided quarrels, as it was believed that the conflict could drag on for a long time.

What else can not be done on July 12:

• Going to the water alone can be a disaster.;
• Letting women's hair down leads to a loss of feminine power;
• doing needlework — you can "sew up" luck;
• recalculating money after sunset leads to losses;
• to borrow or lend is in dire need.

What is the church holiday on July 12th?

On July 12 (June 29, Old Style), the Orthodox Church celebrates the celebration in honor of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, two of the greatest preachers of Christianity, who played a key role in spreading the gospel and laid the foundations of the Christian Church among Jews (Peter) and Gentiles (Paul).

The Holy Apostle Peter, whose name was Simon before meeting Christ, was a fisherman from Galilee and came from a simple family. Paul, formerly named Saul, belonged to a noble family and was a zealous Pharisee who participated in the persecution of Christians. However, after their conversion to the faith, they became one of the most important preachers of Christianity and spiritual leaders of the early Church.

Both apostles were martyred in Rome around the year 67. Their widespread veneration began under Emperor Constantine the Great, who declared Christianity the state religion in 313. In Russia, the memory of Saints Peter and Paul began to be celebrated after the Baptism of Russia in 988. Prince Vladimir brought the first icon of the Holy Apostles from Korsun. Subsequently, this image was presented as a gift to the Novgorod St. Sophia Cathedral.

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On the same date, St. Paisios of Svyatogorets, one of the most revered Greek saints of the 20th century (in the world, Arsenios Eznepidis), is remembered. He was born in 1924 in Cappadocia and was brought to Greece as an infant. Aspiring to monastic life from a young age, he took vows on Mount Athos and became known as a great ascetic who possessed the gifts of clairvoyance and miracle-working.

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Prayers on July 12th

To the Apostles Peter and Paul with prayers for strengthening faith, help in life's trials and protection from adversity. They are asked for fortitude, wisdom and the right choice of path. They pray to St. Paisius of Svyatogorets for peace of mind, guidance and help in difficult situations.

Prayer to the Apostles Peter and Paul

"O most glorious Apostles Peter and Paul, who gave up their souls for Christ and fertilized Him with your blood! You will hear your children's prayers and sighs, which are now offered with a contrite heart. For we are overshadowed by iniquities and for the sake of troubles, as we are covered with clouds, but we are impoverished for the sake of a good life, and we cannot resist the predatory wolf, who boldly seek to plunder the inheritance of God. About silnia! Bear our infirmities, do not be separated from us by the spirit, so that we may not be separated in the end from the love of God, but protect us with your strong intercession, may the Lord have mercy on us all, for the sake of your prayers, may the manuscript destroy our immeasurable sins and grant with all the saints the blessed Kingdom and marriage of His Lamb, Whose honor and glory And thanksgiving and worship, forever and ever. Amen to that."

Prayer to Paisius of Svyatogorets

"O venerable and God-bearing Father Paisii, <...> to intercede for us before the Throne of the All-merciful God, the adopted One! In the days of your earthly life, enduring grievous illnesses and giving thanks to God for everything, you received grace from Him to heal bodily ailments and heal souls clouded by sins. Now, as you stand before the Throne of the Almighty, incline His mercy to us, so that through your prayerful intercession the Lord may grant us strength in temptation, courage in the struggle against the spirits of wickedness in high places, forgiveness of all our sins <...> and may He teach us to do good deeds, to end our lives pleasing God and to serve our neighbors with love and humility. To her, holy Father, we beseech thee: help us to turn away from the path of sin, and to create the fruits of repentance and renewal in Christ of our souls, <...> having been freed from the bonds of sinful residence, to ascend to the Heavenly Palace, so that together with thee we may be worthy to glorify God in the Trinity, the glorified Father, Son, and Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen to that."

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the folk and church traditions of the Nettle Conspiracy holiday.