A special holiday on August 6 is the Memorial Day of Saints Boris and Gleb: history, traditions, omens

Every year on August 6, Orthodox believers remember Princes Boris and Gleb, the first canonized Russian saints. In the national calendar, this day is known as Boris and Gleb Summer, it reminds of brotherly love, faith, forgiveness and human dignity. In 2025, the date falls on Wednesday. Read about its history, traditions, signs and strict prohibitions in the Izvestia article.

Boris and Gleb National Holiday – 2025: the history of the holiday

The holiday dates back to the tragic events of the early 11th century. Boris and Gleb were the youngest sons of Grand Duke Vladimir Svyatoslavovich, the baptist of Russia, who went down in history as Vladimir the Red Sun.

The brothers were baptised Roman and David, and from early childhood they were raised in the spirit of Christian humility and charity. After Vladimir's death in 1015, an acute struggle for power began. The Kiev throne was seized by his adopted son Svyatopolk. In an effort to eliminate rivals, he organized the murder of the brothers.

Boris was overtaken by the Alta River and put to death while praying. Gleb was killed on the way from Murom. Both brothers had the opportunity to defend themselves, but they deliberately did not resist, choosing the path of Christian patience and humility, wanting to fulfill Christ's commandment not to repay evil for evil. Their deaths shocked their contemporaries and caused a spiritual response throughout Russia.

In 1019, Yaroslav the Wise, the brother of the victims, came to power in Kiev. On his initiative, the first church in honor of Boris and Gleb was built in Vyshgorod. Their relics were transferred to a specially erected chapel, which became a place of pilgrimage, and soon became the source of numerous miracles.

Already at the end of the XI century, Boris and Gleb were canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church as passion—bearers - those who not only suffered, but did not respond with evil to evil, as Christ bequeathed.

The saints became not only a spiritual symbol of self-denial and brotherly love, but also the patrons of the Russian land. Their intercession is remembered on the eve of major battles, from the Battle of the Ice to the Battle of Kulikovo. The veneration of the brothers gave rise to widespread temple construction in their honor and became an important religious symbol, the unifying spiritual foundation for the Ancient Russian state.

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Traditions of the national holiday celebrated in Russia on August 6

In popular culture, Boris and Gleb Memorial Day has acquired a special significance. This day is associated with the cult of the elements, especially fire. No wonder the ancestors also called the holiday Palikopna — from the word "pali" ("burn").

There was a belief that the risk of thunderstorms, fires and lightning was especially high on this day. Therefore, the peasants tried not to work in the fields, not to make bonfires, and generally not to use an open fire.

What to do for Boris and Gleb

• On a holiday, you should have visited the church in the morning. The peasants turned to the saints with prayers asking them to get rid of resentment, jealousy, envy, evil thoughts and temptation.;
• To collect berries and mushrooms in the forest. By this time, cherry trees, raspberries, and blackberries were ripe, which were used in preparations such as jams, compotes, and liqueurs. It was believed that the berries harvested on August 6 had healing powers.;
• Conduct money rituals. For example, at dawn in Russia, it was customary to count the money in the house. According to beliefs, this ensured financial well-being until next year.;

What not to do on a holiday Boris and Gleb summer

In Russia, on August 6, the Boris and Gleb Summer holiday, there were several strict prohibitions. According to the beliefs of the ancestors, on this day it was not necessary:

• To clean the bread. There was a popular saying on this occasion: "Don't take on Gleb and Boris for bread." Violation of this prohibition could cause a fire.;
• To clean the house, it could lead to financial difficulties.;
• To borrow and lend money so as not to bring poverty and illness to the family;
• Trust other people's advice, especially in financial matters;
• Talking loudly, arguing, and even laughing. The ancestors believed that excessive talkativeness on a holiday could "burn" luck.

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Folk signs for August 6th

In Russia, it was believed that nature became "talking" on this day, and it was possible to judge what winter would be like.

• Clear day — the winter is expected to be mild and warm;
• Rain in the morning — there will be a lot of snow;
• Flies are restless — wait for warm and dry days.;
• The dew does not disappear for a long time, leading to a thunderstorm;
• Chickens cling to the chicken — to the lingering rains;
• Seagulls land on the water — for bad weather;
• The snails hide in the shell — in case of heavy rain.

Earlier, Izvestia told about when and how Boris and Gleb Sowers celebrate the national holiday in Russia.