- Статьи
- Local news
- Feast of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God: what can and cannot be done on August 10
Feast of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God: what can and cannot be done on August 10
Every year on August 10, Orthodox believers celebrate the feast of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God, one of the most revered and miraculous images of the Russian Church. This holiday is associated with an important historical event and is filled with spiritual symbols, prayers and folk customs. The history, traditions and strict prohibitions of the holiday are in the material of Izvestia.
Day of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God on August 10: the essence of the holiday
On August 10, the Orthodox Church celebrates the feast of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God, one of the most revered miraculous images in Russia. It belongs to the "Odigitria" type, which means "Guidebook" in Greek. According to legend, the archetype was painted by St. Luke the Apostle.
On the day of the feast, believers gather in temples to pray and worship the holy image. Special attention is paid to reading the Akathist to the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God and participating in religious processions. It is also customary on this day to do good deeds and help those in need.
The Smolensk icon not only symbolized protection and patronage, but also became a source of unity of the people and inspiration for the struggle for independence and the preservation of faith.
This was especially evident during the Patriotic War of 1812. When Napoleon's army approached Smolensk, residents and soldiers turned to the icon with prayers for the protection of the city and the people. According to legend, many miracles and salvation are associated with this image.
Stories of unexplained healings and victories were attributed to her prayerful patronage. Such stories strengthened faith and morale, helping people overcome fear and despair in difficult times.
The icon had a significant impact on Russian literature and art. Many famous artists and writers have turned to the image of the Mother of God as a symbol of maternal care, protection and spiritual strength. In the works of the 19th and 20th centuries, one can find numerous allusions to the Smolensk Icon, which served as a metaphor for national identity and fortitude.
Modern theologians emphasize that the veneration of the Smolensk Icon is not only a tribute to tradition, but also an actual spiritual resource. In a rapidly changing world and a multitude of challenges for every person, turning to the icon helps to maintain inner balance, faith and hope. Prayers before the icon are of particular importance in times of crisis, illness, and family difficulties.
Day of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God: what not to do
On the feast day of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God on August 10, special customs were traditionally observed, which were formed over the centuries and deeply rooted in the national memory. It was believed that violating these prohibitions could lead to various troubles, misfortunes and adverse events.
Folk signs advised on this day not to pick up cash, not to count it and not to accept payment for work or services on this particular day. It was believed that such actions could "prolong" financial problems for the whole next year, leading to poverty.
It was also impossible to borrow or lend money, so as not to "give away" their well-being and not incur financial difficulties.
Another significant prohibition was considered to be changing jobs, places of residence, or moving on that day. It was believed that any changes on August 10 related to relocation or a change of occupation could turn into setbacks and troubles.
Special attention was also paid to food restrictions. On the day of the holiday, people refused to eat porridge, an important element of the traditional Russian table. It was believed that porridge eaten on August 10 could lead to illness and adversity. Instead, they preferred to cook potato dishes: mashed potatoes, fried or baked potatoes, as well as pies and pies.
It is not recommended to do needlework and hard physical labor on this day, so as not to tire the body and soul. It was forbidden to quarrel and show aggression. Such emotions can attract illnesses and strife into the home.
People sought to spend the day in prayer and good deeds, emphasizing the importance of spiritual harmony and piety. It was important to remain calm and focused, since it was on this day that, according to popular beliefs, the protection of the Smolensk Icon was especially strong, and violating prohibitions could weaken this protection.
Day of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God: folk signs
As on any other holiday, this Orthodox event is associated with many folk traditions and superstitions that have been preserved in the Russian tradition since ancient times or even came from the pre-Christian period, when people believed in natural spirits and magic.
The Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) does not support following pagan signs and superstitions, as they contradict the essence of faith. According to the church's teaching, omens are a form of idolatry because they distract a person from the true God.
However, many people continue to believe superstitions and omens that were formed hundreds of years ago.
Folk signs associated with August 10 played an important role in the lives of peasants and townspeople. It was believed that following the signs brings good luck and prosperity to the house.
One of these rules was the rule "Prokhors — Parmenas — do not start a barter." This meant that no exchanges should be made on that day, as they could end in failure or fraud.
The ancestors believed that things purchased or sold on August 10 would not last long and would only bring trouble. Therefore, we tried to refrain from large purchases and financial agreements on this particular holiday.
Pears were also harvested on this day. It was believed that if you slowly eat a pear, then any difficult problem will be solved. On this day, they were traditionally engaged in harvesting for the winter and transplanting flowers.
In Russia, peasants plowed fields, began weeding potatoes and digging up tulip bulbs from the ground. Apples were also harvested, and parents hung a sprig of pear over the child's crib so that he would grow up talented.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
