Folk signs for August 13: what can and cannot be done

In Russia, each date had a special meaning for ordinary people. According to the national calendar, Evdokimovo Cemetery is celebrated on August 13, the holiday preceding the Dormition Fast. Izvestia tells about the signs and prohibitions of this day, as well as about the church holidays on August 13.

Folk signs for August 13, 2025

In Russia, Evdokimov's conspiracy was celebrated on August 13. The name of the holiday is explained by the fact that it falls on the last day before the Dormition Fast. Therefore, on August 13, festivities were held in the villages with fast food — milk, eggs, meat and fish. Also on this day it was customary to prepare agricultural implements for winter. Special attention was paid to the plough — they bowed to him, thanking him for his help in the work.

At Evdokimovo cemetery, attention was also paid to weather signs. Here are some of them:

• If a swarm of bees is flying in the field, the weather will be clear.;
• wind — to inclement weather;
• thick fog over the water — for the mushroom harvest;
• The morning fog has cleared quickly, and the weather will be clear.;
• a rainbow appeared before the rain — the storm will be short-lived;
• He's already basking in the sun, ready for the rain;
• There is no wind at night — the warmth will last for several more days.;
• The web is flying — for hot weather;
• strong wind — for a snowy winter.

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What not to do on August 13

In Russia, Evdokimov's conspiracy was also associated with various prohibitions and superstitions. According to popular beliefs, a marriage proposal should not have been made on August 13. It was believed that a girl could agree out of selfish motives, not out of love.

What else can not be done on August 13:

• Eating fatty foods leads to health problems and financial difficulties.;
• Doing laundry, cleaning, repairs, and other household chores can make a brownie angry.;
• quarreling with loved ones, raising your voice to the household — the conflict can last all autumn;
• Bragging about your successes means you risk losing everything you've achieved.;
• to refuse to help those in need is a stingy and indifferent person who risks attracting misfortune into his life.

What is the church holiday on August 13th?

On August 13, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the Righteous Evdokim of Cappadocia. He was known for his pious life and devoted service to God. The saint was born in Cappadocia and took a vow of celibacy in his youth. Evdokim devoted his life to caring for the poor, orphans and widows. He died at the age of 33, and numerous miracles took place at his coffin. The saint is revered as the patron saint of the family hearth, as he maintained a warm and respectful relationship with his parents all his life.

Also, on August 13, believers celebrate the feast of the Taking Down of the Precious Trees of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord. It precedes the main celebration, popularly known as the Honey Savior. On this day, believers reflect on the meaning of the Honest Cross and prepare for a solemn divine service.

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In addition, on August 13, the Orthodox Church commemorates the Martyr Julitta of Caesarea, St. Herman, Bishop of Auxerre, and St. Dionysius of Vatopedi.

Prayers for August 13th

On the memorial day of Evdokim the Cappadocian, the saint prays for the protection of the home, the preservation of family happiness and health for loved ones. On a holiday, you can read one of the four prayers to the saint. For example, this:

"O holy saint of God, righteous Evdokim, you have labored with a good deed on earth, and you have received in heaven the crown of righteousness that the Lord has prepared for all who love Him; as we gaze upon your holy icon, we rejoice at the most glorious end of your life and honor your holy memory. But you, standing before the Throne of God, accept our supplications and offer them to the All-merciful God, that He may forgive us every sin and help us against the wiles of the devil, so that, having been delivered from sorrows, diseases, troubles and misfortunes, and all evil, we may live piously and righteously in our present age and be worthy of your intercession, even if we are unworthy. May you see the good in the lands of the living, glorifying God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen to that."

On the eve of the Taking of the Venerable Trees of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, prayer to the Venerable Cross is allowed.:

"May God arise, and His enemies be scattered, and may all those who hate him flee from Him. As the smoke disappears, so let them disappear; and as wax melts from the fire, so the demons will perish before those who love God and are marked by the sign of the Cross and exclaim with joy: hail, Venerable and Life-giving Cross of the Lord, who casts out demons through the power of our crucified Lord Jesus Christ, Who descended into hell and trampled the power of the devil and He gave us You, His Honest Cross, to drive out every enemy. O Venerable and Life-giving Cross of the Lord, help me with the Holy Lady, the Virgin Theotokos, and with all the saints forever and ever. Amen to that."

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the history and traditions of the national holiday Siluan and Sila.