Folk signs for August 22: what can and cannot be done
Since ancient times, people have paid attention to various signs. In Russia, they were used to judge the weather, the future harvest, and even fate. Every day of the national calendar was full of rituals and superstitions. Izvestia tells about the signs and beliefs of August 22.
Folk signs for August 22, 2025
In Russia, Matvey Zmeesos Day was celebrated on August 22. The ancestors believed that evil spirits were activated on the holiday. According to popular beliefs, evil spirits in the form of snakes sought to enter the cowshed to drink all the milk. Therefore, the animals were not allowed to pasture that day. The women went to milk cows only together, as they believed that it was easy to jinx a single person. After that, they tried not to put the bucket on a table or chair so that the cows would not lose their milk.
On Matvey Zmeesos, the summer warmth was gradually replaced by autumn rains. Hence the other name of the holiday — Matvey the Stormy. At that time, various weather signs were closely monitored in Russia. So, if frost appeared on the grass in the morning, they understood that next year would be fruitful.
Other signs on August 22:
- there is no dew on the grass in the morning — bad weather;
- lots of dew for a hot day;
- South wind — for a snowy winter;
- north wind — for good weather without rain in the coming days;
- a lot of whirlwinds — winter will be harsh;
- He's already crawled out onto the road and is basking in the sun — it's going to rain soon;
- fog in the evening leads to warming;
- the fish stopped pecking — the weather will change soon;
- Marmots are screaming loudly — there will still be warm days before the end of summer.
What not to do on August 22
Matvey the Serpent falls on the Dormition Fast, which precedes the feast of the Dormition of the Virgin. In terms of severity, this summer fast is comparable to the Great One — during it, believers are not allowed to eat meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. In addition, you should not overeat, be lazy, get into conflicts and indulge in secular entertainment.
According to popular beliefs, you can not drink herbal decoctions on Matthew the Snake. It was believed that during the holiday they lose their useful properties and become poison.
What else can not be done on August 22:
- to work — work will not bring the desired results;
- Wearing dark or black clothes can attract misfortune.;
- to wear jewelry made of metal — they attract the attention of evil spirits;
- Bragging about your achievements means you risk losing everything.;
- Quarreling with your loved ones can ruin a relationship for years to come.
- Going to the forest is where evil spirits roam;
- Rubbing your palms together leads to poverty;
- to rush, to take on several tasks at the same time — to setbacks;
- Making expensive purchases will turn into tears.
What is the church holiday on August 22
On August 22, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the Apostle Matthew. According to legend, he was born in Bethlehem and from early childhood studied the Law of God under the guidance of Simeon the God-receiver. When Jesus began his sermon as the Son of God, Matthias followed him and became one of the 70 disciples of the Savior. After the betrayal of Judas Iscariot, he became one of the 12 apostles.
Subsequently, the saint preached in Jerusalem, then went with the Apostles Peter and Andrew to Antioch in Syria, and from there to Cappadocia and Ethiopia in Pontus (modern territory of Georgia). Matthias was in danger more than once, he was persecuted by the pagans, but the Lord protected his apostle. Nevertheless, around the year 63, the saint suffered a martyr's death - he was stoned to death by order of the impious high priest Anan.
Also on August 22, believers celebrate the Cathedral of the Solovetsky Saints. On this day, all the ascetics of the Solovetsky Monastery have been glorified since its foundation in the 1420s and 1930s. The monastery presented the Orthodox world with more than 50 saints who became famous for their spiritual exploits and miracles.
Prayers on August 22
On the feast day of the Apostle Matthew, believers ask the saint for healing of diseases, guidance on the right path and help in difficult situations. Prayers to the Solovetsky ascetics are also being sung on August 22.
Troparion of the Apostle Matthew
"Holy Apostle Matthew, pray to the Merciful God, that He may grant remission of sins to our souls."
Kontakion of the Apostle Matthew
"Radiant as the sun, your broadcast, which has gone out into the whole world, enlightens the pagan Church with grace, O miracle-bearing Matthew the Apostle."
Prayer to the Cathedral of the Solovetsky Saints
"O Divine regiment, Heavenly warriors of Christ God, venerable and God-bearing fathers of Solovki! First of all, you have revealed your fruitful souls to the Gospel teachings, and then you have made this barren desert, as you have made a fragrant paradise. And these sacrifices, favorable to God, appeared, transformed by a wise deed, and in the Light of the Evening they saw the glory of their future life. And with the divine fire of their souls, they have kindled and flowed into the Heavenly Zion and have partaken of the Uncreated Light. All the same, you intercede for our souls on earth, for salvation, abundance of earthly fruits, peaceful times, and blessings, and we, the unworthy, guided by your prayers, now at the end of our peaceful lives, let us love the eternal more than the temporal, and in our one-day hour we will work with zeal for the Heavenly Householder Christ, and we will hear His benevolent voice"Come, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world," and with heartfelt gratitude we will shed tears of unspeakable joy and praise the great and venerated name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia told about the signs and traditions of the Miron Vetrogon holiday.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
