Folk signs for August 31: 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 Sunday, August 31, and which church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for August 31, 2025
In Russia, on August 31, the feast of Flora and Laurel was celebrated by Horsemen, or Horse Day. The name comes from the names of Christian saints Flora and Laurus, who were considered the patrons of horses, the main helpers of peasants, in popular belief. Therefore, the veneration of these animals occupied a special place in the traditions of the day.
From early morning, the horses were bathed in rivers and lakes, their manes were carefully combed, then decorated with ribbons, and special treats were prepared, thanking them for their help in field work. Horses were also sprinkled with holy water to protect them from diseases and ailments.
Many folk signs of this day are also associated with horses. For example, it was considered a great success to find a horseshoe. It promised well-being for the whole year. In addition, to make the house happy, the horseshoes hanging over the door were removed, washed with spring water and waxed. People believed that after this ritual, all misfortunes would bypass the house.
Other signs of the day:
- The horse shakes his head — it's going to rain soon;
- a horse snores in its sleep — in windy and inclement weather;
- a warm day leads to a clear and dry autumn;
- rain promises inclement weather in September;
- cloud cover promises an early cold snap;
- a strong wind is blowing — for a harsh and snowy winter;
- a bird knocked on the window — soon there will be a message from the betrothed;
- wormwood has a thick root — next year will be fruitful.
What not to do on August 31
Frolov Day was associated with a number of strict prohibitions, the violation of which could lead to various troubles. First of all, they concerned the main culprits of the celebration — horses. On this day, it was forbidden to use them for plowing, transporting goods, and even for horseback riding, in order to preserve their health and strength.
What else can not be done on August 31:
- Shouting at horses and treating them rudely is believed to deprive animals of the protection of their patron saints.;
- working on the land is considered that nothing will grow anyway.;
- borrowing money—people used to say, "You'll live a year in debt this way.";
- they recalculate the funds after lunch, otherwise the savings will quickly decrease;
- sweep the crumbs off the table after eating — there may be lean times ahead.;
- going out in the evening — in the old days it was believed that evil spirits were activated at night.
What is the church holiday on August 31
On August 31, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the brothers Florus and Laurus of Illyria, early Christian martyrs who lived in the second century in the Roman province of Illyricum (now the territory of the modern Balkans). The brothers were skilled masons who secretly practiced Christianity.
One day they were sent to a neighboring region to build a pagan temple. During the work, they healed the son of a pagan priest, who suffered from a fragment of stone, by the power of prayer. After the miracle happened, many builders came to believe in Christ. As a result, instead of idols, a holy cross was installed in the center of the temple. Flora and Lavra, as well as other participants in this daring act, were sentenced to death. Later, many miracles took place at the site of the martyrs' deaths.
On the same date, believers venerate the icon of the Mother of God "Vsetsarina". This is one of the miraculous images that was painted in the 17th century. The painting depicts the Virgin Mary on the royal throne with the baby Jesus in her arms. The Savior appears with a blessing right hand and a scroll, a symbol of the Divine Law. Above the throne there are two angels overshadowing the Virgin and Christ. The original icon is located in the cathedral church of the Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos (Greece). Her lists are in the Novospassky Monastery in Moscow and the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral in Tambov.
Prayers on August 31
Saints Florus and Laurus of Illyria are addressed with prayers for strengthening faith, help in spiritual life, healing from ailments, as well as for the protection of livestock, especially horses. In front of the icon of the Mother of God, the "All-Tsaritsa" prays in a variety of situations, including: finding peace of mind, the well-being of loved ones, and getting rid of addictions. It is also believed that prayer in front of this image can protect against witchcraft.
Prayer to Florus and Laurus of Illyria
"Praiseworthy Martyrs Flora and Lavra, you are not hidden by the earth, but you are received by Heaven, so that you may have prayer books and intercessors for those who honor your honorable memory with love. Let us pray for us, gentle laborers, that the Lord may move us also, in our labors and distress, to do His commandments, so that we may take care not only of food and drink, but also of how we please the Lord. Help us with our sorrow and sighing, and may our souls not be embittered to the end, but may they be kindled with love for each other, may we remain in peace and unity of mind, just as you are, brothers of bliss.Above all, establish us in the most holy and right faith that exists in our hearts, let us not be afraid of reproach and humiliation and all the circumstances that we are possessed by, but, as we accept this test of the power of our faith with thanksgiving, let us keep a good confession, in which we will pass from this vale into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord, which Glory and power forever and ever. Amen to that."
Prayer in front of the Vsetsarina icon
"All-merciful, venerable Mother of God, Pantanassa, All-Queen! I am not worthy, but come under my roof! But as the merciful God of the loving Mother, say the word, may my soul be healed and my feeble body be strengthened. For You are an invincible power, and every verb will not exhaust You, O All-Queen! You beg for me! You plead for me. May I glorify Your glorious name always, now and forever. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia reported on the powerful prayers for the Dormition.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
