Folk signs and prohibitions on October 26: what can and cannot be done

On Sunday, October 26, Orthodox Christians honor the memory of the miraculous Iveron Icon of the Mother of God and remember the martyrs Carp, Papila, Agathonika and Agathodor. This day was popularly accompanied by special traditions, rituals and prohibitions that helped preserve health, peace and well-being in the home. Details can be found in the Izvestia article.

What is the holiday on October 26th?

The main church event on October 26 is the commemoration of the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God, one of the most revered images in Orthodoxy. The icon depicts the Virgin Mary with a baby in her arms, and the name "Iverskaya" is associated with the Iversky Monastery on Mount Athos (Greece), where the miraculous image was found and became famous for numerous miracles.

Also on this day, the Martyr Carp, Bishop of Thyatiria, his assistant deacon Papila, Papila's sister Agathonika and the martyr Agathodorus are remembered. Carp lived in Asia Minor and preached Christianity among the pagans.

His activities caused discontent among local rulers and tribesmen, and the martyrs were severely tortured. They were tied up with horses, dragged through cities, set a bear on them, and subjected to other torments, but the clergy did not renounce their faith. Agathodorus was beaten to death, and Karp, Papila, and Agathonika were beheaded.

What not to do on October 26th

It was not recommended to start new businesses on this day, it was believed that any new venture would be unhappy. It was forbidden to quarrel and swear, as the day was considered peaceful, so it was not allowed to raise your voice, argue or sort things out.

Heavy physical labor was also considered undesirable, as October 26 was associated with the end of the harvesting season and the transition to winter. Excessive work could cause fatigue and illness.

It was dangerous to ignore the cleanliness of the house and the bathhouse. It was believed that an evil spirit lived in the bathhouse, capable of harming visitors, so they left him small treats — a piece of soap, water in a tub and a broom. It was also not recommended to work with sharp objects such as knives, axes, saws, so as not to cause trouble.

Folk signs of October 26

Fast-moving clouds foreshadowed bad weather, and the sun, hiding behind clouds, spoke of impending rains. A red sky at sunrise or sunset meant rainy weather, and the early crowing of roosters foreshadowed warming.

Herbs were steamed in the bathhouse to expel the bannik and protect the health of the family. October 26 was a special day in folk traditions, when Orthodox spirituality and everyday practices aimed at preserving health and well-being in the home were combined.

Adhering to the prohibitions and following the signs, the peasants tried to protect themselves from troubles and misfortunes, and Orthodox Christians tried to strengthen their connection with the Mother of God and the memory of the holy martyrs.