Folk signs for March 7: what can and cannot be done
In Russia, signs and beliefs have been given special importance since ancient times. They were used to determine when to start field work, what the weather would be like, and what to expect in the coming months. Therefore, every day of the national calendar was full of rituals and superstitions. Izvestia tells about the signs for March 7, 2026, as well as about the church holidays that fall on this date.
Folk signs for March 7, 2026
In Russia, Mauritius Day was celebrated on March 7. In the old days, it was believed that it was at this time that migratory birds began to return — rooks, starlings and swallows. According to popular belief, if they arrived earlier, then spring will come soon.
On this day, the first agricultural work also began. Manure was removed to future arable land and beds and the land was prepared for future sowing. In Russia, there were also beliefs about fertilizers. For example, they tried not to bury manure in the ground during the full moon and new moon, it was believed that a lot of weeds could grow because of this. On Mauritius Day, early cabbages were sown in the southern regions. This measure helped protect the crop from caterpillar attacks.
Other traditions were associated with this holiday. On this day, an unusual dish was served on the table — the so-called black fish soup. In Russia, this was the name of a soup in which meat was cooked in cucumber brine with spices and roots. The dish got its name because of the dark shade of the broth, which appeared due to the cloudy brine.
Other signs of the day:
- birds are chirping loudly — for good weather;
- Early swallows — for a happy year;
- dry and cold day — autumn will be warm;
- fog or cold — summer is expected to be rainy;
- snowstorm — spring will drag on;
- a sunny day leads to a rich harvest.
What not to do on March 7
The ancestors associated a number of superstitions with Mauritius Day. It was believed that women should not point a finger at a swallow flying in the sky, otherwise they may lose their beauty. To preserve youth and freshness of the face, when meeting this bird, the girls washed their faces with milk. In addition, people believed that swallows' nests should not be destroyed on a holiday, and anyone who disturbed the birds could be punished with ugly spots all over their bodies.
On Mauritius Day, men did not greet women first, so as not to lose respect in the family. Women did not eat the first egg taken out from under the chicken, in order to avoid quarrels and lack of money in the house.
What else can not be done on this day:
- Doing laundry and ironing can lead to illnesses and family quarrels.;
- sweeping the house — you can "sweep out" well-being;
- doing needlework — a needle can bring deception or betrayal;
- Using someone else's towel can take over someone else's troubles.;
- fortune—telling or fortune-telling - such actions were considered dangerous and promised illness and poverty.;
- Lighting candles can attract sadness and difficulties.
What is the church holiday on March 7th?
On March 7, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the martyrs Maurice, his son Fotin, and 70 soldiers who suffered for the Christian faith at the beginning of the fourth century. Saint Maurice was a military commander in the Syrian city of Apamea. During the persecution of believers, the emperor learned that Maurice professes Christianity and spreads his faith among the soldiers. The martyr, along with his son and soldiers, was brought to trial and demanded to renounce Christ.
Despite the threats and severe torture, Mauritius and his associates remained true to their beliefs. Even the execution of young Fotin and other tortures did not break the martyrs, and they continued to pray and praise God to the end.
On the same day, the church remembers the Venerable Phalassius, Limnius and Varadat, the Syrian hermits. The Monk Phalassius lived in the 5th century and spent many years on a mountaintop near the village of Targala, without housing. However, for his humility, simplicity and meekness, he received from Jesus Christ the gift of healing and miracles.
Saint Limnius began his monastic life under the spiritual guidance of Saint Phalassius and lived with him for a long time. From his mentor, he adopted the main virtues of simplicity, meekness and humility. Later, the monk moved on to another ascetic, St. Maron, and settled on the top of the mountain, where he built a stone fence and began talking to people through a small hole. Limnius helped those in need, took care of the poor and the crippled, and also arranged homes for them and instructed them in prayer.
Prayers on March 7th
On this day, Orthodox Christians pray to the Martyr Maurice of Apamea. They ask him to strengthen his faith and protect him from enemies (visible and invisible). Believers also ask him for reconciliation, help with household chores and other needs.
Prayer to the Martyr Maurice of Apamea
"O holy servant of God, O martyrs! Having labored with a good deed on earth, you have perceived in heaven the crown of righteousness, which the Lord has prepared for all who love Him. Looking at your holy image, we rejoice at the glorious end of your residence 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."
Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to St. Leo of Katana.
All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
