Folk signs for April 15: 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 April 15 and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for April 15th
According to the national calendar, Titus Icebreaker is celebrated on April 15. The name of the day is due to the fact that by mid-April, active ice flow usually began or was already coming to an end on rivers and lakes. It was an important natural boundary for the peasants. By the way the ice moved and left, they judged the future of haymaking, fishing, and were preparing for further spring work.
The holiday had other names: Titov's Day, Titov's day, Titovo Gulshche. In some regions, he was called Beskormitsa or Beskhlebitsa, because by this time many peasants were running out of grain and flour. On this day, the owners inspected the barns to find out how much grain was left after the winter.
They tried not to touch the sown grain, even in need, because they believed that it was better to endure hardships than to leave the field without good seed. "Sell the cow, and sow the field with good seed," "Starve yourself, and do not deprive the field of grain," they used to say in the old days. At the same time, the day was considered a good one for merchants and merchants, who tried to spend it noisily and cheerfully in the hope of a profitable year.
Weather signs were also associated with Titus the Icebreaker. Our ancestors noticed the behavior of birds, listened to the sound of water, assessed the spill and looked to see if the ice was still holding. If the hollow water spread widely, good grasses and early mowing were expected. And if the water did not drain from the fields and lowlands for a long time, they expected prolonged dampness.
Other signs of the day:
- The ice has not yet cleared by this day — fish will be caught poorly in the spring.;
- The quail screamed — there will be a lot of bread and a lot of herbs;
- flocks of crows and jackdaws are circling in the sky — for bad weather to come.;
- Pigeons are cooing — it will be warm in the coming days.
What not to do on April 15th
On Titus' day, they adhered to a number of strict prohibitions. Our ancestors were afraid of disrespect for the land, carelessness in the household and extravagance, because it was by the middle of April that it became clear how the winter had been lived. Frivolous decisions that could damage a house or field were also discouraged. They tried to be especially careful near the water when the ice was still coming off, and the spill could be dangerous.
What else can't be done on April 15th:
- complaining about poverty and becoming despondent — they believed that it was possible to alienate prosperity for a long time.;
- to waste the last supplies without calculation — they were afraid to prolong the famine and live to even greater need;
- Leaving windows and doors open at night is believed to be a way to let bad forces and disorder into the house.;
- feeding crows — in the folk tradition, these birds represent trouble, disease and hunger.
What is the church holiday on April 15th?
On April 15 (April 2, Old Style), the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Titus the Wonderworker. This saint lived in the late 8th — early 9th century and from an early age chose the path of service to God. According to his life, in his youth he left worldly vanity and entered the Studian monastery near Constantinople.
In the monastery, he rose from novice to monk, and then was ordained a presbyter. The Church has preserved his memory as an ascetic, mentor to the brethren, and a man of great meekness. A special place in his ministry is occupied by confessing during the persecution of holy icons. The Lord also endowed the saint with the gift of miracle-working, which is why he is often called Titus the Wonderworker.
On the same date, the memory of the holy Martyr Polycarp of Alexandria is celebrated. The saint suffered in Alexandria under Emperor Maximian. Polycarp openly professed to be a Christian and denounced the persecution of his co-religionists. After severe torments, he, like many Christians, was put to death. In the church tradition, he is remembered as an example of courage and perseverance in the faith.
Prayers on April 15th
St. Titus the Wonderworker is asked for health, peace in the family, and help with daily chores, including a good harvest, saving livestock, and getting rid of poverty. The Holy Martyr Polycarp is asked to protect himself from injustice and strengthen his spirit in difficult moments. Both saints are revered as intercessors before God for the suffering and needy. At the same time, there is no separate prayer for Polycarp — they usually use a short address or pray to him as part of common prayers to the martyrs.
Prayer to Titus the Wonderworker
"O holy head, Venerable Father <...> Titus, do not forget your poor to the end, but always remember us in holy and auspicious prayers to God: remember your flock, which you have saved yourself, and do not forget to visit your children. Pray for us, holy Father, for your spiritual children, for you have Boldness to the Heavenly King: do not be silent for us to the Lord, and do not despise us who honor you with faith and love: remember us unworthy at the Throne of the Almighty, and do not stop praying for us to Christ God, for you have been given the grace to pray for us. <...> Do not depart from us in spirit, keeping us from the arrows of the enemy and all the charms of demons and the machinations of the devil, our good shepherd. <...> We bow down to you and pray to you: pray for us to Almighty God, for the benefit of our souls, and grant us time for repentance, so that we may pass unhindered from earth to Heaven, from the bitter ordeals of the demons of the air and from May we be delivered from eternal torment, and may we inherit the heavenly kingdom with all the righteous who have pleased our Lord Jesus Christ from the beginning.: To Him belongs all glory, honor, and worship, together with His Beginningless Father, and with His All-holy, Good, and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."
Prayer to Polycarp of Alexandria
"O Holy Martyr Polycarp of Christ, who through your sufferings confirmed the true faith and showed courage in confession, pray to the Merciful God for us, that He may strengthen us in the Orthodox faith, grant us patience in tribulation and deliver us from all evil. Ask the Lord for forgiveness of our sins, peace for our souls, and eternal salvation. Yes, through your intercession we will be preserved from troubles and misfortunes, and we will be worthy to glorify the Most Holy Trinity forever and ever. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to St. Mary of Egypt.
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