Folk signs for June 5: what can and cannot be done

In Russia, signs and beliefs were given special importance. They were used to determine when to sow and harvest, have weddings and go on a trip. Every day of the national calendar was full of rituals and superstitions. Izvestia tells about folk signs on June 5 and the church holidays that are celebrated on this date.

Folk signs for June 5, 2026

In the national calendar, June 5 is known as Levon Borage, or Levon Linnet. In Russia, this date was considered especially favorable for planting cucumbers and sowing cannabis. Oil was obtained from its seeds, and durable fabric, ropes, and other household necessities were made from its fibers.

According to popular beliefs, planting done on Levon's Day promised a rich harvest. Eggshells were often added to the soil to increase fertility. The egg symbolized life, rebirth and prosperity among the Slavs, so such a ceremony was supposed to attract prosperity and a good harvest.

The peasants carefully observed the weather, plants, and animal behavior, trying to predict what the summer would be like. It was believed that a clear and warm day promised a good harvest of grain crops, the abundant flowering of mountain ash heralded a rich harvest of oats, and a large number of gadflies and horseflies — a good harvest of cucumbers.

Prayers to the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God: words that change fate

It is believed that prayer in front of this image is especially associated with requests for peace, protection and comfort.

Other signs of the day:

— frogs croak loudly in the evening — for warm and clear weather;

— heavy morning dew — for a sunny day;

— rain on June 5 — for a wet and rainy summer;

— lots of spiders outside — for dry and stable weather;

— strong wind — for a quick change in the weather.

What not to do on June 5th

In the folk tradition, Levon Borage was associated with several prohibitions related to agricultural work and family well-being. On this day, it was not recommended to brag about the plantings or tell outsiders about their economic plans, so as not to jinx the future harvest. Laziness, idleness, and refusal to help those in need were also considered bad omens.

What else can't be done on June 5th:

— to quarrel and sort things out — the conflict could drag on for a long time;

— being lazy and procrastinating meant financial difficulties and setbacks in the household;

— starting important business with a bad mood or irritation will not bring success.;

— offending animals and birds leads to trouble and losses.

What is the church holiday on June 5th?

On June 5, the Orthodox Church commemorates the finding of the relics of St. Leontius, Bishop of Rostov, one of the first enlighteners of Northeastern Russia.

Saint Leonty lived in the XI century and was bishop of Rostov. He preached Christianity among the local population, a significant part of which at that time preserved pagan traditions. According to church tradition, the saint was martyred for his preaching and was buried in the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Rostov.

In 1160, the temple was destroyed by fire. A few years later, during the construction of a new church, a coffin with the incorruptible relics of the saint was discovered. After the completion of the work, they were solemnly transferred to the restored temple. Since then, Leonty of Rostov has been revered as one of the heavenly patrons of the Rostov land.

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Also on June 5, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Michael, the first Metropolitan of Kiev, St. Euphrosyne of Polotsk and a number of other saints.

Prayers on June 5th

St. Leontius, Bishop of Rostov

Troparion, glas 4

"As an apostle, you are a faithful worshipper of prayer, having ascended to heaven with virtue, and you have placed love on Him who loves you, and you have converted unfaithful people to faith. And now, rejoicing with the Angels, stand before the Throne of Glory of all King Christ God: pray, St. Leontius, that our souls may be saved."

Kontakion, glas 4

"For the sake of purity, O All-seeing Lord, plant Your light in your souls, and enlighten many people through your teachings, Reverend Leontius."

Prayer

"O holy head, most glorious wonderworker, to the first shepherd of the holy Rostov Church, to the holy Father Leontius! We fall down to you and pray, humble and sinners, and as a child-loving father we ask: plant in our hearts your love for God and your neighbors, which you were filled with during your lifetime, for you laid down your soul for your flock, suffering martyrdom at the hands of idolaters: teach us, father, to imitate you It is true that we should love God and our neighbors sincerely, and keep the commandments of the Lord infallibly: may we also be your children, not by name, but by our very deeds and our whole lives. Pray, O servant of God, to Christ God, for the holy Orthodox Church and the Russian empire: may they remain in peace and prosperity and flourish in the piety of Christianity and be steadfast. Keep the reigning cities, your city of Rostov and all the cities and towns of the Russian country safe from all evil. Look kindly upon every Christian soul who seeks mercy and help from you, be a healer to all of us in pain, a comforter in sorrow, a deliverer in sorrow, a helper in trouble, and a protector in the hour of death: may we, through the prayers of your saints, be worthy to receive eternal salvation as sinners and inherit the kingdom of Christ. To her, the Holy One of Christ! Do not put to shame our trust, which we firmly place in you according to the Lord and the Most Holy Theotokos, but show us your mighty intercession: may we praise, glorify, and magnify the great love for mankind of our wonderful God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen to that."

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the signs and prohibitions of the national holiday Venison Day.