Folk signs for July 20: 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 July 20 and the church holidays that are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for July 20th
In Russia, Avdotya Senognoika Day was celebrated on July 20. The name of the holiday is associated with the haymaking period: at this time, rains often began, which could cause the mown grass to get wet and spoil. Therefore, the peasants tried to put the hay in the stacks in advance and protect it from moisture. In some areas, it was customary to consecrate the first haystack.
In folk tradition, this day was also called Thomas the blueberry, because by about the middle of July, blueberries ripened in the forests. The housewives went to pick berries, made jams and made preparations for the winter. The men continued their field work, monitored the condition of the hay and prepared for the start of the harvest. Special importance was attached to the preservation of the harvest, because the well-being of the family in the cold season depended on it.
Many observations were connected with the weather on this day. It was believed that the rain on July 20 warns of prolonged precipitation and may interfere with hay harvesting. If fog appeared in the morning, the peasants expected clear weather and warm days.
Other signs of the day:
- The thunder rumbles muffled by the prolonged rain;
- a lot of blueberries in the forest — for a cold winter;
- spiders actively weave webs — for dry weather;
- swallows and swifts fly high — for sunny days.
What not to do on July 20th
On Avdotya Senognoika's day, there were certain prohibitions and superstitions related to respect for work, harvest, and family well-being. It was believed that on this day it was not worth quarreling with loved ones and holding a grudge, as this could attract illness and misfortune.
What else can not be done on July 20:
- Leaving hay in the open air can damage stocks.;
- Starting important things can end badly.;
- lazing around during field work leads to a lack of income;
- deceiving people leads to loss of trust.
What is the church holiday on July 20th?
On July 20, the Russian Orthodox Church commemorates St. Euphrosyne of Moscow, in the world of Grand Duchess Evdokia, wife of Prince Dmitry Donskoy. On the same day, the faithful remember St. Thomas Malein. Both saints are revered as examples of Christian service, spiritual achievement, and striving for a righteous life.
Saint Euphrosyne of Moscow was born in 1353 in the family of Prince Dmitry Konstantinovich of Suzdal. At a young age, she became the wife of Moscow Prince Dmitry Ivanovich, who later received the nickname Donskoy. Their marriage played an important role in strengthening relations between the Moscow and Suzdal lands. The princess was distinguished by piety, was engaged in charity and supported the construction of churches.
After Dmitry Donskoy's death, Evdokia continued to take care of her family and the state. She became the founder of the Voznesensky Convent in the Moscow Kremlin. Before her death, the princess took monastic vows with the name Euphrosyne. She lived as a monk for a short time and died in 1407.
St. Thomas Malein lived in the 9th–10th centuries. He was a military commander and participated in battles, but later abandoned worldly life and devoted himself to the service of God. He took vows, and then retired to a deserted place on Mount Malea, where he spent his life in prayer and spiritual labors.
Prayers on July 20th
Orthodox believers pray to Euphrosyne of Moscow and St. Thomas Malein on July 20. They are asked for healing from ailments, strengthening in faith, maintaining peace in the family and help in difficult life circumstances.
Prayer of Euphrosyne of Moscow
"O Venerable Princess Euphrosyne, praising the ascetic in her wives, the most laudable saint of Christ! Accept the prayer for us, the unworthy, who fall down to you with faith and love, and with warm intercession to God, ask the city of Moscow and the people for protection from troubles and adversities, and help, as a child-loving mother, the child gathered by you, to bear the yoke of Christ in goodness, patience, and goodness, striving for the correction of your life, and for salvation. To those who live piously in the world, ask the Lord for firmness in faith, prosperity in piety, and to all who come to you in faith and ask for your help and intercession, always grant healing to ailments, consolation in sorrow, and well-being in all our lives, above all, beseech the Lord in peace and repentance to lead us through earthly life, bitter ordeals, and May we be delivered from eternal torments and receive the Kingdom of heaven through your intercession, so that you and all the saints may stand before the Lord, so that we may always glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen to that."
Prayer to Thomas Malein
"O God of our fathers, work with us always according to Your meekness, do not withhold Your mercy from us, but through their prayers guide our life in peace. The luminaries of God's mercy to the world and of the monks of the animated dawn, Thomas is wonderful, and by his obedience, the light has risen; to these, as they have boldness to God, we beseech with prayers to help them in battle, that they may ask God from Christ to grant forgiveness of sins to those who honor their holy memory. You have shown a great victory as a man, when you were kindled by divine love, you saw the corruptible king and the whole red one, having settled on Mount Malestei, from whom you ascended to heaven to the King of Kings, Thomas, pray unceasingly for all of us. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia reported on Andrei Naliva's day.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
