Folk signs for October 2: 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 signs of October 2 and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for October 2

In Russia, on October 2, the feast of Trofim and Zosima was celebrated, which was also called the Bee Feast and the Dainty Table. By the beginning of October, the main field work was completed and one of the main concerns was preparing the apiary for winter. From that day on, beekeepers began to inspect and insulate the beehives, and in cold areas they moved them to omshaniki. Bee nines lasted for nine days, until the Feast of Bees on October 10.

Trofim and Zosima's Day was strongly associated with beekeeping customs. In the morning, it was customary to eat honey, sometimes washing it down with warm water, and the housewives served pancakes and other pastries. Honey treats were shared with relatives, neighbors and those in need. People used to say: "Put the hive in the cellar, rule the honey festival." In addition, on October 2, Trofimov evenings were held, during which boys and girls got to know each other and looked at each other before the autumn wedding season. There was a belief that a long look into the eyes of a person you liked could evoke a reciprocal feeling.

Nature observations were given great importance on this day. According to the direction of the wind, the condition of the hives and the behavior of the bees, they tried to determine what the winter and the future harvest would be like. Thus, the south wind was considered a harbinger of a good harvest of winter crops for the next year. If the bees carefully sealed the flyers with wax, severe frosts were expected.

Other signs of the day:

• The thunder has thundered — towards a snowy winter;
• rain — frosts will start in about a week;
• It's warm and foggy in the morning, and there are still a few fine autumn days ahead.;
• bees have sealed the flyers tightly with wax — for the frosty winter;
• the entrance to the hive remained open — the winter will be relatively mild.

What not to do on October 2nd

A number of prohibitions and superstitions were associated with Trofimov's Day in the folk tradition. It was considered especially undesirable to quarrel, offend others and spread gossip: evil words, according to legend, could turn into long-term troubles. During the holiday, they did not clean or sweep the floors, so as not to "throw away" their wealth along with the litter.

What else can not be done on October 2:

• to refuse to ask for help is to be in need.;
• being greedy and not sharing treats leads to a loss of wealth.;
• to go fishing and stay near reservoirs for a long time — it was believed that you could encounter evil spirits there.

What is the church holiday on October 2nd?

On October 2, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the martyrs Trofim, Savvati and Dorimedon. Trofim of Sinad, also called Phrygian, was a Christian who lived in the third century under Emperor Probus. Together with his colleague Savvati, he found himself in Antioch of Pisidia during a pagan festival in honor of Apollo. The saints refused to participate in pagan rituals and openly confessed their faith in Christ. They were detained and tortured for this. Savvati died of agony, and Trofim was sent to another ruler to continue the trial.

According to church tradition, the martyr was forced to walk several times in iron shoes with sharp nails, and then thrown into prison. In prison, he was visited by Senator Dorimedon, who secretly professed Christianity. Soon, the authorities found out about Dorimedon's faith and ordered him to be captured. After further tortures, Trofim and Dorimedont were sentenced to death.

The martyr Zosima of Cilicia lived in the 4th century and chose the life of a hermit. According to the hagiography, the ruler of Cilicia, Domitian, while hunting, met Zosima in the desert surrounded by wild animals and learned that he professes Christianity. The saint was captured and subjected to numerous tortures, demanding to sacrifice to pagan gods. Zosima refused to renounce his faith, and after prolonged torment, the saint accepted death, remaining faithful to Christ.

Prayers on October 2nd

In their prayers to the martyrs, believers first of all ask for the strengthening of faith, patience and spiritual fortitude before trials. The lives of Trofim and Zosima are seen as an example of loyalty to their beliefs and courage in the face of persecution.

Prayer to the Martyrs Trofim, Savvati, and Dorimedon

Troparion, glas 8
"In the Trinity, O God, glorify the Trinity, O Martyr, Trofim and Savvati and Dorimedon: for thou hast believed in Him, and hast deposed the enemy. Through your prayers, O Christ our God, have mercy on us."

Kontakion, glas 8
"As the foundation of sufferers and the foundation of piety, the Church honors and glorifies your luminous suffering, ever-singing to the blessed sufferer, the glorious wisdom Trofim, with those who suffered with you, ask for purification to those who sing to you, for you are invincible."

Prayer to Zosima of Cilicia

"O most honorable and valiant Venerable Martyr of Christ Zosima! O invincible soldier of Christ, you have fought a good fight on earth, and you have received the crown of righteousness from the Lord. As we gaze upon your holy image, we rejoice at the most 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 this world 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 Ariadne Promisskaya was praying for.