Folk signs for October 24: what can and cannot be done
Omens have been helping people navigate their lives for centuries. In Russia, they were used to predict the weather, choose suitable days for work in the field and household chores. There were no random dates in the national calendar — every day had its own signs, rituals and beliefs, which were treated with great attention. Izvestia tells about the signs for October 24 and about the church holidays that are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for October 24
In Russia, on October 24, Philippov Day was celebrated, also known as Philippov's fuss. A thread was originally called a thin gold thread used for embroidery, but over time the word acquired a figurative meaning — a long and troublesome job that takes a lot of effort. By the end of October, heavy rains had severely washed out roads, making it difficult to move between villages, and traveling with heavy loads took much longer. Hence the unusual name of the holiday. The people said: "Philip himself was stuck to the stove, so the roads were blown away."
On October 24, the peasants tried to complete important household chores and prepare supplies for the cold weather. One of the main jobs was transporting grain to mills, where it was processed into flour for baking bread. Because of the slush, the road often turned into a difficult ordeal for people and horses, so trips were planned in advance, trying to use every fine day.
In their free time from household chores, women were engaged in spinning, weaving and sewing warm clothes. The men were putting the outbuildings in order and preparing the necessary things for the winter. Gradually, street work gave way to homework and evening gatherings.
An important part of the holiday was observing the weather, according to which the peasants tried to determine the timing of the onset of winter. For example, the morning snowfall in Philippi was considered a harbinger of a harsh and frosty winter. If the ground was shrouded in fog in the morning, they expected an early warming.
Other signs of the day:
- hoarfrost on grass and trees — for snowfall soon;
- the snow lay on the wet ground and did not melt — by early spring;
- a dim moon is visible through the haze — to inclement weather;
- clear night sky leads to increased frosts;
- Dry leaves rustle on the trees as snowfall approaches.;
- chickens climb up to the roost earlier than usual — for a cold snap;
- poultry hides its head under its wing — for the onset of cold weather;
- there is still a lot of foliage on the trees — by the late onset of winter;
- The first ice appears on the rivers in early winter and late spring.
What not to do on October 24th
In the folk tradition, certain prohibitions and superstitions were associated with Filippov's nonsense, designed to protect people from trouble. For example, there was a belief that on October 24, one should not play with fire, so as not to attract trouble to the house. Special care was advised when handling sharp objects, as the wound is believed to take a long time to heal.
What else can't be done on October 24th:
- Going on a long journey unnecessarily can be difficult and dangerous.;
- Staring at crows was supposed to be a way to get into trouble.;
- Accepting gifts from people you don't know — you can get other people's troubles with them.;
- to arrange a wedding — the union will be fragile;
- Abusing sweets was believed to attract cheaters.
What church holiday is celebrated on October 24th
On October 24, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the Apostle Philip of 70, one of the first seven deacons. He lived in the 1st century and came from Caesarea of Palestine. For his pious life and devotion to the Christian faith, he was elected one of the seven deacons entrusted with caring for the needy members of the first Christian community in Jerusalem. After the persecution of Christians began, Philip went to Samaria to preach. According to the Book of Acts of the Holy Apostles, his sermons were accompanied by miracles and led many residents to accept Christ. One of the most famous events of his ministry was the baptism of an Ethiopian nobleman whom the apostle met on the road from Jerusalem to Gaza.
Subsequently, Philip continued his missionary work in various cities, spreading Christian teaching. He preached in Thrallia, located in Asia Minor, where he converted many people to the faith. The saint lived to an advanced age and died peacefully. In the Orthodox tradition, the Apostle Philip is revered as an example of mercy, faithfulness to Christ and selfless service to people.
Also on October 24, believers remember St. Theophan of Nicaea, who lived in the VIII–IX centuries. He came from a pious Palestinian family. Together with his brother Theodore, he received a good education, after which both chose the monastic life in the monastery of Sava the Consecrated. During the iconoclastic persecution, the brothers defended the veneration of holy icons and were severely persecuted. They were imprisoned, exiled and tortured, and humiliating inscriptions were written on their faces with red-hot needles.
After the restoration of icon worship in 843, Theophanes was freed and subsequently became head of the Nicene Church department. He became famous as the author of numerous liturgical canons and died around 850.
Prayers on October 24
On the saints' Memorial Day, believers turn to them with prayers for spiritual support, strengthening of faith and help in overcoming life difficulties. The Apostle Philip is asked for guidance on the right path, patience and the ability to maintain mercy towards others. They pray to St. Theophan the Confessor for perseverance before trials, protection from spiritual errors and strengthening in the Orthodox faith. St. Theophan of the Caves is asked for humility, abstinence, and overcoming weaknesses. In the Orthodox tradition, it is also customary to attend divine services, pray for loved ones and pay attention to good deeds.
Prayer to the Apostle Philip
"Oh, Holy Apostle of Christ Philip! We beseech you: preserve and preserve us through your prayers from the temptations of the devil and the falls of sin, and ask us, the servants of God (names), for help from above in times of despondency, so that we may not stumble over the stone of temptation, but steadily walk the saving path of the commandments of Christ, until we reach these blessed mansions of paradise. To her, the Apostle of the Savior! Do not put us to shame, but be our helper and protector in all our lives, and help us to end this temporary life piously and God-pleasing, to receive a Christian end, and to be vouchsafed a good answer at the Last Judgment of Christ; may we glorify the glorious name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen to that."
Prayer to Theophanes of Nicaea, Confessor
"O holy head, Venerable Father, Most Blessed Abbot Theophane, do not forget your poor to the end, but always remember us in holy and auspicious prayers to God: remember your flock, which you yourself have saved, 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. We don't think you're dead.: For though you have passed away from us in body, but you are still alive after death, do not depart from us in spirit, preserving us from the arrows of the enemy and all the charms of demons and the machinations of the devil, our good shepherd. For even though your relics of cancer are always visible before our eyes, your holy soul, with angelic hosts, fleshless faces, and heavenly powers, stands at the throne of the Almighty, rejoicing worthily, leading you in truth and being alive after death, we fall down and pray to you: pray for us to Almighty God, for For the benefit of our souls, and grant us time for repentance, so that we may safely pass from earth to heaven, and may we be delivered from bitter ordeals, demons of the air, and eternal torment, and may we be heiresses of 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."
Earlier, Izvestia told what Evlampius and Evlampia of Nicomedia pray for.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
