Folk signs for November 6: what can and cannot be done
In Russia, omens have helped people navigate their lives for centuries: 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 November 6 and about the church holidays that are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for November 6th
Every year on November 6, Orthodox Christians celebrate the day of the icon of the Mother of God "Joy to All who Grieve." In Russia, the holiday was called the Grieving Mother of God, or Svetts. The latter name is associated with an ancient device for lighting a dwelling in which a burning splinter was fixed. In early November, the daylight hours became shorter, so a significant part of the household chores were performed under artificial lighting. Evening gatherings were especially common, during which the girls were engaged in needlework. Such meetings helped to prepare for the winter and at the same time served as a place for young people to socialize.
In the old days, the holiday began with a visit to the church and prayer in front of the image of the Virgin. The believers asked for health, family well-being and relief from life's difficulties. After completing their household chores, the girls gathered in a spacious hut, where they spun, embroidered and sewed by the light of a torch. While working, they sang songs, told stories, and discussed future weddings. Later, they were joined by young men who were eyeing possible brides. Such meetings often became the beginning of matchmaking.
In the folk tradition, Svetets symbolized the transition from autumn worries to a winter lifestyle. There was also a saying: "November nights are dark to the snow." It reflected the idea of late autumn as a time of short days and long nights.
Other signs of the day
a lighted splinter crackles violently — to the approach of frost;
a splinter sparks and does not flare up well, leading to an early thaw.;
Crows gather in large flocks — for snowfall and blizzard;
The wind blew after a long lull, leading to a snowfall.;
The first snow fell on November 6, leading to a snowy but not too frosty winter.;
The weather is warm outside, ready for a mild winter.;
Cats are acting restlessly as the cold weather approaches;
pigeons cooing near the windows to keep the weather warm;
The sun sets behind dense clouds, leading to snowfall the next day.
What not to do on November 6th
There were certain folk prohibitions and superstitions on the feast of the icon of the Mother of God "Joy to All the Sorrowful." For example, on November 6, they were afraid to accept gifts from obsessive fans, since they associated such offerings with love spells. Broken dishes were also considered a bad omen, which, according to legend, foreshadowed misfortune.
Buying new shoes leads to failures;
breaking mirrors leads to unhappiness and family difficulties;
Staying alone all day leads to prolonged loneliness.;
working in complete silence — your plans may not come true.;
quarreling with loved ones leads to protracted disagreements.;
to slander and spread gossip leads to conflicts and troubles;
starting new acquaintances leads to deception and disappointment;
borrowing personal items leads to loss of luck and well—being;
to deny those in need all possible help leads to life difficulties.
What is the church holiday on November 6th?
On November 6, Orthodox believers celebrate a holiday in honor of the icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Grieve," famous for her miraculous healing in 1688. Then Euphemia, the sister of Patriarch Joachim, who was suffering from an unhealed wound in her side, received healing from the image. The icon usually depicts the Mother of God in full height, surrounded by people and angels in need of help. The image symbolizes the mercy of the Mother of God and her intercession for the faithful.
On the same date, the Russian Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Athanasius I, Patriarch of Constantinople, who lived in the XIII–XIV centuries. He led the Church of Constantinople twice, in 1289-1293 and 1303-1311. The saint became famous for his strict monastic life, the protection of church discipline and the fight against abuse among the clergy. Despite the resistance, he consistently defended his beliefs.
After returning to the patriarchal see, Athanasius continued his transformations aimed at strengthening the church order and the moral foundations of monastic life. However, opposition to his activities persisted, and subsequently the saint again left the patriarchal throne. He devoted his last years to prayer and solitude. Athanasius died around 1315 and went down in the history of Orthodoxy as an example of spiritual firmness, humility and fidelity to church service.
Prayers
On the day of the celebration of the icon of the Mother of God "Joy to All who Grieve", believers turn to the Mother of God with requests for deliverance from diseases, solace in sorrows and help in family difficulties. In front of the image, they also pray for the health of children, peace between spouses and the strengthening of mental strength. St. Athanasius I is asked for spiritual wisdom, perseverance in faith, and help in overcoming trials. Festive divine services are held in churches in honor of the Virgin, and believers can read the troparion, kontakion and prayer in front of the miraculous icon. At the same time, the church emphasizes the importance of sincere prayer and good deeds, rather than observing folk superstitions.
Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos
"O Most Holy Lady and Theotokos, Supreme Cherubim and Most Honorable Seraphim, God-chosen Maiden, the Punishment of the lost and the Joy of all the sorrowful! Grant consolation to us also, who are in perdition and tribulation; for have you no other refuge and help from the Imams? You are the only Intercessor of our joy, and as the Mother of God and the Mother of Mercy, come to the Throne of the Most Holy Trinity, you can help us, for no one who flows to You is ashamed to depart. Hear us also now, in the day of perdition and sorrow, prostrating ourselves before Your icon and praying to You with tears: take away from us the sorrows and troubles that beset us in this temporal life, and do not be deprived by Your all-powerful intercession of eternal endless joy in the Kingdom of our Son and God. Amen to that."
Prayer to St. Athanasius I
"O holy One of Christ, God-pleasing Athanasius! By the command of God, you accepted the lot of his holiness's ministry, and having placed the cross of Christ on your shoulder, you were a good shepherd, an all-luminous lamp, an unshakable pillar, a faithful servant of the Church, a ruler of hierarchs, a defender of Orthodoxy, and a fighter against wickedness. For this reason, you established yourself in the house of your Lord. For fear of you, we ask you to pray for us, who flow with faith and love to your honest and healing relics, and do not reject those who ask you for help in sorrow and illness. Through your prayer, stand before the Most High Lord, intercede for the benefit of our souls and bodies, and open to us the doors of God's mercy. Through your intercession, keep the Holy Church firm and unshakable from the lies of the enemy. Pray to the Lord and the Lord, that we may live a quiet and silent life in all piety and purity. Keep this temple, in which you have dwelt, from all troubles and misfortunes, and from all enemies visible and invisible, and just as you have delivered Cretan people from the unjust slaughter of Hagar, so now in heaven unceasingly pray to the Lord to deliver us from every evil situation. Give a helping hand to all Orthodox Christians who flow to your honest and incorruptible relics and call upon you in their prayers. Hasten to prayer and reach out for help, so that all who see God's merciful mercy and receive the help they hope for may glorify him who gave you the power and glory of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, in One Being, glorifying God, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia reported on folk signs for the feast of Longinus the Centurion.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
