Folk signs for September 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 September 20 and the church holidays that are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for September 20th

In Russia, Lukov Day, or Onion Night, was celebrated on September 20. The date was associated with the completion of harvesting and preparation for the winter of onions. By that day, the peasants were trying to finish harvesting, dry the bulbs and put them in storage to use for cooking in the cold season.

In some areas, onion bazaars were organized and the harvested crops were sold. Onions were also braided and hung in a dry place so that they would not spoil during the winter. The husks were usually not thrown away. It was used in the household, including for hair coloring. It was believed that onion husks make hair stronger and shinier.

On Lukov Day, special attention was paid to the weather and natural phenomena. Thus, a large amount of husk on the bulbs was a sign of a cold and frosty winter, while thin "clothing" foreshadowed mild winter months. The coming frosts were also judged by the cones located low on coniferous trees.

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The Orthodox Church celebrates the holiday on September 21

Other signs of the day:

• Black clouds appeared in the sky — to rain;
• east wind — for clear and dry weather;
• white clouds — for bad weather;
• The cherry leaves haven't fallen yet — the snow won't fall soon.;
• birds are flying low — towards the approach of cold weather.

What not to do on September 20th

There were special prohibitions on the holiday, primarily related to onions and husks. For example, it was forbidden to bake an onion before the entire crop was harvested from the garden. It was believed that otherwise the remaining onions could wither or spoil. They were also afraid to burn onion husks, believing that this could lead to crop damage and a hungry winter.

What else can not be done on September 20:

• Bragging about your successes can make you lose your luck.;
• Remembering dead relatives will attract trouble.;
• Recalculate your savings — you can lose them.;
• Accepting gifts from strangers leads to gossip;
• to woo or have a wedding — the union will be fragile.

What is the church holiday on September 20th?

On September 20, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Luke of Glugorechensk, who lived in the tenth century. He was the third holy abbot of the Saviour Monastery near Constantinople, known as "Deep Rivers." The monastery was famous for its particularly strict ascetic life. Luke took over the monastery in 975. Before him, the monastery was headed by the Venerable Basil and Ignatius, but Luke became one of the most revered abbots.

On the same day, the martyr Sozont of Pompeii (Cilicia) is remembered. He lived at the end of the III — beginning of the IV century in Lycaonia in Asia Minor. According to his life, Sozont was a shepherd and preached the Christian faith to other shepherds. One day, when he was resting in the shade of an oak tree, he had a vision. Christ appeared to him and ordered him to go to the city of Pompeopolis in Cilicia, where a celebration was being prepared in honor of a pagan idol made of the purest gold.

Unnoticed by anyone, Saint Sozont entered the temple, broke off the hand of the idol and, crushing it, distributed the gold to the poor. Upon learning of this, the ruler ordered the saint to be severely tortured and then executed. The body of the martyr was buried by Christians at night. Later, miraculous healings took place at the tomb and at the place where the holy martyr had a vision.

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Orthodox Christians turn to him with prayers, believing in his intercession.

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The Martyr Sozont is asked for intercession before God, as well as for help in healing from diseases. They pray to Luke of Glugorechensk for spiritual help and protection in monastic and family life. However, there is no direct prayer for him, therefore, in church practice, a common prayer is used to all the venerable fathers, which can be read on the saint's memorial day.

Prayer to Luke of Glugorechensk

Troparion, glas 8

"In you, Father, salvation is known, which is in your image: for you have taken the cross, you have followed Christ, and you have taught us to despise the flesh, for it passes away, and to be diligent for souls, things more immortal, so that your spirit may rejoice with the Angels, Venerable (name)."

Prayer to Sozont of Pompeoli

Troparion, glas 4

Thy martyr, O Lord, hath received in his suffering an incorruptible crown from Thee, our God: for thou hast thy strength, overthrow the tormentors, and crush the demons of feeble insolence. Save our souls through your prayers.

Kontakion, glas 2

Having descended today, let us loudly praise the true and God-wise martyr, the sufferer of skilful piety, Sozont, the sacrament of grace and healing, the giver of the richest: for Christ God prays for us all.

Earlier, "Izvestia" told about the church traditions and rituals on the Day of Babylon — late pitchfork.