Folk signs for October 18: 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 18 and the church holidays that are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for October 18
In Russia, on October 18, the holiday of Haritina was celebrated, or Haritina — the first canvases. This day was closely connected with the preparation for the winter period. Field work in most farms was already completed, and women were sitting at spinning wheels or looms. In the old days they used to say: "Haritina wove and spun — she dressed the whole house," emphasizing the importance of weaving in peasant life.
Girls and women often gathered together, engaged in needlework, sang songs and shared the secrets of their skills. The first spun thread was worn on the left arm — it was believed that it would protect against the evil eye. They also sewed clothes and repaired things for the family on this day. Meanwhile, the men started felting felt boots and preparing warm shoes for winter.
The weather signs of the day helped predict the nature of the coming winter. If the morning turned out to be cold, with thick frost on fences and shrubs, it foreshadowed a snowy but mild winter. A rainy day promised dampness and snowstorms in December. And crows and jackdaws, circling in noisy flocks in the sky, are waiting for snowfall.
Other signs of the day:
- trees can be heard cracking in the forest — for warm weather;
- The smoke from the campfire is spreading on the ground — it's going to rain;
- the cattle are worried about a change in the weather and bad weather;
- The apple tree has not yet shed its leaves — frosts will come late.;
- the water in the barrel has become cloudy, leading to heavy precipitation.
What not to do on October 18
In the popular imagination, Haritins were associated not only with labor, but also with household prohibitions. Special attention was paid to relationships with loved ones and household chores. It was considered undesirable to neglect labor, since preparing for winter required order and foresight. They also avoided quarrels and conflicts, believing that they could lead to long-term discord in the family.
What else can not be done on October 18:
- Wearing black or dark clothes can scare away happiness and luck.;
- talking about your plans — they probably won't come true.;
- gossiping and speaking ill of people leads to quarrels and loss of trust.;
- to refuse help — it was believed that kindness would return;
- throwing away useful things leads to losses and lack of money.
What is the church holiday on October 18?
On October 18, the Orthodox Church honors two saints — the early Christian martyr Haritina of Amisi and the Venerable Haritina of Lithuania, a princess who asceticized in Novgorod in the 13th century and helped strengthen the monastic tradition in Russia.
The martyr Haritina of Amisi lost her parents at an early age. She was raised by a pious man named Claudius, who built a house for her for prayer solitude. With her righteous life, Haritina attracted many people to Christianity, but was arrested and tortured during the persecution of Emperor Diocletian.
St. Haritina of Lithuania came from a noble Lithuanian family. Due to civil strife, she was forced to flee to Novgorod, where she was preparing for marriage with Prince Feodor of Novgorod, Alexander Nevsky's brother. However, on the eve of the wedding, the groom suddenly died. The Princess refused to return to worldly life and became a monk, later becoming abbess of the monastery on Sinichy Hill.
Prayers on October 18
Believers turn to the Martyr Haritina of Amisi with prayers for perseverance in trials, protection from unjust persecution and help in preserving the purity of faith. Women who seek spiritual solace, wise guidance, and help in a pious life often pray to St. Haritina of Lithuania.
Prayer to Haritina of Amisi
Troparion, glas 4
"Thy lamb, Jesus, Haritina, calls with a great voice: To thee, my bridegroom, I love, and, seeking thee, I suffer, and am crucified, and am buried by thy baptism, and I suffer for thy sake, that I may reign in thee, and die for Thee, and live with thee; but, as an immaculate sacrifice, accept me with love, devoured by You. Through your prayers, O Merciful One, save our souls."
Kontakion, glas 2
"With a strong mind, Haritina, having confirmed your soul by faith, you have put to shame the fighter of the enemy, you have appeared before Christ, O All-blessed one, bearing the scarlet of your blood, and ever rejoicing with the Angels, pray for us, O Passion-bearer."
Prayer to Haritina of Lithuania
"O Venerable and glorious Mother Haritino, bride of your Bridegroom Christ, intercessor and guardian of the Great Novagrada and the Russian land. Hear us who pray to you, and just as you had care for your monastery and the monks in it, and you guided many Russian wives to the path of salvation, so help us now, enlighten the darkness of our minds and guide the Russian people to the light of the true faith, strengthen hope in God in our souls, and love in our hearts. Confirm and ask for time for us to repent. In the days of great troubles and sorrows of our country, intercede for us, beseech the Most Pure Mother of the Lord, may she save the Russian land from famine, from the invasion of enemies and internecine warfare, from deadly plagues and diseases, may she strengthen us in Orthodoxy, like-mindedness, brotherly love and unshakeable confession of the faith of Christ, even unto death, may she teach us obedience The churches of His Holiness. O our ever-memorable mother Haritino, bring thy prayers for us sinners and gather the scattered children of God by thy love, kindle the flame of prayer in our hearts, that we may glorify thy memory, glorify our Lord Jesus Christ forever and ever. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia told about the traditions and rituals on Denis Pozimny Day.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
