Folk signs for October 17: 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 17 and about the church holidays that are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for October 17th

In Russia, Yerofeyev Day was celebrated on October 17. He was also called Yerofey Leshegon or Leshy's Wires. It was believed that by the middle of October, the owner of the forest was preparing to leave his possessions and hide underground until spring. Before disappearing, he allegedly began to run amok, break trees, disperse animals and raise strong winds. Therefore, Yerofeyev Day was perceived as a dangerous time when it was better not to approach the forest unnecessarily.

In the old days, people tried to spend the holiday at home, doing household chores and preparing for winter. The peasants checked their firewood supplies, insulated their homes, and took out warm clothes. One of the traditions was the preparation of an herbal tincture called "yerofeich", which was used as a medicine in winter. There were also protective rituals: bundles of onions and garlic were hung in houses to scare away evil spirits. Sometimes bread and salt were left on a forest stump, hoping in this way to appease the goblin.

Special attention was paid to weather changes on October 17. Yerofeyev Day was considered one of the frontiers between autumn and winter. The saying "From Yerofey, the cold is stronger" reminded of this. According to popular observations, the red evening dawn foreshadowed a strong wind. If the birds piled up and became inactive, bad weather was expected.

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Other signs of the day:

• The horse snorts — towards warming;
• horse snores — to worsen the weather;
• In the morning, the trees and grass were covered with frost — the next few days will be sunny.;
• A cold wind blows, leading to severe winter frosts;
• The cat lies in the warmest place of the house for a long time, ready for snowfall.;
• the squirrel changed from a summer fur coat to a winter one — to the approach of frosts.

What not to do on October 17th

There were numerous prohibitions in Russia on Yerofeyev's Day. For example, there were no matchmaking or weddings on the holiday. It was believed that the marriage concluded on this day would be unhappy. They were also afraid to go on a long journey without companions — according to beliefs, you can get lost alone.

What else can't be done on October 17th:

• talking to strangers — they believed that evil spirits could be hiding under someone else's guise.;
• alcohol abuse leads to trouble;
• leaving the house late at night unnecessarily — there is a risk of encountering evil spirits;
• doing hard work beyond what is necessary leads to illness.

What church holiday is celebrated on October 17th

On October 17, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of Hieromartyr Hierotheos, Bishop of Athens. He lived in 1st century Greece and belonged to the Areopagus, a council that played an important role in the social life of ancient Athens. After meeting the Apostle Paul, Hierotheus converted to Christianity and devoted himself to spreading the new faith. Subsequently, the apostle appointed him bishop of Athens. According to legend, the saint was also present at the burial of the Most Holy Theotokos.

On the same date, Orthodox Christians remember St. Gury, the first archbishop of Kazan, who lived in the XVI century. In the world, he was named Gregory and came from the Rugotin family. In his youth, the future saint served in the house of Prince Ivan Penkov, where he enjoyed the confidence of the owner. However, because of the false accusation, he ended up in prison and spent about two years in prison. After his release, Gregory decided to devote his life to serving God. He entered the Joseph-Volokolamsk Monastery, took monastic vows with the name Gury and subsequently became abbot.

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In 1555, Gury was placed at the head of the newly formed Kazan diocese. He created schools where children from different families could study. The archbishop paid special attention to the construction of churches, including the Annunciation Cathedral in Kazan. The saint died in 1563, leaving a significant mark in the history of the Russian Orthodox Church. On October 17, 1595, his relics were found.

Prayers on October 17th

Believers turn to Hieromartyr Hierotheus of Athens with requests for strengthening faith, spiritual fortitude and help in overcoming life's trials. He is also asked for wisdom, patience, and protection from sinful acts. They pray to St. Gury of Kazan for the well-being of the family, help in raising children and resolving difficult life circumstances. In prayers, they turn to him for support in good deeds, strengthening of spiritual strength and deliverance from troubles.

Prayer to Hierotheus of Athens

Troparion
"Having learned goodness and sobriety in all, you have been clothed with a good conscience in a priestly manner, you have received an ineffable gift from a chosen vessel, and, observing faith, you have completed an equal course, Hieromartyr Hierotheos. Pray to Christ our God that our souls may be saved."

Kontakion
"We praise thee, the hierarch of Athens, for having secretly taught thee strange and ineffable things: for thou hast appeared a God-pleasing singer of songs. But pray, All-blessed Hierotheos, to be delivered from all our sins, so that we may cry: Hail, Father of the Wisdom of God."

In kontakion
"As a pillar is unshakable, Hierotheos, do not be afraid of the reproach of enemies, but you have destroyed the fortress of charms, as a stone is honest, Father. Thus, the Lord crowns you with His life-giving and Divine right hand. Beg him for all of us."

Prayer to Gury of Kazan

"To Holy Father Gurie, as we stand before the sacred shrine of your healing relics, we beseech you to be our intercessor, intercessor and patron always and everywhere. Intercede for peace, silence, prosperity, health, and salvation for your flock. Be our constant intercessor from all enemies, visible and invisible: protect us from finding all troubles, misfortunes and sorrows, especially from the temptations of the dark enemy. To those who come and pray, ask the Lord God for everything they ask of Him in their needs and sorrows, so that we may all glorify with you the all-holy name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."

Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to Dionysius the Areopagite.