Folk signs for November 8: 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 8 and about the church holidays that are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for November 8th
In Russia, St. Dmitry's Day was celebrated on November 8. In the old days, this date was considered an important boundary between autumn and winter. By the beginning of November, the peasants completed the main field work, prepared the farm for the cold weather and summed up the results of the agricultural year. The holiday was of particular importance for young people, because by that time the autumn wedding season was coming to an end. The girls tried to find suitors and get married before the advent of the Christmas Fast.
On St. Dmitry's Day in Russia, it was customary for the whole family to gather and remember deceased relatives. In some areas, memorial meals were held, relatives were invited and treats were left on the table in memory of their ancestors. The housewives prepared traditional dishes, put the house in order and took care of supplies for the winter. At the same time, the wedding festivities that began after the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos were coming to an end.
Much attention was paid to nature observations during the holiday. The peasants believed that the weather on November 8 could tell them what the coming winter would be like and when spring would come. If snow fell on Dmitriev's day, the late arrival of spring warmth was expected. Morning fog, on the contrary, was considered a harbinger of rapid warming.
Other signs of the day:
- snow fell — towards the late and cold spring;
- It's warm outside for a mild winter.;
- in the morning, the trees were covered with frost — for the snowy winter;
- At dawn, the sky turned purple due to the strong wind.;
- A thick fog is spreading over the ground, leading to a rapid warming.;
- ice has not appeared on the rivers yet — severe frosts were not expected until the end of November.;
- The day turned out to be dry and without precipitation — for a warm and sunny Easter.
What not to do on November 8th
In the old days, St. Dmitry's Day was accompanied by numerous prohibitions based on folk superstitions. Special attention was paid to relationships with loved ones and the preservation of home well-being. On the holiday, they tried not to swear or utter offensive words, because they believed that discord could drag on for a long time. There was also a ban on spinning and processing wool: it was believed that such work could lead wolves to attack livestock.
What else can not be done on November 8:
- swearing and gossiping — unkind words will turn into trouble;
- to arrange noisy festivities leads to diseases;
- sweeping floors — they were afraid to sweep luck and prosperity out of the house;
- washing clothes — you can lose your income;
- to refuse help to those in need leads to financial difficulties.
What church holiday is celebrated on November 8th
On November 8, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica, who lived at the turn of the III–IV centuries. The saint is considered one of the most revered early Christian martyrs. He was born in the city of Thessalonica, which the Slavs called Solun. His parents secretly professed Christianity and raised their son in their faith from childhood. After his father's death, Dimitri received a high government post and became the ruler of the Thessalonica region. Emperor Maximian instructed him to defend the city and persecute Christians. However, the young ruler refused to comply with the last requirement and openly preached Christianity. Upon learning of this, the emperor ordered him to be imprisoned.
In conclusion, Dimitri continued to pray and support his co-religionists. According to legend, he blessed the young man Nestor for a duel with the gladiator Leah, who dealt with Christians. Nestor won, which angered the emperor. Demetrius was soon executed by spearing, and Nestor was also martyred. Later, a temple was built over the place of his burial, and the veneration of the saint spread far beyond the borders of Thessalonica.
Another saint, whose memory is celebrated on November 8, is St. Theophilus of Caves, Archbishop of Novgorod. He began his monastic life at the Autun Monastery, and later served under Archbishop Jonah of Novgorod. In 1472, Theophilus was elected to the Novgorod chair by lot. His ministry took place during the period of confrontation between Novgorod and the Moscow Principality. The saint strove to reconcile the warring parties and repeatedly interceded for the Novgorodians. In 1480, he was sent to the Moscow Chudov Monastery, where he was imprisoned.
According to church tradition, during his illness, Saint Niphon appeared to him and reminded him of his promise to worship the Kiev Caves saints. Theophilus went to Kiev, but died before reaching the monastery. His relics were buried in the Distant Caves of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra.
Prayers on November 8th
On St. Dmitry's Day, believers turn to the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica with prayers for protection from dangers, strengthening faith, courage and perseverance in the face of life's trials. He is also being asked for help from the military and the safe return of his loved ones. They pray to St. Theophilus of Pechersk for spiritual strengthening, patience, overcoming disagreements and preserving peace in the family. In prayers to the saints, believers can ask for the health of their relatives and help in difficult circumstances.
Prayer to Demetrius of Thessalonica
"Holy and glorious Great Martyr of Christ, Demetrius, the speedy helper and warm intercessor of those who flow to you with faith! Standing boldly before the Heavenly King, ask Him for forgiveness of our sins, and that we may be delivered from the ever-destructive plague, cowardice, flood, fire, sword, and eternal punishment. Pray to His goodness that you may protect this city (this monastery) and every Christian country. Intercede with the King of Kings for peace, silence, firmness in faith, and prosperity in piety for our entire kingdom; but for us, who honor your honorable memory, ask for grace-filled strengthening for good deeds, so that through your prayers we may inherit the Kingdom of heaven and glorify Him there, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen to that."
Prayer to Theophilus of the Caves
"O holy head, Venerable Father, Most Blessed Abbo Theophile, do not forget your poor to the end, but always remember us in holy and auspicious prayers to God: remember your flock, which you have saved yourself, 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 how to properly commemorate the deceased on Dmitrievskaya Parental Saturday.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
