2 was the twenty eighth of November, a day observed in the Russian Orthodox tradition to honor the martyrs Gurii, Samon and Avia, as well as the revered Paisii Velichkovsky, born Petr Ivanovich Velichkovsky. The day also marks the beginning of the Philipov or Nativity Fast, which lasts until January sixth.
The weather on this day is often damp and rainy, with muddy roads, and traditional beliefs hold that the spirits of darkness retreat into the earth, only to return during the Holy Days. Many believe that visiting the bathhouse on this day ensures health for the coming year. People born on this date are seen as resolute and courageous, with a strong sense of duty, though they can be unforgiving when angered. Rural customs included giving a sack of oats or a load of hay to those born on this day to ensure their horses remained strong. The arrival of snow on the twenty eighth of November is taken as a sign it will remain until spring, and a heavy snowfall foretells a good harvest. A strong wind on this day predicts windy conditions until Saint Nicholas Day in December, while loud neighing of horses signals a mild winter. If the day is warm and wet, it is believed May will be cold and stormy. If it is frosty, evil spirits are said to vanish until the Holy Days. Women with difficult husbands would pray to Gurii in hopes of softening their spouses’ temper.
The day carries deep cultural weight, blending religious observance with folk wisdom about nature and fate. The memory of Paisii Velichkovsky, known for his spiritual writings and ascetic life, is honored alongside ancient agrarian traditions tied to the changing seasons. People still observe the fast by avoiding entertainment, refraining from judgment, and focusing on prayer and personal discipline. The weather on the twenty eighth of November is closely watched, as it is believed to set the tone for the months ahead. Whether snowy, muddy or frosty, the day’s conditions are interpreted as signs of what the coming year will bring. The customs surrounding this day reflect a timeless connection between faith, the land, and the rhythms of the natural world.
Комментарии