Bright Monday was popularly called Polyvalny. On this day, young men poured water on girls - a symbol of purification, health and beauty. It was believed that such "water therapy" brings good luck and protects from diseases. Girls, in turn, gave guys painted eggs - pysanky, as a sign of gratitude and sympathy. This custom was not only a fun pastime, but also a way to express feelings, and a harbinger of future weddings.
Bright Week is a time of special joy and fun. During this week, church services are held with the Royal Doors open, symbolizing the opening of paradise for believers. People visit, exchange Easter treats, sing songs and have fun. There are public festivities, swings and bride shows.
On this day, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of Saint Herodion, one of the seventy apostles. He was a companion of the Apostle Paul and suffered for his faith in Christ. His courage and devotion became an example for many generations of Christians. On this day, believers visit churches, pray and remember the saint's exploits.
In the folk calendar, April 21 is known as the day of Rodion the Icebreaker. The name is associated with natural phenomena: at this time, the ice on rivers and lakes actively melts, symbolizing the final farewell to winter. There was a belief that on this day the Sun meets the Moon and they "consult" about the coming summer. If the day was sunny, they expected a warm and fruitful summer; if cloudy, they predicted rain and coolness.
Folk omens about the weather on April 21.
If the ice on the rivers breaks and cracks, the summer will be early and warm. Ice drift symbolized the final victory of spring over winter, so its activity promised a good year.
If it is clear and sunny on this day, the summer will be hot and fruitful. A sunny sky on April 21 was considered a good sign for farmers.
Cloudy or rainy weather means a long and cold spring.
A cloudy sky means a prolonged melting of snow and late warmth.
If there is still snow, the spring will be prolonged, and sowing should be done later. The snow cover was used to judge the timing of the start of field work.
On Rodion, a north wind means a cold summer. The north wind always frightened peasants, because it promised a poor harvest.
Thunder on April 21 means a warm May. Early thunderstorms were considered a good sign: nature is waking up, which means it will be warm and fertile.
What can you do on April 21
This day is Bright Monday, the beginning of Bright Week. The whole week after Easter is a time of joy, love, and hope. In the old days, people would visit each other on this day, swing on swings, dance in circles, play games, exchange Easter cakes and painted eggs, and sing Easter songs.
According to folk tradition, this is Watering Monday. Water was considered healing on this day. You can wash yourself with spring water for health and beauty, pour water over yourself - jokingly and seriously (in villages, young men poured water over girls - for happiness and health), wash, clean - wash out winter from the house (but this is more in the everyday sense, not the church one).
Start work in the field and in the garden. It was believed that from Icebreaker - you can plow, sow, plant potatoes, onions, carrots. Starting agricultural work from this day - for a rich harvest.
Since the day is associated with the melting of ice, people believed: "on this day the soul thaws." It is time to forgive offenses, smooth over quarrels, and start a new good habit.
What you cannot do on April 21st
Swear, get angry, or quarrel. Bright Week is a time of spiritual purity and goodwill. Any malice or quarrel on this day was considered a particularly grave sin.
It was believed that whoever gets angry during Bright Week will have a gloomy year. You cannot offend family members, especially the elderly and children.
Sew, darn, or patch. "You will sew up happiness," people used to say. Needlework was considered taboo, especially in the first days after Easter. You cannot sew up clothes, embroider, or mend holes - you can "sew" trouble onto yourself or "sew up" joy.
Pour dirty water into the yard. Especially on April 21st, on Watering Monday, when water is a sacred symbol of purification. It is forbidden to defile water - "water sees on this day".
Fishing. According to popular belief, the water "plays", "walks" - the fish must not be disturbed. It was believed that fish caught on this day are "cursed" - they will not do any good, but will bring trouble. Abuse alcohol.
Despite the festive mood of Easter week, excesses were condemned. Folk wisdom: "Whoever gets drunk during Bright Week will drown his joy". Sweep the floor and take out the trash. It was believed that you can "sweep" happiness out of the house, especially if you do it before lunch.
However, cleaning in general was not prohibited - it just gave way to fun and bright deeds on this day.
Post a Comment