In traditional Russian culture, there are a number of prohibitions and restrictions associated with Orthodox holidays. Someone may consider them superstitions and not attach importance to them, however, perhaps one should heed the popular wisdom, proven over the centuries.
The prohibition to work is not a call to idleness
First of all, you cannot work on Orthodox holidays. However, this does not mean that Orthodox holidays are days for idleness. According to the fourth commandment, God called for six days to work, and the seventh to devote to serving Him and holy works. The same can be attributed to the days of religious holidays. Holy works include prayer, Bible study, helping the poor, visiting the sick and prisoners, and other merciful deeds. So there can be no talk of any idleness.
Folk beliefs and signs
Sewing is not allowed at Christmas, as it is believed that if the prohibition is violated, one of the family members will go blind. Also, to avoid accidents, you should not go hiking or hunting. And in general, Christmas is a family holiday and it is best to spend it with your family.
The Day of St. Basil the Great is celebrated on January 14th. It is believed that on this day a man should enter the house first, this will bring health and prosperity to everyone living in it.
February 15 - Presentation of the Lord. On this day, it is not recommended to leave the house and, moreover, to move. It is best to stay at home, as neither travel nor related business will bring good luck.
On the first day of Great Lent, women are not supposed to go home - it is believed that this will attract misfortune and illness.
April 8 - the day of the Annunciation - girls and women were not supposed to weave braids. Better to leave your hair loose at all. Also, do not wear new clothes. It is believed that if you break these rules, you can lose or never meet a loved one.
It was forbidden to swim on Ilyin's day. It is said that on this day the largest number of accidents on the water occurs.
September 11 - Day of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist. On this day, it is not recommended to use sharp objects, especially to cut something round. They broke the bread, the housewives peeled the potatoes and whipped the cabbage in advance. It was not allowed to eat watermelons at all, since in their shape and size they resemble a human head.
There is also such a belief that on the Exaltation, which falls on September 27, snakes begin to hibernate in winter, and they crawl to their nests. At this time, there are a lot of them in the forest, so it is not recommended to go there.
These are the popular beliefs and signs associated with Orthodox holidays. Someone believes in them, someone does not, but knowledgeable people advise to listen to folk wisdom and not tempt fate.
