Surely you have at least once heard about the day of Avdotya-Senogneika, which falls on the month of July. It used to be said that if it rains on this memorable day, then, most likely, for a long time, and this is very harmful for the growing crop.
On July 7, according to the old style, according to the new - on July 20, the memory of Saint Euphrosyne is celebrated, in the world - Avdotya (Evdokia), who was the daughter of Dmitry Konstantinovich, Prince of Suzdal. Avdotya married Prince of Moscow - Grand Duke Dmitry Donskoy, and their successful union became the key to peace between Suzdal and Moscow.
Princess Evdokia was distinguished by her piety. Sergius of Radonezh, who baptized one of the sons of Avdotya and Dmitry, as well as the Moscow Metropolitan Alexy, had a tremendous influence on her. The ruler became known to the people by building several churches on Russian soil and the Ascension Convent in the Kremlin.
In secret from everyone, Avdotya observed a strict fast and wore chains under the lush princely clothes. And after raising five children, I decided to devote myself entirely to serving God. She took monastic vows and took the name Euphrosinia. Already the former princess Avdotya spent the last years of her life in prayer.
Avdotya was named Senognoyka only because it almost always rains on its name day, which interfere with the preparation of hay. Indeed, from high humidity, unharvested hay begins to rot right in the meadows. Therefore, they tried to collect it as quickly as possible in stacks, the peasants said: "The clouds are not so terrible if you rake up the hay in heaps."
It was on July 7 that the harvest began in the fields, where they went with songs and carried sickles wrapped in towels. The first cut sheaf was tied with a brought towel, and only then was carried to the church, where it was consecrated. Then they put a sheaf in the front corner of the house, and after supper or lunch they chased the flies out of the hut. This sheaf was kept in every house until autumn, and on October 14 (the day of the Intercession of the Mother of God), sheep, cows, horses and goats were treated to them so that they could better eat the food prepared for the winter.
