What should not Volgograd residents do on October 12 on the day of Theophanes the Merciful

On this day, the Orthodox remember two saints – Kiriak the Hermit and Theophanes the Merciful. The latter is said to have lived in Gaza, on Palestinian land, and became known for his rare kindness: sharing the latter with the poor, receiving strangers, and always coming to the aid of those in need.

In the national calendar, the date was fixed under several names - Feofanov Day, Theophan the Merciful, Theophan the Autumn.

The main rule of this day was mercy. People wanted to help others, to participate. As the saying goes, “He who forgives, God will reward him.”.

In Russia, they believed that winter had already come close. Farms finished harvesting, insulated huts, replenished firewood stocks. Women sat at spinning wheels and sewing warm clothes, men took up housework. In a number of places at this time appointed autumn fairs - traded crafts and food.

A special place in the traditions of the day was given to the start of the hunting season. By mid-October, the fields were bare, mornings and the first snowball made it easier to hunt hares. The production was considered a good omen for the whole season. In the evening, hunters sat down at a common table, treated relatives and told each other about luck.

There were prohibitions. It was not supposed to share with other people's plans, future expenses or income - it was believed that otherwise it would not come true. We should not have spent money unnecessarily and refused to help those who asked for it. Arguments, resentments and excess alcohol were forbidden. They believed: greed will turn into a loss of wealth, and alcohol even in small doses and evil words will lead to discord in the family.

It was also not recommended to raise money from the land and lend it – otherwise you can face monetary losses, protracted turmoil and loss of personal happiness.

Weather signs were their own, too. Bright stars in the night sky promised dry weather and a rich harvest for the next year. Thunder foreshadowed winter with a small amount of snow, the east wind - cooling. And the frost and completely flying foliage of birch and oak trees said that winter will come early and will be severe.