Iberian Icon of the Mother of God: what can and cannot be done on October 26

On October 26, believers remember the Iberian Icon of the Mother of God - an image that, according to legend, was found on Mount Athos and is stored in the Iberian monastery. The holiday is connected with the transfer of the list of icons to Moscow in 1648. In folk tradition, the day was considered the border between autumn and winter: it began to insulate the housing and completed the autumn work.

What to do on October 26th

The main thing of the day is taking care of the house. Housewives insulated windows and doors, put in order winter things, sorted through supplies, and men repaired inventory and inspected stoves. On the day of the Iberian icon, it is customary to pray for the protection of the home and family, as well as to address the Virgin with requests for the health of loved ones.

It was considered a good thing to help those in need: give alms, feed the hungry, support the elderly. Also on this day it was customary to visit relatives and pay attention to the elders.

What not to do on October 26th

It was not recommended to go on a long road - it was believed that on this day the traveler could be in trouble due to changeable weather. Do not be lazy and postpone household chores: they believed that those who idle on this day, will freeze all winter.

You can not quarrel with loved ones, slander and gossip - they said that evil words can come back and harm the person. It was also not recommended to lend money or things: this could lead to losses. In addition, they avoided boasting and praising their successes - it was believed that this could lose luck.

Weather marks

If it snowed on October 26, it would be an early and snowy winter. Clear and cold weather foreshadowed a harsh winter, and warm and damp - mild. The morning frost promised frost, and the muddy moon at night - early snowfalls.