Remembrance Day of the Apostle Thomas: what can and cannot be done on October 19

This year, the date falls on Monday. According to the church calendar, on October 19 (October 6, old style), the memory of one of the twelve closest disciples of Christ is celebrated. The apostle Thomas is known for not believing in the resurrection of the Savior until he saw him personally and touched his wounds. He then went to preach in India, where he was martyred.

What can I do

The main folk tradition of the day is baking bread. The housewives baked a loaf in the morning, and the first hot hump was given to a sick or weakened relative, believing that this would help him recover. The rest was shared with neighbors and those in need. It was believed that if on this day a child was born in the family, a piece of bread with salt was symbolically presented to him for a full and long life.

The second important custom is the “revision of bins”. The peasants checked the barns and counted supplies for the winter. If everything was enough, they said, “Thomas is glad that the crome is great,” and went to church to put a candle to the saint in gratitude for the harvest. Also on this day it was customary to deal with household affairs: men repaired inventory and checked the ovens, women spinned and sewed. Parents taught children home skills - girls were put behind the weaving mill, boys were shown how to store supplies.

What can't you do

Strictly on Fomin day was condemned laziness. It was believed that those who lie in bed longer than usual or spend a day idle, risked winter in need. It was also forbidden to brag about income and savings - according to legend, this could attract envy and deprive them of wealth.

It was impossible to deny charity and help to those in need: greed promised poverty and disease. Girls were not advised to talk about their boyfriends, so as not to lose their attention. Under the ban were quarrels with loved ones, wasteful purchases and lending money - it was believed that what was given on this day will not return.

Weather marks

According to people's observations, if October 19 was windless weather, waiting for a quick cold. Red sunset foreshadowed the wind and bad weather, and pale - the westerly wind. Smoke spreading on the ground indicated the approach of rain or snow. Frost on this day promised a long winter, but without severe frosts.