Commemoration Day of the Martyr Longin Sotnik: what can and cannot be done on October 29

On October 29, believers honor the memory of the Martyr Longinus Sotnik, a Roman soldier who, according to legend, commanded the guards at the cross of the Lord during the crucifixion. He witnessed an earthquake and darkness, then believed in Christ and, together with two other soldiers, was martyred for his faith. In folk tradition, the day was called Longin Sotnik: real frosts began with it, and peasants got winter clothes.

What to do on October 29th

The main thing of the day is to take care of winter things. The hostess went through warm clothes, repaired fur coats, toeloops and mittens, prepared the house for the cold. It was believed that if you wear a new winter thing on this day, it will last a long time and store heat.

Also on Longinus it was customary to pray for the health of the eyes - the saint was considered an assistant in visual diseases. It was a good thing to give alms and help those in need. On this day, they noticed the weather and made forecasts for the winter.

What not to do on October 29th

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 frosts and changeable weather. Do not be lazy and postpone household chores: they believed that those who idle on Longinus would 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 29, 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.