Remembrance Day of St. Tryphon and Pelagia: what can and cannot be done on October 21

On October 21, the faithful honor the memory of St. Tryphon, Archimandrite of Vyatka, and St. Pelagia of Antioch. Tryphon lived in the XVI-XVII centuries, founded the Assumption Monastery in Khlynov (now Kirov) and became famous for his ascetic life - he wore a haircut and heavy creeds. Pelageya, who lived in the fourth century, before converting to Christ, was known in Antioch as a dancer and prostitute, but after the preaching of Bishop Nonna, she was baptized, distributed property to the poor and spent the rest of her life in monastic struggle under the guise of a monk.

In folk tradition, the day received the name “Fixing” – from the word “fix”. It was believed that from October 21, the cold finally comes into its own, so it is time to put in order winter things. Hence the saying: "Triphon repairs a fur coat, Pelageya sews mittens.".

What to do on October 21st

The main activity of the day is housework and preparation for winter. Women took out towels, fur coats and mittens, checked them and repaired them; men put in order the winter harness and sleigh. Also on this day it was customary to treat households with dishes from turnips and porridge, and to pay special attention to the elderly and cook something warm and tasty for them.

Another tradition is to lower barrels with cucumbers and cabbage salted for the winter to the bottom of the rivers. Under the ice, the water did not fall below zero, so the pickles did not spoil or freeze.

What not to do on October 21st

It was not recommended to go on a long road without warm clothes and checking transport - it was believed that on this day it was easy to catch a cold or face breakdown. It was not necessary to be lazy and leave household chores for later: they believed that those who idle on Tryphon and Pelageya would freeze all winter.

You can not quarrel with loved ones and raise your voice – they said that winter will “remember” resentment and will be angry and windy. It was also not recommended to lend money or things - this could lead to losses. In addition, it was forbidden to gossip, slander and condemn acquaintances - for such acts you could pay with health.

Weather marks

If it snowed on October 21, it would be an early and snowy winter. A warm day foreshadowed a mild winter, and a cold and windy one - a harsh one. Morning frost promises a good harvest next year.