Why it is impossible to start new business on Paraskeva Friday on November 10

The memory of St. Paraskeva Iconian Orthodox Church honors on November 10. In the folk tradition - Paraskeva Friday, Paraskeva Lnyanica. They arranged linen houses, did not start new affairs and washed away ailments with spring water.

From the point of view of modern people, the name of the holiday sounds a little strange. Especially when you consider that November 10 is not every year falls on the last working day of the week. For example, this year, the day of memory of St. Paraskeva of Iconia fell on Tuesday. Then why is it Friday? The answer is very simple. Friday is a translation of Paraskev’s name from Greek. The parents of the Great Martyr especially revered the day of the cross sufferings of Jesus Christ and named their daughter in his honor. And so came Paraskeva Friday.

In the popular view, the image of the Christian saint was superimposed on ancient beliefs and merged with the goddess Mokosh - the patroness of the female principle and the home. Therefore, married peasant women offered Paraskeva prayers for family well-being, the health of children and loved ones, and the girls asked for help in creating this very family: “Friday-Praskovea, show me the groom as soon as possible.” Although Paraskeva is considered the patroness of all women's works, on the day of her memory it was not supposed to "kill" on the farm - and peasant women arranged a day off for themselves. The strictest ban was on needlework. According to legends, the mistress who violated it will surely bring disaster to the whole family. It is clear that there was no risk for those who wished, so on November 10, looms, spinning wheels and fingers stood idle. The only exception was made for linen, so the holiday received a second name - Paraskeva Lnyanitsa. Women organized a kind of exhibition of their achievements, demonstrating their own tattered flax. And for girls to be extradited, it turned into an exam. Potential mother-in-law looked at how well the work was done, because the fabrics served as both a dowry and a source of income for the family. Matching a bride - a skilled needlewoman was a great luck.

Paraskeva Friday was considered the patroness of springs, over which her icons were often installed. They believed that after this, the water acquires miraculous power, can heal ailments and even remove the most severe damage. On the day of the saint’s memory, such crynitsa were visited, leaving candles and symbolic treats there. And water was taken with them to wash, sprinkle the house, livestock and dishes - for happiness, health and luck.

In the people of Paraskeva, Iconia is a woman's intercessor, so men in no case could not offend women. But the representatives of the weaker sex had their obligations. For example, they should not raise their voices at household members, even if they are completely annoyed. Otherwise, Paraskeva will become angry and the whole coming year will not work out. As they say, tolerate the goat - you will be an ataman!

TRUTH

♦ On Paraskeva Friday, no new business was started and no trade deals were negotiated. It was thought that they would not get along anyway.

♦ The first threshed bundle of flax, the so-called pervina, was consecrated in the church and attached to the icon of St. Paraskeva, believing that it would bring good luck.

♦ They did not put empty dishes on the table, because they believed that this could bring poverty and hunger to the house.

NOTES

♦ Snowfall on this day - for cold winter and early spring.

♦ Clear sunny weather promises summer droughts and crop failures.

♦ A windless night on Paraskeva - to a cold snap.

bebenina@sb.by