Day of Arkhip and Philemon
March 4, Tuesday
Traditions and customs on Arkhip and Philemon Day
According to popular belief, Arkhip and Philemon Day marks the onset of spring warmth and the imminent awakening of nature. People believed that at this time winter weakens and the snow begins to melt. Several important traditions are associated with this day:
Preparation for spring work. On Arkhip and Philemon, they began to prepare for spring field work. In the villages, they checked the inventory and cleaned the barns, preparing to take the cattle to pasture.
Observing nature. There are many signs associated with the weather on this day. For example, it was believed that if the sun shines brightly on Arkhip and Philemon, spring will be early and warm. If the sky is cloudy, they expected a long winter.
Cleaning the house and yard. On this day, it was customary to clean up, get rid of unnecessary things and sweep away trash in order to attract health and well-being to the house for the whole year.
Conspiracies and prayers. Peasants prayed to Arkhip and Philemon for the health of the family, cattle and the harvest. Sometimes they charmed the seeds before planting so that the future harvest would be abundant.
Folk omens for the Day of Arkhip and Philemon
Over the centuries, a number of omens have developed by which people predicted the weather and the characteristics of the future harvest:
A sunny day means an early spring and a warm summer.
Cloudy and windy - winter will last a long time.
Snow is melting - portends good harvests.
Severe frosts on Arkhip and Philemon could mean that winter will last longer than expected.