holiday in Rus', named Evdokia Svistunya, celebrated twice. In March, the church remembers the early Christian saint Evdokia Iliopolskaya, and at the end of May Evdokia Dmitrievna — my wife Dmitry Donskoy, - which, widowed, actually became the head of the Moscow principality. Her marriage to Prince Dmitry Donskoy is considered exemplary - they lived in love and harmony. 22 of the year, they had 12 children. After the death of her husband, Evdokia built churches and monasteries., led a strict and righteous life, and then went to the monastery.
The memory of Evdokia Dmitrievna is honored 30 May (17 May old style).
Evdokia Svistunya: folk omens
On May day Evdokia Svystunya (the nickname was associated with, that at this time songbirds, who are mating, sing loudly) in Rus' they began to spud potatoes. It was believed, if you do it exactly on Evdokia, potato harvest (which in Rus' was called the second bread) will be good, grown potatoes will not rot and will be well stored.
Since at that time the sowing was already over, all the time devoted to gardening, as well as updating the inventory, home improvement, etc..
Watching the weather that day: according to signs, what is Evdokia - such is the summer.
- If it rains on Evdokia, the summer will be rainy. This omen was considered especially true, if the holiday falls on a new moon.
- If the north wind blows, the summer will be cold, and a bad year.
Also on this day, St. Andronika (one of 70 apostles, who preached the doctrine of Christ in the 1st century), who was considered a deliverer from drought.
Andronicus (in the folk tradition - Ondron) special prayers should be offered, so that he would get rid of the drought - the main misfortune of the peasants. There were also special conspiracies against drought, eg, such:
"Saint Ondron - open the gates of heaven, so that the rains fall on the grain, which fell into the ground.
There were also special rituals to prevent a possible drought.. for example, a peasant man went out into the field, took an aspen branch, hewed it and stuck it in the ground. It was believed, that aspen stake attracts moisture, that nourishes the crops.
What not to do 30 May
In the days of May in Rus' it was not customary to be lazy, alcohol was banned. Also, it was impossible to hunt birds and catch them on Evdokia.
On this day, if last year's potatoes remained, they definitely tried to eat it. Potatoes were eaten in all forms - fried, boiled, in pies etc.. d. It was not customary to refuse such dishes., otherwise, according to signs, the new crop of potatoes will rot on the vine.
If the holiday was not on Wednesday and Friday, there was meat on the table, no fasting at this time.
Out of respect for Saint Eudoxia, on this day they tried not to offend women, especially the elderly. It was believed, that women's tears will bitterly pour off the offender.
Author: Olga Vasilenko
