Family day, love and faithfulness celebrated in Russia 8 July. On this day, the Russian Orthodox Church commemorates the saints Peter and Fevronia, who, according to legend, lived in love, agreement and mutual respect, died on the same day and were buried nearby.
Family day: what a feast
Family Day holiday, love and fidelity appeared in Russia in 2008 year. Family holiday, which it was decided to celebrate on the day of remembrance of Saints Peter and Fevronia, is largely secular, and also recognized by all denominations.
note, weddings 8 July cannot be spent, since it is still going on Petrov post. Traditionally 8 July there are many events, dedicated to the family, children, family values and so on. Now these concepts are enshrined in the updated Constitution of Russia.
Usually, on this day, many couples plan in advance the solemn registration of marriage, so it will be this year. But other events will be held mainly in online format.: due to pandemics COVID-19, caused by coronavirus, mass actions are not yet held.
Who are Peter and Fevronia
Saint Prince Peter and his wife Fevronia, who are considered patrons of family and marriage, were canonized quite late - in the 19th century. They are described in the book "The Tale of Peter and Fevronia of Murom". The prototypes of the heroes of the story were the prince David Yurievich and his wife the princess Euphrosyne. Davyd Yurievich ruled in Murom with 1205 by 1228 years, married to Euphrosyne, he had three children. At the end of their lives, the prince and princess took tonsure and spent the rest of their lives in monasteries under the names Peter and Fevronia.. According to legend, they passed away on the same day and were buried nearby.
The tale of Peter and Fevronia is an amazing document, which is interpreted differently. The main thing in this work is a story of love and fidelity., which the heroes carried through their whole lives, and, despite all the obstacles, not parted even after death.
Day of Peter and Fevronia: folk traditions and signs
Peter and Fevronia in Russia were considered the patrons of family and marriage, they prayed for harmony in the family and for the birth of healthy children. From this time, the summer-autumn period of weddings began., and the weddings were held immediately after the end of the Petrov Lent, that is, with 12 July. Marriages, prisoners at this time, are considered the strongest, what about children, born in such families, according to legend, grow up healthy, strong and lucky.
At this time, in Russia, it was considered a good omen to swim in an open reservoir., especially, what 7 July is a holiday Ivan Kupala.
According to popular superstition, the mermaid and the mermaid are sleeping at this time, therefore, you can swim fearlessly, but the forest evil is activated (in the story of Peter and Fevronia, evil spirits are presented in the form of an insidious poisonous snake, who has been seen in various unseemly deeds).
Therefore, on this day, extreme caution was required when visiting the forests., but for women, especially for unmarried girls, it was recommended to dress modestly and generally behave neatly and strictly.
According to legend, 8 July and the preceding night are witches' time, werewolves and other evil spirits, which is better to stay away from.
What not to do 8 July
Since this time Peter's post, you can't eat meat, dairy and eggs. Wednesday is one of the most restrictive fast days. The monastic charter prescribed dry eating (cold raw food), laymen are allowed boiled lean food without oil. Alcohol is strictly prohibited.
Evil and unclean thoughts should not be allowed, bad deeds are strongly condemned.
According to the rules of fasting, spouses should try to avoid physical intimacy, but these issues are usually regulated by families themselves.
But romantic dates on this day are welcome., but young people should not overstep the boundaries of strict decency, otherwise, according to signs, family life will not work out: or the young will quarrel before the wedding, or the marriage will quickly fall apart.
Author: Olga Vasilenko
