It is customary to follow the folk calendar not only among believers, but also among ordinary people, because the wisdom collected over thousands of years directly indicates changes in the natural foundation. One of the most famous holidays - Ilyin's Day prepares us for autumn. From that day on, nights become cold, and insects and animals begin to prepare for a long winter.
Orthodox Christians celebrate the feast of Elijah the Prophet on the same day and the same day every year - August 2, according to a new style. The old date was 20 July. On this day, it is customary to turn to the prophet with requests for help in healing and love.
The ancient Slavs celebrated Perun's Day on August 2, so the signs, customs and traditions of these two holidays are closely intertwined.
History of Ilyin's day
From the very birth of the boy, Ilya was surrounded by secrets and mystical signs. According to legend, at the moment of his birth (9th century BC), Ilya's father had a dream that prudent men wrapped the newborn in fiery swaddling clothes and fed him with a fiery flame. The fact that the dream turned out to be prophetic became clear in adolescence, it was then that the boy left his father's house, retired to the desert, where he fervently prayed and kept fasting.
Elijah was an example of a chaste life, he strongly rejected any idolatry and performed miracles in the name of the Lord God. This is what he earned the name of Elijah the prophet - calling thunder and lightning, calling for rain with prayers and even managed to divide the Jordan River.
Ilyin's day what does this holiday mean
According to the folk calendar, the day of Elijah the Prophet means the end of summer and the beginning of the autumn harvest. On the holiday itself, it is forbidden to work, but immediately after, the peasants went to the field to harvest, leaving a baked loaf with salt on the table in the house to “appease” the patron of thunder and lightning.
According to folk omens, on Ilyin’s day, not only the way of life of the peasants changes, but also the weather - “It’s summer on Ilya before lunch, and after - autumn”
In the modern interpretation, the bathing season ends on Ilyin's day. The water in lakes and rivers becomes too cool and unsafe for swimming.
Ilyin's day holiday in the church
If on Ilyin's day ordinary people arranged for themselves rest and festivities, then, in church circles, everything was different. August 2 in Orthodox churches are divine liturgies and service in honor of Elijah the prophet - a revered saint of the laws of God.
However, even ordinary believers can ask Elijah for protection and reconciliation with relatives and friends on this day. Couples can pray for peace and tranquility in the family, and sick people - for recovery.
Ilyin's day congratulations in verse:
- “On the day of Elijah, drive away sorrow!
Feast of the Generous Prophet
He will take trouble away
Strong downpour!Let it give purity
Clarity of thought and aspiration,
As it strives into the void
A ray of hope and insight." - "From everyone with an invisible secret,
When everyone around is still sleeping -
Ilya throws a stone into the river,
So the sages tell us.
Holy prophet and clairvoyant,
Servant of the Lord at heart
He didn't know how to hurt people.
He breathed earthly truth.
According to the predictions of the covenant,
Ilya is marked by kindness,
The prophet is our heavenly savior,
You are always with us above the Earth.
“A mermaid jumped into the lakes,
Now you don't have to step in there.
Ilyin's day came to power -
Don't go into the water again."
- "A holiday is coming for us -
This is the glorious day of Elijah.
Let the thunder-prankster scare
And the shadow of sadness will go away.
Congratulations to everyone today
May there be more blessings
Happiness, relaxation, fun,
Sadness goes away - it will be so! - “Friends, do you know!?
That the great day of Elijah is coming to us!
He ends the whole season
Bathing, you know!
There is no right to be upset
'Cause life goes on like it always did
I am sure, my family,
That there will be better times! «
Congratulations in prose:
- “Today, the Orthodox are celebrating Ilyin’s Day, which means for us that the time has come to say goodbye to summer and wait for the onset of golden autumn. Let the reservoirs become cool and inhospitable, but we will remember the warm days spent on them with special trepidation. I wish on this joyful day to forget about troubles and, with a bright soul, rush to the healing air of a colorful autumn.
- “Today is a great holiday - Ilyin's day! I propose to meet the change of the summer season with a magnificent feast and dizzying fun. This holiday will remain in our memory as the brightest event of the year, and joint memories of it will further strengthen our friendship.”
- « Our ancestors believed that the day of Elijah the Prophet begins a new natural cycle and the end of warm days. These are not empty signs, but the real truth, because we are getting closer and closer to the winter cold. So let today bring us more sun, and, to the harsh weather, you will come prepared - joyful and rested.
- “Let Ilyin’s day not scare you with the coming cold weather and, with the advent of the holiday, the weather will begin to deteriorate only on the street, and in your house and soul it will always be warm and joyful like in summer.”
Congratulations on Ilyin's day in pictures and gifs
Ilyin day customs and traditions
Ilyin's Day is an ancient holiday that has managed to acquire its own customs and traditions, passed down from generation to generation. Elijah was a respected prophet, and in order not to incur his wrath, it is customary to rest on this day without doing any physical labor.
It is believed that thunder and lightning on Ilyin's day can kill sinners. Therefore, during bad weather, you need to hide in houses and close windows and doors.
By tradition, on the day of Elijah the Prophet, ordinary people arranged noisy feasts. A rich table was laid, the central dish of which was a lamb or a young bull slaughtered as a sacrifice. After the traditional feast, noisy festivities were organized with round dances, songs and games.
It was believed that the rain that had passed that day showed the blessing of the gods, and rainwater had healing powers. According to ancient custom, women collected water in clay containers and washed themselves to maintain youth and beauty.
Rain water on Ilyin's day has magic power- after washing, a person receives protection from damage and the evil eye for a whole year.
Is it true that St. Elijah is the patron saint of aviation and paratroopers
It is no coincidence that another holiday is celebrated on August 2 - the day of the Airborne Forces. It is the prophet Ilya who is considered the patron of all warriors and defenders, earlier this function was performed by the god Perun. Majority protective prayers and conspiracies before the battles are addressed specifically to Ilya, so the paratroopers like to celebrate, along with their professional holiday, the date of memory of their defender.
An interesting legend that Elijah the Prophet punished sinners by descending to them from heaven in a fiery chariot is so similar to how paratroopers punish enemies from their symbolic chariots-planes.
Ilyin's day signs
According to legend, all evil spirits, hiding from the formidable Elijah, begin to hide under the guise of domestic animals and livestock. Therefore, on this day, all living creatures were locked in houses and not released into the street.
Even fishermen should be especially careful about their catch on this day. If the caught fish has eyes with reddish streaks, then it is better to release it back into the lake. Who knows, maybe the devils really got into her?
If there is no or a little rain on Ilyin's day, then expect a lot of fires next year.
After Ilyin's day, neither mosquitoes nor flies will bite.
Our ancestors closely followed the lightning strikes on Ilyin's day - where it strikes, look for the treasure there.
Why you can’t swim after Ilyin’s day
According to the saying - “Before Ilya, a man bathes, after - he says goodbye to the lake”, it becomes impossible to swim after August 2. It was believed that swimming in open water during and after the holiday could bring trouble and harm health. According to another belief, evil spirits can drag a diver under water.
In fact, on Ilyin's day, the nights become longer and the days shorter. The water in the lakes begins to cool down and no longer has time to heat up during the day, so swimming after August 2 becomes unsafe for health.
Rites on Ilyin's day
In order to protect their property from being hit by lightning, the peasants performed a special protective ceremony on the eve of the holiday. They lit incense and “smoked” their buildings, plantations and livestock with it. Also, this ceremony was carried out on planted fields as an "insurance" against the wrath of Elijah.
In addition to meat dishes and pastries, it was customary to serve a potato dish prepared according to a special ceremony on Ilyin's day. For this, a nest of young potatoes was dug up and boiled in their uniforms. It was believed that then the owners will have a good harvest of potatoes, which will be stored all year.
Brooms for Ilyin's Day
According to popular beliefs, the preparation of bath brooms should begin on the 49th day after Easter, but finish before Ilyin's day - no later than August 2. It is believed that brooms collected after this day no longer have healing magical powers.
Wedding on Ilyin's day signs
No wonder old people do not approve when the newlyweds set the date for the celebration on August 2. According to popular beliefs, a wedding on Ilyin's day will not bring family well-being. A married couple who marry on this day will face not only quarrels and disagreements, but also difficulties with the birth of children.
The prophet Elijah, although he helped ordinary people, nevertheless believed that magnificent celebrations were an unnecessary luxury for worldly citizens. Therefore, everyone who stumbled from this, he punished.
What is possible and what is impossible on Ilyin's day
What can you do on Ilyin's day:
On Ilyin's day, it was customary to wash oneself from springs - this added strength and strengthened health.
The collected water after the rain on this holiday became a real talisman against the evil eye and unclean forces, so on Ilyin's day you can collect rainwater in containers and use it for washing.
On the day of Elijah the Prophet, one could pray over the collected seeds to bless a good harvest.
On this day, you can celebrate, have fun and gather at the solemn table with your loved ones.
What not to do on Ilyin's day:
If you are going to celebrate this church holiday, then remember that you can’t abuse alcohol, swear with anyone, and generally use foul language.
On this day, you can not stand under the trees, hide from the storm under them. It is especially dangerous to be under two-headed pines.
On Ilyin’s day, you can’t linger for a long time at the crossroads, because they are the accumulations of evil spirits.
You can not go fishing and catch fish.
Prophet Elijah is one of those holy people who are revered in different religions. There are even traces of the presence of Elijah in pagan religions, Judaism, Islam. In the article we will talk about Ilyin's day. The history of the holiday is vague. Various myths are associated with it.
Beliefs
After the onset of Ilyin's day, you can not swim in open water. It is believed that the prophet comes to chill the water. There is a version that Ilya urinates into the water. Regardless of the reason, after the second of August you can not swim. This is due to the fact that trouble can happen.
history of the holiday
The history of Ilyin's Day began a long time ago, even before the birth of Christ. According to legend, Elijah is a great prophet from Old Testament. He was born nine hundred years before the birth of Christ.
When Ilya was born, his father, Sovak, had a vision that the men were talking with the child and feeding him with fire. From a young age, the prophet lived in the desert, in strict fasting and prayer. After he was called to the service of King Ahab, who worshiped Baal. The Lord sent Elijah to the king and told him to say that if his people did not turn to the true God, then famine would befall his kingdom. The king did not listen, famine came in the country, a severe drought came.
During the famine, Elijah lived in the wilderness for a year. Birds brought him food. Then he came to the widow Sarepta. After three years of wandering, the prophet returned to the kingdom of Israel and again tried to convey to the king that all the troubles are from wrong faith. To prove his point, he offered to make altars: one was for Baal, and the other for the true God. If the fire descends on the altar of Baal, then he is the true God, if not, then this is just an idol.
First an altar was made to Baal. People stabbed the bull, the priests began to pray, asking to send fire from heaven. Despite all the pleas, no fire was sent.
In the evening of the same day, Ilya made his altar, laid firewood, watered it with water and began to pray. The fire that descended from heaven ignited both the firewood and the sacrifice. The fire burned the stones, the waters evaporated. The people saw the miracle and glorified the real God, believing in him again.
For his earthly deeds, Ilya was taken to heaven alive, in a fiery chariot. He saw this miracle Then, in the Transfiguration of the Lord, he appeared together with Moses and stood before Christ. They were talking on the Tradition of the Church says that the prophet Elijah is the Forerunner of the Terrible Second Coming of the Savior to earth. He will be on earth in a mortal body.
Reverence
The history of the holiday Ilyin's day shows the severity and at the same time generosity. The Prophet was highly respected among all the Saints. He always favored believers, the righteous, and was harsh with sinners. He fulfills human and divine laws.
Ilya is considered the lord of lightning. Since the adoption of Christianity, the prophet has been portrayed as a god of thunder. Many find in this similarity with the image of Perun, revered by the ancient Slavs.
You can't swim
Many are interested, trying to find Ilyin's day in the history of the holiday, why you can’t swim. There are several beliefs associated with this.
On the second of August, on Ilyin's day, it was forbidden to swim in open waters. It used to be believed that this could cause great trouble and cause severe harm to health. Often people drowned on this holiday.
There are several different versions of why you should not swim. One of them says that the prophet cooled the water. When the saint went to heaven, one of the horses' shoes fell into the water, making it cold. To this day, people say "Ilya the prophet muddies the water." This saying is connected precisely with the fall of a horseshoe into the water.
Another version says that from this day the water begins to bloom. It is believed that during the flowering of reservoirs, the water acquires an unpleasant, rotten smell. Mud appears on the surface of lakes and rivers. All of these can be harmful to health.
Some people in ancient times believed that on the night of August 2, evil spirits gather near the reservoirs: devils, mermaids, water. From that day on, they begin to host on the water, drowning everyone who climbs into the water to swim.
Traditions
The history of Ilyin's Day has its own traditions. The prophet was respected, because he controls the forces that help the peasant work, live comfortably. Therefore, on the second of August it was customary to celebrate, and not to work.
They say that Ilyin's day is not complete without thunderstorms, but only sinners hear them. Those who saw the lightning and heard the thunder hid in the houses, closing the shutters and doors. Everyone was afraid of Elijah's wrath.
The traditions and history of Ilyin's Day are very interesting. The villagers believed that if it rains, then this is the blessing of the prophet. It was believed that this moisture has healing powers. Women who washed themselves with this water became more beautiful, more attractive.
Signs
In the history of the Ilyin holiday, omens were of no small importance. What are they talking about?
- From the second of August the nights become dark.
- Before Ilyin, you can’t lure the day of rain from heaven with your finger, and after that, anyone can lure the rain.
- If a fire happens on Ilyin’s day, then before extinguishing, it is necessary to pour milk into the fire and only after that you can extinguish it. If this is not done, then the flames will spread throughout the village.
- You can't count cops.
- You can’t work, because Ilya will take away well-being.
Despite the prohibitions, on the second of August, you can perform some types of work. You are allowed to take care of the bees.
The history of Ilyin's Day for children tells that it was customary to prepare wax for candles. It is believed that the wax harvested on the second of August has special properties. Candles prepared for Ilyin's Day are kept in the house all year round and are lit on special occasions. This is due to their ability to protect from evil.
According to legend, it was impossible to stand under the trees on this day. Such a superstition is associated with the possibility of lightning hitting a tree. Also, you can not stand at crossroads, where evil spirits gather.
The most important thing that cannot be done on the second of August is swearing, abusing alcohol. It is necessary to spend the day with an open heart, good thoughts.
For the celebration on the eve of the second of August, it was customary to bake ceremonial cookies, rituals were held to protect the house from water and lightning. They did rituals to protect themselves from the evil eye and diseases.
The prophet Elijah is portrayed as stern and at the same time generous. In his submission are lightning, rain, thunderstorms. With them, fertility comes to the earth, the well-being of those who worked throughout the whole year. He will be rewarded for his righteous works.
Ilyin's Day is always celebrated on August 2 (July 20, old style). For the Orthodox, Ilya is one of the greatest prophets. Believers turned to Elijah the prophet, asking for help in healing and love. The Slavs celebrated Perun's Day on August 2. Read about the traditions, customs, signs of this day in our regular section "Question and Answer".
Believers on August 2 celebrate the Day of Elijah the Prophet. This is one of the most revered saints. The prophet instructs the lost, patronizes the faithful to the Lord. In the submission of the saint - rain, thunder and lightning. Harvest and earthly fertility depend on Elijah. He is considered the patron saint of warriors, aviators and paratroopers.
history of the holiday
Elijah the prophet was born 900 years before the birth of Christ in Thesvia of Gilead in the tribe of Levi. When the baby was born, his father Sovak had a vision: handsome men talked with the boy, swaddled him with fire and fed him with a fiery flame. The vision turned out to be prophetic. In his youth, Ilya retired to the desert. He prayed earnestly and kept the strictest fast.
The prophet was an example of a chaste life. He fought against idolatry, performed miracles in the name of the Lord.
Elijah was called to serve King Ahab, who worshiped Baal (the sun). Elijah, according to the word of the Lord, urged people to turn to the true God, otherwise the kingdom would suffer famine. The king did not listen to the prophet, and a drought began in the country. A year later, Elijah again announced to people that all troubles are due to the worship of Baal. In order to "break" the delusion of the Israelites, Elijah offered to make two altars: one to Baal and the other to God, and said: "Let's make sacrifices, and if fire from heaven descends on the altar of Baal, then he is the true God, and if not, then an idol" .
According to legend, the prophet was taken to heaven alive. There he rushed off in a fiery chariot harnessed by four white horses, leaving behind his spiritual disciple Elisha. It is believed that in heaven Elijah is waiting for the second coming of Christ in order to return to earth again.
First Orthodox church in Rus' was built in Kyiv in honor of Elijah the Prophet even before the official Baptism of Rus'.
How does the church celebrate Ilyin's day?
In churches on August 2, they glorify Elijah with prayers and divine services as one of the most revered saints of the Old Testament. In some churches, divine liturgies and religious processions are held.
How did our ancestors celebrate Ilyin's Day?
The Slavs considered Ilya the lord of rain and thunder. They prayed to him when a terrible drought came. Ilya was also asked for a good harvest and fertility. On this day it was forbidden to work. A particularly strict ban was on working in the field.
The villagers celebrated this day together. They prepared for the holiday in a few days. And on August 2, everyone got together, danced round dances. The main dish was a young lamb or a bull, which was symbolically sacrificed to Ilya. Women baked bread from the flour of the new harvest.
Why is it impossible to swim on Ilyin's day?
Swimming was forbidden on this day. There are several explanations for this. The people believed that evil spirits were hiding from Elijah in the water. Those who dare to enter the river are dragged to the bottom by mermaids and mermen. Also, the ancestors believed that bathing on Ilyin's day was fraught with serious illnesses.
It was also believed that summer ends on August 2: "Until Ilyin's day, a man bathes, and from Ilyin's day he says goodbye to the river" or "On Ilya before lunch - summer, after lunch - autumn."
Rituals, signs and traditions on Ilyin's day
Elijah the prophet - performer God's law and manifestation of the wrath of God. He is especially strict towards evil spirits, which he strikes with lightning arrows.
There are many rituals and signs associated with this day.
It was considered obligatory to wash with spring water - this saved a person from illness and damage. Those who went out to work in the field on Ilyin's day, the prophet could punish. For example, strike with lightning or burn hay.
A popular sign says that the weather on this day should be rainy. The bright sun foreshadowed fires.
The ancestors were convinced that summer ended on this day. According to popular belief, after Ilyin's day, the water becomes colder.
People believed that on Ilyin's day, evil spirits, escaping from the wrath of the prophet, turn into various animals. Therefore, on August 2, people did not let dogs and cats into the house, so as not to incur the wrath of Ilya.
On Ilyin's day, the weather was predicted for the near future: thunder rumbles for a long time and not sharply - unfortunately, if abruptly and briefly - it will be clear, but rain on Ilyin's day portends a bountiful harvest of millet.
Proverbs and sayings
Since Ilyin's day, flies and mosquitoes stop biting.
The peasant has the same update on Ilyin's day, which is full of novelty.
Elijah the prophet - mowing the term.
After Ilya, mosquitoes stop biting.
From Ilyin's day, the water freezes.
Before Ilyin's day, rain in the bin, and after Ilyin's day - from the bin.
From Ilyin's day, the night is long and the water is cold.
Before Ilya, the priest will not beg for rain, after Ilya's day, the woman will catch up with an apron.
Ilya holds thunderstorms, Ilya gives bread.
Before Ilyin's day, a pood of honey in hay, after Ilyin - a pood of manure.
Sheaves are not thrown on Ilyin's day: they will burn them with a thunderstorm.
As always, in 2019, Orthodox Christians will celebrate the day of Elijah on August 2 (July 20, old style).
Ilyin's day is not only a holiday of believers, but also a transition from summer to autumn, when daylight hours decrease, nights become cold, and the behavior of animals and insects changes.
Elijah is one of the most revered prophets and zealots of the faith - formidable and generous. The prophet instructs the lost, patronizes the faithful to the Lord. In the submission of the saint - rains, thunders and lightnings, the harvest and earthly fertility depend on him.
Ilyin's day - date of celebration
The date of the holiday is unchanged from year to year, although it may vary in different branches of Christianity: for example, Catholics celebrate the day of the prophet Elijah on February 16, and Armenian church celebrates Elijah on the first Sunday after Trinity (Pentecost). In Islam, the prophet Ilya (Ilyas) is also given a place of honor, he is considered a righteous man and a messenger who ascended to heaven after death.
history of the holiday
In the 9th century BC, 900 years before the birth of Christ, in the Jewish city of Thesvia (Thesvi) a child was born who was destined to become the prophet Elijah (Eliyahu, Eliya). According to legend, at the time of his birth, the father of the future prophet had a dream in which angels wrapped the baby in fiery diapers and fed him with fire. The dream turned out to be real. Ilya grew up and retired to the desert, where he prayed earnestly and observed the strictest fast.
It is known about the life of Elijah that the prophet was an example of a chaste life, with all his might he opposed idolatry and wicked actions.
The saint had to perform miracles many times in order to reason with the Israeli king Ahab, who chose the path of serving the god Baal. Elijah prophesied, brought down fire from heaven, "concluded" the sky, called for rain with prayers, resurrected a dead child, divided the Jordan River.
According to legend, at the end of his earthly journey, the prophet was taken alive to heaven, where he rushed off on a fiery chariot harnessed by four white horses, leaving behind his spiritual disciple Elisha. It is believed that in heaven Elijah is waiting for the second coming of Christ in order to return to earth again.
The veneration of the prophet Elijah began in Byzantium in the 9th-10th centuries AD. On the occasion of Elijah's Day, Byzantine emperors organized festivities and theatrical performances. Not surprisingly, after Kievan Rus Christianity, this saint became no less revered and respected among the Slavs.
The prophet Elijah very organically fit into the new state religion, actually replacing the formidable thunderer and guardian of heaven Perun and adopting his characteristics and "powers". By the way, it is Ilya who is now considered the patron saint of warriors, or rather aviators and paratroopers.
The first Orthodox church in Rus' was built in Kyiv in honor of Elijah the Prophet even before the official Baptism of Rus' (the modern St. Elias Church), which undoubtedly testifies to his great veneration among the people. History suggests that the Baptism of Rus' itself took place near this church, which is located on the banks of the Dnieper and the once-existing Pochaina river.
Traditions, signs, rituals on Ilyin's day
All folk tales testify that the prophet Elijah is the executor of God's law and the manifestation of God's wrath, and demons and representatives of unclean, otherworldly forces, whom he strikes with his lightning arrows, especially get from Elijah.
Hiding from Ilya, the devils inhabit creeping reptiles and animals, both wild and, unfortunately, domestic. That is why pets on August 2 are not allowed into the house and are not released from it, in order to prevent evil spirits from hiding in them and in their guise to get into the living quarters.
If it happened that evil spirits entered the dwelling in the guise of a beloved cat, then the risk increases that Ilya will fall into the house with lightning in order to hit her.
Moreover, on the day of Elijah, even the fishermen closely examine the catch and throw out any fish with reddish eyes. And suddenly insidious devils moved into her?
On August 2, according to folk signs, summer turns to winter (“Winter fights summer on Ilya”). On this day, they prayerfully asked Elijah for rain or sunny weather, depending on what was needed.
If there was a thunderstorm, then rainwater was collected and stored, believing that it has healing power and protects from the evil eye (“Whoever fell on this day in the rain, stock up on health for the whole year”).
During a thunderstorm or a simple rain, certain rules also had to be observed. It was impossible to be in the water, stand under a tree, make loud noises, run or have noisy fun. It was considered especially unacceptable to stand under a pine tree, which has two tops.
During a thunderstorm, doors and windows were tightly closed, and lamps and candles were lit in front of the images.
On the eve of Ilyin's day, people sought to carry out a protective ceremony in advance, so in the evening they fumigated housing, vegetable gardens, livestock and, of course, fields with incense in order to "insure" them from lightning.
Ilya's day was separated by two seasons (“To Ilya before lunch - summer, after lunch - autumn”), therefore, the peasants without fail completed the hay mowing and started harvesting by this date.
By Ilyin's day they finish haymaking and start harvesting
On August 2, all cattle were supposed to “sit out at home”, they were not allowed to pasture, fearing the wrath of Elijah, who actively traveled across the sky in his fiery chariot and looked out for evil spirits. It was also contraindicated to work, any work in the garden could lead to the fact that the entire crop would rot, and the leaves and fruits would fall off (“Not swords on Ilya shocks - they will burn with heavenly fire”). An exception was made only for work in the apiary, since bees were considered God's workers, and church candles were made from their wax product. It was believed that the evil spirits were afraid of bees and would never climb to hide in the hive.
It is with the day of Elijah in folklore most of all proverbs, sayings and signs are connected. Virtually everything folk traditions and the rites of this day are reflected in the oral tradition, which to this day is passed from mouth to mouth.
How to celebrate Ilyin's day
Songs and round dances. In the old days, on Ilyin's Day, a collective holiday was traditionally arranged in clubbing, which was called "bratchina" (or "prayer"), and preparations for the feast began in a few days. All the inhabitants of the village, and even several neighboring villages, gathered for it. The central dish of the table was a lamb or bull, which was symbolically sacrificed to Ilya, and beer was usually served as the main drink. Village women also baked ceremonial cookies (bread) from the new flour. And after the feast, fun festivities began: round dances, games and songs.
I. Pryanishnikov. rural brotherhood
Why can't you swim? A feature of Elijah's day was a categorical ban on swimming. There are many reasons and explanations for this ban. The folk version speaks of evil spirits that hide from Elijah in the water, defiling it, and are quite capable of dragging bathers and bathers to the bottom. If you are lucky, and no mermaid or merman pulled you into the abyss, then you risk getting seriously ill or covered with boils and abscesses.
A more rational explanation, rather, is due to the fact that the summer is ending and the cold is coming ("Until Ilyin's day, the peasant bathes, and from Ilyin's day he says goodbye to the river"). From other interpretations, one can mention the legend of a horseshoe dropped into the water by a horse carrying Elijah's chariot; in fact, this horseshoe allegedly abruptly cooled all the reservoirs.
As the church celebrates Ilyin's day
On this day Orthodox Church in his temples, he glorifies Elijah with prayers and divine services as one of the most revered saints of the Old Testament. In some churches, especially those that bear the name of Elijah, divine liturgies and religious processions are held.
What to cook on the table for the holiday
As in ancient times, on Ilyin's day, people bake from the grain of the new crop and all kinds of things, they cook - mainly from beef or lamb.
According to one of the rituals, on Ilyin's day, you need to dig up young potatoes in your garden and cook a dish from it. In this case, the potatoes will grow excellent and will be well stored all year round. Therefore, do not forget to serve the potatoes on the table - you can cook or, for example,.
In some villages, residents still gather for a joint meal, and food is prepared not only for themselves, but also generously shared with the poor and the homeless.
And, for example, in Orthodox Bulgaria on this day for a ritual dinner, festive meat is cooked on a spit. And they also cook a special soup of chicken offal, for which the oldest rooster from the chicken coop is sacrificed.
The day of Ilya the Terrible is considered special for those people whose life is somehow connected with the land and the harvest. Knowing the features and traditions of this date, everyone will be able to notice and correctly interpret important signs, as well as attract prosperity and success into their lives. Ilyin Day each year has a specific fixed date - today, August 2, in 2018. This day is associated with many signs, customs and traditions.
Traditions
Prophet Elijah is revered by Christians not only in Russia, but all over the world. The Orthodox believed that the prophet Elijah, who defended his faith in the face of the enemy and proved the power of prayer, was taken alive to heaven for his devotion. The prophet is considered the patron saint of summer thunderstorms, as well as streams and rivers that do not freeze in winter. Peasant farmers who revered Elijah for centuries noticed the peculiarities of his day, celebrated on August 2. Traditions and signs passed down from generation to generation are confirmed to this day.
Signs
To get rid of the evil eye, you need to wash yourself with Ilyinsky rain;
On Ilyin's day, before lunch, it's still summer, and after lunch - autumn;
On Ilyin's day, wolf holes open;
From this date, the rainy season usually begins;
On the day of Elijah, summer ends.
Rainy day - there will be few fires in the year.
Strong thunder on August 2 - throughout the year the head will often hurt.
If you get caught in the rain on Ilyin's day, then you will have good health all year.
After August 2, mosquitoes and flies do not bite.
On Ilyin's day, evil spirits, fleeing the wrath of the prophet, turn into various animals.
On August 2, people did not let dogs and cats into the house, so as not to incur the wrath of Ilya.
Rain on Ilyin's day portends a bountiful harvest of millet.
If it is cloudy in the morning on Ilyin, then sowing should be early, if it is cloudy at noon - middle sowing, and if in the evening - late sowing and the harvest is poor.
If it’s dry on Ilyin’s day, then it will be dry for another six weeks.
What kind of weather will be on Ilya, such will stand out on Vozdvizhenie (September 27).
On Ilyin's day, deaf thunder - to a quiet rain, booming thunder to a downpour, uninterrupted thunder - there will be hail.
They said that if you swim after Ilyin's day, you can drown or get sick.
What can be done?
Signs on the holiday of Elijah are simple and understandable. You cannot work on this day. But what can be done, despite popular beliefs?
Every religious person will definitely go to the temple on this day. Since it is on the second of August that they hold festive services in honor of the prophet Elijah. In addition, cross passages are arranged. After worship, families gather for a solemn dinner. People who specialize in arable farming have every chance during this period to ask Ilya for an excellent harvest.
What can't be done?
What can not be done on the feast of Elijah, so as not to send trouble on yourself? During a thunderstorm, it is forbidden to be in the water, near trees, near a pine tree with 2 peaks, run down the street, speak loudly, hum, yell.
On this day, try to look in the mirror less often. This warning is especially true for the elderly and sick people. The fact is that on August 2, the influence of the looking glass increases, that is, a mirror can draw out the life force of a person looking into it.
Grandmothers taught their descendants in such bad weather to close the door closely, hang the windows, set fire to either a lamp or a candle (Epiphany or Thursday) in front of the icon, then cross themselves and everyone without exception, begging Elijah the prophet to free their loved ones from the shaking thunder, from the unstable arrow. With this ceremony, there must certainly be a handkerchief.
In order to save their own housing and yard, steppe, animals from lightning, people fumigated everything without exception with incense in the evening before the holiday, and in the daytime of the next day.
It is believed that during this period it is impossible to carry out practically any work related to land and housing, so as not to anger the holy prophet.
There is a legend among the people that activities in the garden have every chance of causing the death of the crop.
It is not forbidden on this day only to carry out activities related to bees and caring for them. On a holiday, wax is allowed to be harvested in order to produce candles.
Why can't you jump into the water?
Swim after August 2, church holiday Elijah, it is impossible, since the seer, according to legend, had cooled the water by this moment. The proverb is also known among the people: "The seer in the rivers stirs up water."
The second opinion, why you shouldn’t swim after Ilyin’s day, notifies that this harms your well-being. Since from this period the water in the ponds begins to bloom, this will not affect the body in the best way.
It is generally accepted among the people to believe that on August 2 the swimming season ends, the air temperature at night becomes much lower than during the day. Similar differences are reflected in the water.
Another of the factors why society in the old days was afraid to plunge after Ilyin's day is feral animals and evil forces. If you trust the popular superstitions, then on the night of August 2, unclean forces are found near the reservoirs - water, mermaids, demons.
