November is rich in Orthodox holidays, and on November 21, the church honors all creatures with the leader of the heavenly army Archangel Michael, who personifies the victory of good over dark forces. The people call this holiday Mikhailov Day, the signs and customs of which go back to the 4th century. Folk omens on November 21 are associated with the weather, celebrations and legends.
Traditions
Since the advent of the day of remembrance of the Archangel Michael, this day has already had many rites, signs and traditions associated with November 21. The holiday of the Archangel Michael was associated with the end of agricultural work and preparation for the Great Filippov Lent. On this day, magnificent folk festivities were organized, dances with friends and relatives, which lasted a week.
On the tables was an abundance of meat dishes, wine, pies, and honey. After this date, festivities and weddings ended. One of the important traditions is coaxing the courtyard, he was considered the smaller brother of the brownie, for whom they took food out into the street at night, believing that if he left, then dashingly would settle in the courtyard. On the day of the holiday, they made conspiracies, performed rituals and watched the weather.
Folk omens on the Mikhailov holiday
Michael's Day is also rich in signs that were of great importance in ancient times. Often, the signs on Mikhailov Day are associated with weather conditions. The ancestors said: “The thunder is thundering – it means that Saint Michael is fighting the devils.” According to many years of folk observations, weather signs for November 21 could tell about the upcoming winter:
- in the morning of November 21, there is frost on the trees – winter will be snowy;
- if the morning turned out to be foggy, you should expect a thaw;
- the bright morning sun is a harbinger of a cold and harsh winter with frost;
- there are few cones left on the trees, and there are many acorns on the oak, which means that the winter days should be warm;
- sleet meant heavy rains in the spring;
- according to the weather on Mikhailov day, the weather was predicted for December 19 on the Memorial Day of St. Nicholas.
On Michael's holiday, you need to go to church in order to light a candle, pray and defend a prayer service. It is worth spending this holy date in the world helping those in need.
Even on November 21, girls who want to get married, before the holiday, keep a strict fast for seven days in order to go to the church service on Mikhailov day and ask the blessing of the Archangel Michael for the marriage, bringing to his icon a cake made from flour bought by women with his own hand. day.
The people have a prediction: if November 21 is cloudy, and there is frost on the trees, this is a good omen for a rich harvest.
You cannot quarrel with family and friends on this day, as well as conflict with strangers – this is a bad omen.
It was believed that all the anger and negativity on Mikhailov Day would return threefold. According to popular beliefs, November 21 is the most favorable day for reconciliation and getting rid of old grievances.
It will be a great sin to work hard on such a holiday, it is forbidden to work with an ax and a knife, otherwise troubles await in the future. The Orthodox believe that the Chief Angel of Heaven at the Last Judgment will weigh good and evil deeds on the scales.
Legends November 21
Many legends and stories are associated with the name of the Archangel Michael, where he is a fighter against evil spirits. Since ancient times, Archangel Michael was considered the protector of people before God, praying to the Lord for the forgiveness of human sins.
One of the legends says that in the city of Khonekh, where the believer Arkhip built a temple near the miraculous river in honor of the angel Michael after a miracle that happened in his life – the dumb daughter of a peasant was healed.
Not only Christians from all over the world came to the healing stream to get rid of their ailments, but also pagans who turned to the Christian faith. The disgruntled idolaters set out to destroy the temple and the river. Then Arkhip prayed to the Archangel Michael, begging for help. The archangel, hearing this, descended to the ground and cut the mountain with his sword, and ordered the water to rush towards the unbelievers. Since that time, this miracle has been called 'Mikhail's miracle in Khonekh' and is glorified on November 21.
Prayer to the holy Archangel Michael
On the day of veneration of the Archangel Michael, it is customary to pray for health and atonement for their sins, protection from sorrow and evil spirits. It is believed that on this day the saint fulfills the most secret desires, which can be asked for with prayer:
Whoever reads this prayer sincerely every day is protected from evil and unkind influences.
Plots for November 21
On the day of Archangel Michael, it has long been customary to make conspiracies for protection and good luck in various endeavors.
To protect the house from damage and enemies, you need to whisper magic words on the doorstep of your house:
Conspiracy for money, successful trade:
A conspiracy for a successful business, our ancestors began all business with a prayer for help in undertakings and patronage for a successful completion:
