The Orthodox holiday of the chief apostles Peter and Paul falls on July 12. On this day, the people celebrate the farewell to summer, hard work begins in the fields and gardens, fairs in honor of 'Peter's festivities' open in the villages. The full dawn of natural forces is also celebrated – this day is the general cycle of folk festivities from July 6 – the day of Agrafena Kupalnitsa, and July 7 – the day of Ivan Kupala.
Customs
Before the day of Paul and Peter, the Slavs fasted, cleaned their houses, painted chicken eggs yellow. During this period, fasting ended, so the families set the table and invited not only close people, but also beggars or old people.
In addition, there were several other customs.
- The godparents brought their own godchildren a cake made of wheat flour with their own hands.
- At the end of the meal, the remnants of food remained until the morning – it was believed that at night all deceased ancestors would gather at the table to break the fast.
- The fishermen considered this day a 'fisherman' – they lit a candle in the church, prayed to St. Peter for health and a rich catch. When going on a fishing trip, it was forbidden to tell anyone about their plans, even to relatives – otherwise there would be no bite.
- At the crossroads, people kindled fires and burned particles of a new cart wheel in them, to protect residents from the leprosy of evil forces. The wheel itself was previously put on a stick and rolled around the entire village. This was done to determine the dwelling of a witch or a sorcerer – it was believed that near her house the wheel would break into pieces, and screams would be heard from the window.
- In the evening, the young people went to the fields and stayed there until sunrise. According to signs, the one who distinguished the most colors in its rays should soon find happiness.
Signs
Folk omens and beliefs on July 12:
- clear weather – warm autumn and winter;
- lack of dew in the morning and yellowish clouds – rainy weather;
- rain this and the next few days – a rich harvest;
- the cuckoo stops chuckling, the foliage begins to fall – by the cold autumn and early winter;
- the nightingale sings after the holiday – winter will come soon after the Intercession;
- silt floating on the surface of water bodies – to rapid rains;
- the cuckoo continues to sing songs after the day of the Apostle Peter – the summer will be long and the autumn warm.
It was customary to wash with spring water from three sources in the morning – this helped to preserve youth, health and beauty for many years. In turn, swimming in open reservoirs helped wash away all sins.
Expert opinion Kanti Gauri Carmologist, parapsychologist The towel given by guests on this date was considered a powerful talisman for all residents of the house.
Unmarried girls wove wreaths of flowers and framed the head of their beloved horse. The omen read: if the decoration did not fall before the owner arrived, and he had time to see it, it was possible to prepare for the arrival of matchmakers in the fall.
Conspiracies
According to signs and beliefs, on July 12, the girls collected 1 flower from 12 different fields, put them under their pillow, and said before going to bed: 'Twelve flowers, like twelve fellows – show me my betrothed-mummer in a dream.'
On the night of Peter the Great, married ladies entangled the legs of their sleeping spouse with a red woolen thread, previously consecrated for Epiphany in the temple, and worn all this time woven into their hair. At the same time, they read a conspiracy: 'As this thread was worn in my braid, so you, my husband, always carry me in your heart.'
Interpretation of dreams
Dreams on the night of July 11-12 were prophetic, and came true on the 7th day. A bad dream, seen on the 12th in the daytime, hinted at the dangers and difficulties in life that await the dreamer in the near future.
Talismans
For people born on July 12, chalcedony, a semi-precious stone, will become a protective talisman.
Carrying out rituals and observing signs on Peter's day will help to lure happiness, health, love and prosperity into your home. In addition, you should visit the church and devote time to good, spiritual deeds.
