On August 2, the day of Elijah the Prophet is celebrated, to which in Orthodoxy they turned with requests for a rich harvest, as well as for help in improving health, love affairs and reconciliation with their soulmate or relatives. On the same day, the Slavs celebrate the day of the supreme deity of lightning and fire – Perun.
Consider the question that interests many people about why it is impossible to swim in reservoirs after August 2, we will get acquainted with the signs and long-standing traditions of the holiday.
Why you can't swim on Ilyin's day
According to legends, it is forbidden to swim in rivers and lakes on Ilyin's day because of evil spirits – it hides deep in the water, and drowns the daredevils who dared to swim.
Expert opinion Svetlana Kravchenko Esoteric The ancestors also believed that this holiday ends summer days and, having plunged into the water, you can get very sick.
Why you can't swim after Ilya's day
According to popular beliefs, it was also not recommended to swim in reservoirs after an ilya day, since the temperature in August dropped every day, and the water did not have time to warm up. After the holiday, the people say: 'Elijah the prophet wrote into the water, so it freezes.'
There is also a rational explanation why you can no longer swim after August 2 – the water in ponds, lakes and rivers begins to bloom and gets an unpleasant smell, so swimming in such reservoirs will not only not bring any pleasure, but will also have a negative effect on your skin.
Signs on Ilyin's Day
Elijah's Day is marked by various signs:
- rainy weather – for a good harvest;
- sunny and dry day – to imminent fires and destruction of crops;
- long, rolling thunder – to imminent bad weather;
- short peals of thunder in the distance – to clear weather.
There is a sign that after August 2, wild animals gather in open reservoirs, which should not be disturbed, otherwise you can get severe injuries or even say goodbye to life.
Traditions and rituals on August 2
In churches on August 2, services are held and prayers are read in honor of the prophet Elijah. The Slavs observed a number of traditions on this day:
- prayed for fertility in severe drought;
- in the afternoon the men feasted on their own, and in the evening a general celebration began, which lasted several days;
- the main dish on the table was a bull or a ram, hunted by men, and women baked bread and other pastries from flour from the new crop.
In addition to the fact that our ancestors did not swim in water bodies on August 2, they adhered to many rituals:
- morning washing with water from a natural spring – saved from the evil eye and strengthened health;
- refusal to work, especially in the field – otherwise the prophet could punish the person by burning his hay.
On Elijah, people did not let any animals into their homes – many believed that the evil spirits on August 2 took the form of animals to hide from the righteous anger of the prophet.
In the history of the holiday, it is noted that Elijah led a chaste life, did not admit bowing to idols and dedicated all his deeds to God. The Prophet is revered in Christianity, Judaism and Islamic culture.
Respect the beliefs of your ancestors and avoid swimming after a holiday or work on August 2 – this can harm your health and bring trouble to your home.
