August 13th, Yevdokimov Day Observances: Guidelines on What to Avoid
On August 13th, a unique folk holiday known as Evdokim Day is observed. This day is rich in customs, rituals, and beliefs, centred around family protection, agricultural work, and spiritual practices.
Religious Observances and Family Protection
People attend church on Evdokim Day, lighting candles for the health of living relatives and a large candle for the repose of deceased family members. Visiting and placing pieces of pie on the graves of ancestors is a customary practice [1][3]. The day honours Saint Evdokim, considered a family protector, and prayers are said for family unity, health of household members, and fidelity of spouses [3].
Agricultural Rituals and Prohibitions
Traditionally, harrowing fields was done on this day to prevent damage to agricultural tools, especially the harrow’s teeth. The harvest usually includes eggplants, cucumbers, and squash, and hard work on this day is believed to ensure abundance in winter [1]. Strict taboos are maintained on August 13 to avoid bringing misfortune. For instance, no quarrels, bragging, or taking credit for others’ achievements are allowed, as this could cause the evil eye or lingering conflicts [2].
Food Traditions and Garden Work
Evdokim Day marks the last festive meals before the Dormition Fast, featuring meat, dairy, eggs, and fresh garden vegetables like turnips, considered "second bread." Leaving uneaten food on the table is discouraged as it may invite poverty into the home. Working the land is encouraged, as it's believed to bring prosperity and abundance to the home [2].
Rituals for Protection and Prohibitions
Protective incantations and rituals are performed to shield against curses or evil spells, believed to be strong on this day [1]. Household chores are refrained from on Evdokim Day to prevent angering the Domovoi, a household spirit. Starting new endeavours or significant projects is not advised [2].
Weather Predictions and Superstitions
If the sun is shining in the morning of August 13th, winter frosts will be mild. If it's raining on August 13th, expect rain also in the fall. If sparrows are chirping actively on August 13th, it's a sign of a good harvest, while silence from birds foretells misfortune [2]. On the night of the 12th to the 13th, dreams are believed to come true on the ninth day [2].
Miscellaneous Practices and Beliefs
It's customary to eat turnips on August 13th in Russia, and it's believed that if turnips are baked, boiled, or prepared in any other way, money will always be present in the home. Proposals of marriage should not be made on Evdokim Day. It's recommended to avoid conflicts and arguments on Evdokim Day to prevent long-term relationship repercussions [2].
After Evdokim Day comes the Dormition Fast, lasting from August 14th to 27th. The gathering of healing herbs begins on August 13th, as it's believed they have accumulated their life-giving power by this time. People would go to the garden to collect turnips, which were considered a staple food on the peasant's table [2].
Overall, August 13’s Evdokim Day combines devout remembrance of ancestors and saints, careful agricultural work, strict social and personal prohibitions, and folk rituals aimed at health, protection, and prosperity for the household and fields [1][2][3].
[1] The History of Evdokim Day [2] Evdokim Day Celebration and Traditions [3] Evdokim Day: The Day of the Family Protector
Household chores are refrained from on Evdokim Day to maintain harmony with the Domovoi, a household spirit, promoting a peaceful lifestyle at home. On Evdokim Day, food traditions highlight the importance of garden work and turnips, symbolizing abundance and prosperity in one's home-and-garden lifestyle.
