On this day, Orthodox Christians remember the holy martyrs Cyprian and Justina. Cyprian, who lived in the 3rd century in Antioch, was a priest of the temple of Apollo. He was regarded among the people as a pagan sage and a powerful sorcerer.
Many turned to him for magical help and advice. Among them was a noble young man, Aglaid, who was in love with the beautiful Justina. He asked Cyprian to make the girl reciprocate his feelings. However, Justina consistently refused, as she had decided to dedicate her life to serving Christ.
According to legend, Cyprian tried three times to cast spells on her, but Justina overcame them each time with prayer and fasting. Then, the offended priest summoned misfortunes and plague first upon her parental home, and then upon the entire city. The girl prayed again — and everything ceased. After that, Cyprian was baptized and completely changed his life. Within a year, he became a priest and then a bishop. He made Justina a deaconess and abbess of a women's monastery.
During the persecutions of Christians under Emperor Diocletian, Cyprian and Justina were tortured and then executed. This happened in 304 AD.
At this time, the harvest was being completed — it was the season for girls' gatherings, followed by the autumn wedding season. At these gatherings, girls sang, danced, and prepared treats. Young men often dropped by with nuts and sweets. During the day, women engaged in sewing and spinning, while men insulated their homes and gathered firewood.
Weather Signs
Frost appears — the weather will be sunny and dry. A cold wind blows and it rains — winter will be very harsh. Leaves are falling — a cold snap is coming soon. Snow has fallen — winter will arrive in 40 days. A north or east wind has blown — a cold winter is ahead.
