On this day, Orthodox Christians commemorate the holy martyr Dionysius the Areopagite, who lived during the times of the apostles. He received a classical Hellenic education.
Following the example of Plato and Pythagoras, he studied astronomy in Egypt, and at a young age, he was chosen as a member of the Areopagus for his wisdom.
After listening to the sermon of the Apostle Paul in the Areopagus, Dionysius became his disciple and accepted baptism. He left his former life and went to preach alongside Paul — together they traveled for 3 years. In addition to Paul's sermons, Dionysius listened to the teachings of Peter, James, John the Theologian, and their disciples. According to testimonies, in 57 AD he was present at the burial of the Mother of God. Dionysius became the first bishop of Athens and was the author of works known as the Areopagitics.
He perished around 96 AD as a result of persecutions against Christians in Gaul, where he went to preach.
On October 16, our ancestors considered it an unlucky day: "Denis — beware of the evil eye." It was believed that on this day autumn fevers roamed the earth, suffering themselves and subjecting others to torment. According to legends, they lived in swamps, occasionally flying to people's homes. For protection, one should always carry aspen bark or an aspen twig. Aspen was considered a good talisman, and it was also attributed with healing properties, placed under the head and feet in case of pain.
Weather Signs
If the weather is warm on Denis, there will be no frost before Artemy’s day (November 2). Hares have gained a lot of fat — for a long and frosty winter. Moles have hidden a lot of straw in their burrows — for a harsh winter. In the vineyard, a field mouse buries grape clusters in the ground — winter will last long and be cold.
