On December 3, Orthodox Christians commemorate Saint Proclus, who lived in the 5th century and dedicated his life to serving Jesus Christ. This day in the folk calendar is called Proclus Day. Our ancestors were wary of unclean forces at this time and listened carefully to the words of experienced people.
On December 3, Orthodox believers turn to Saint Proclus with prayers. This archbishop, who dedicated his life to serving God, lived in Constantinople in the 5th century. He was taught by John Chrysostom, which allowed him to deeply understand the Holy Scriptures and master the art of oratory. According to legends, at the beginning of his journey, Proclus witnessed the appearance of the Apostle Paul to Saint John.
After the death of Chrysostom, Proclus was appointed archbishop. In his new position, he actively preached Orthodoxy, exposing heretics and attracting repentant pagans to Christianity.
During his episcopate, a strong earthquake occurred, which destroyed many settlements. The inhabitants of Constantinople, along with Proclus, knelt and prayed to the Lord for the salvation of the city and its people.
During one of the services, a miracle occurred: one of the children of the townspeople unexpectedly soared into the heavens and returned, telling how he saw angels singing an unfamiliar prayer to him. When the townspeople repeated its words, the earthquake ceased.
Saint Proclus held the position of archbishop of Constantinople for 12 years. Throughout this time, he provided assistance to the poor, offering them money and shelter. The Lord granted him a long life filled with meaning and good deeds. The saint passed away in old age.
The Day of Proclus: Traditions of the Folk Calendar
The folk holiday dedicated to the archbishop of Constantinople was known as both “The Day of Proclus” and “Proclus Day.” According to folk beliefs, on this day, it was necessary to curse the unclean forces. This was done not just for the sake of it, but with a specific purpose. Ancestors believed that upon hearing the curses, the evil spirits would not dare to emerge from their hiding places underground, where they had been hiding from the cold.
Typically, by Proclus Day, the roads, which had been washed out by autumn rains, had dried and were covered with fresh snow. Peasants would lay a sledding path, which they used until the end of winter. “Do not expect any benefit from the road until Proclus” — an old Russian proverb perfectly illustrates people's attitude towards the saint and the date associated with him. Travel between settlements resumed, and life began to bustle again.
What to Do on the Day of Proclus
On Proclus Day, our ancestors visited the church to pay their respects to the archbishop, who faithfully served Jesus Christ and the Orthodox people. In prayers to Saint Proclus, it is customary to ask for luck and financial well-being. The saint protects travelers from possible troubles on the road.
In ancient times, it was believed that on Proclus Day, one must wash their hands thoroughly so that any unclean spirits that accidentally entered the home would not bring curses in the form of illnesses. It was also important to keep an eye on doors and windows, as dark forces might try to enter the dwelling to cause trouble for the hosts.
The Day of Proclus: Folk Omens
On Proclus Day, our ancestors carefully observed the weather. They knew that if it snowed on December 3, it would rain on June 3. If on the Day of Proclus they heard the singing of a bullfinch and saw a magpie hiding under the roof, or a pair of sparrows sitting closely together on a branch, it foretold the imminent onset of a strong snowstorm.
The Day of Proclus: What Is Forbidden to Do
Although life has changed in the 21st century, many still heed the advice of their ancestors. It is not necessary to follow them blindly, but “in some ways they are still right,” some modern people argue.
So, what was forbidden to do in ancient times? Elders taught the youth that on the Day of Proclus, it was categorically prohibited to:
go to bed late — fearing to fall under the influence of dark forces;
engage in heavy physical labor and handicrafts — evil spirits might cause harm, and a person would not notice how they inflicted injury on themselves;
quarrel and use foul language — all negativity would return in triple measure, and money would disappear from the home for a long time;
hold noisy feasts — merriment could attract evil forces into the home, leading to conflicts between relatives and friends.
On the night of December 3, prophetic dreams are said to occur. It is important to remember them, and most importantly — to pay attention to the words that may hint at what awaits in the near future. However, one must not tell anyone about their dreams — neither friends nor acquaintances. Otherwise, the dreams will not come true.
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