On February 14, Orthodox churches celebrate Saint Trifon, considered the patron of lovers, married people, and bird hunters. In the folk calendar, this day is called Trifon’s Day. Previously, girls turned to the saint asking for help in meeting their soulmate, while spouses tried to please each other.
On February 14, Orthodox churches honor Saint Trifon, who lived in the 3rd century. According to legends, he had the gift of healing and could cast out evil spirits.
This gift, which manifested in his youth, contributed to the conversion of many pagans to Orthodoxy. Observing the miracles performed by the young man, they began to believe in God.
Saint Trifon not only healed from serious ailments but also freed settlements from the invasion of harmful insects, thereby saving people from hunger. According to legends, he cast out a demon from the daughter of the Roman ruler Gordian III.
The evil spirit that possessed the girl left her as soon as Trifon approached the emperor’s daughter. When Gordian asked Trifon to show who tormented his beloved, a huge black dog with burning eyes appeared.
Gordian was succeeded by Emperor Decius Trajan, and the persecution of Orthodox Christians intensified. During this time, Trifon was arrested and tortured. After enduring terrible trials, he maintained his faith in Christ.
The executioners intended to behead him, but he died before they could carry out the sentence. It is known that his life was short: at the time of his death, he was barely 18 years old.
Folk Calendar: Trifon’s Day
In folk tradition, the holiday dedicated to Saint Trifon was called Trifon’s Day, Trifon the Mouse Chaser, or simply Trifon. This day was considered a family holiday and was celebrated among close relatives.
Our ancestors always remembered that Saint Trifon is the patron of lovers and married couples. On Trifon’s Day, people made candles, which were then blessed in church on the Meeting of the Lord.
They also baked delicious pies with sweet fillings, symbolizing the sweetness of life for those who tasted them.
What to Do on Trifon’s Day
Such questions did not even arise before. Every Orthodox holiday began with a prayer service in the church. During the prayers addressed to the saint whose name is remembered on this day, people asked for help.
People asked Trifon for support in strengthening family ties, raising children, freeing themselves from sinful thoughts, and achieving financial well-being. Knowing about the miraculous abilities of the saint, people turned to him for healing from illnesses.
Trifon’s Day is considered auspicious for engagements and weddings.
Unmarried girls prayed to Saint Trifon, hoping that he would help them find their soulmate — someone they could follow to the ends of the earth without regret.
In ancient times, special rituals were held on Trifon’s Day to drive away mice, performed by village healers knowledgeable in this matter.
Trifon’s Day: Folk Omens
Trifon’s Day is rich in omens related to romantic relationships. Girls would go outside specifically to see if they would meet their soulmate soon. If they managed to see a woman with a child, it was considered a good sign: love was nearby.
There are also omens related to animals. If the first thing seen on Trifon’s Day is a dog, it means that the companion will be reliable. If it is a cat, attention should be paid to the boyfriend. Breaking glass was considered a good omen, especially if it happened accidentally. It signifies the departure of all quarrels and disagreements.
Trifon’s Day also indicates what to expect from spring and what the weather will be like in the near future.
If it is quiet, calm, and sunny outside, spring will be warm and early. If it snows on Trifon’s Day, one should prepare for prolonged rains that will wash out the roads in spring.
A foggy evening on Trifon’s Day foretells a warm morning the next day. If there are many stars in the sky on the night of Trifon, it may mean that winter will linger, and spring is unlikely to arrive on schedule.
Trifon the Mouse Chaser: What Not to Do
On Trifon’s Day, one should not quarrel, especially spouses and lovers. Any misunderstanding can escalate into a serious conflict and end in a breakup. During this time, it is also forbidden to:
Buy sharp objects, such as knives and forks, or play with them — this brings misfortune.
Step over a broom, a mop, or a poker — this leads to illness.
Leave money on the table, that is, in plain sight — this leads to financial loss and loss of property.
Pet stray cats — this may lead to a spouse or lover starting to “look elsewhere.”
Be sad and complain about life — this will cause problems to follow you all year.
Remain alone — this may last a long time.
Stumble — this foretells unrequited love.
The last prohibition concerned unmarried girls. On Trifon’s Day, they watched their step, trying to avoid bumps and other obstacles.
