On March 9, 2026, the third week of Great Lent begins.
On this day, the first and second finding of the head of the Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Lord John is celebrated. He is the last in a series of prophets who proclaimed the coming of the Messiah. He was a blood relative of Jesus and baptized Him in the rivers of Jordan. In the folk tradition, this day is called Ivanov Day or Finding. Moreover, this word has acquired a more peaceful connotation — it was said, "Bird's nesting — the finding of nests."
What is remembered in the Church on March 9, 2026. Historical reference
John was the last prophet who proclaimed the coming of the Son of God to earth. He was born to an elderly couple, Zacharias and Elizabeth, and before his birth, his parents knew of his fate and purpose. He was born six months earlier than Jesus Himself. And thanks to the intervention of an Angel, he escaped the massacre of infants that King Herod had planned, hiding in the wilderness, where he spent the first 30 years of his life.
Then he went out to the people with a sermon about the imminent coming of the Savior. John baptized Jesus in the rivers of Jordan and witnessed the manifestation of the Holy Trinity on that day. He then continued to preach. At that time, King Herod Antipas ruled. He took his brother's wife, Herodias, and married her himself in violation of all laws. This sin of incest was boldly denounced by John. Herodias, wishing for the saint to be silenced, forced her husband to throw John into prison. But Herod was afraid to kill him.
Then she conspired with her adult daughter — the dancer Salome — to demand John's head as payment for her dance. Herod, in order not to break his word given in front of everyone, was forced to order John's head to be cut off and presented it on a precious platter to his stepdaughter Salome as a gift.
The body of the saint was buried by the faithful, and the head was secretly taken out in a pitcher from the palace and buried on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. When a temple was later built on this site, the pitcher was discovered. The relic was hidden in the walls of the temple, but then it was destroyed. The second time the head was found by monks, who were shown the place by the appearing John the Baptist. They gave it to a potter, who kept the relic carefully throughout his life. Before his death, he passed it to his sister. After passing through many good hands, the head was found in a cave near the city of Emesa and then transported to Constantinople.
The meaning of the holiday
On this day, one of the closest saints to the Lord is remembered; he was a blood relative of Him, but most importantly — he was present at the moment of His becoming as the God-Man.
What do people pray to John the Baptist for on this day?
They pray for relief from headaches, for the health of children, and for a good harvest.
Folk weather signs
— If birds build nests in the sun, the summer will be cold.
— No snow on this day — an early spring.
— If the sun shines on Ivanov Day — it will also be sunny on Easter.
— If the cuckoo calls — it indicates frosts.
— A bright moon — indicates morning frosts.
What can be done on March 9, 2026
— All necessary work should be done, but one should try not to overexert.
— It is essential to seek compromises with everyone and avoid conflicts.
— A great day to make and hang birdhouses.
— It is important to remember the dream of this day.
What cannot be done on March 9, 2026
— One should not get too tired.
— One should not do laundry.
— One should not chop wood or trees.
— One should not light bonfires.
— One should not drink alcohol.
— One should not use foul language.
— One should not use a knife.
— One should not eat from large plates.
— One should not sing or dance.
What can be eaten on March 9, 2026. Fasting rules
On this day — a strict fast, fish, meat, and dairy cannot be eaten. Also, on this day, do not consume round red vegetables and fruits, such as tomatoes and apples.
