On March 28, Orthodox churches honor two holy great martyrs named Alexander, who lived in the 4th century and suffered for their faith in Jesus Christ. In the folk calendar, this day is known as Alexander's Day. In the past, this time was considered dangerous due to wolf weddings.
On March 28, Orthodox Christians commemorate the memory of two great martyrs named Alexander, as well as Agapius and five other martyrs who suffered for their faith in the 4th century during the persecution of Christians.
According to legends, during one of the pagan festivals, idolaters demanded that Christians make sacrifices to the idols. Two young men, both named Alexander, in the crowd decided to publicly express their protest and refused to do so.
Tying their hands, they loudly proclaimed their Christian faith and urged others to follow their example. Along with them, Agapius, Publius, Timolaus, Romil, and two Dionysii also declared their faith.
The ruler, seeing their youth, tried to persuade the Christians to make a sacrifice, but after receiving a firm refusal, ordered them to be imprisoned, tortured, and then executed. Thus, a day of remembrance for the great martyrs was established in Orthodoxy.
Folk Calendar: Alexander's Day
In the past, Alexander's Day was associated with the activity of dark forces. Our ancestors believed that evil spirits, taking on human forms, could enter their homes, so during this time they tried not to respond to the requests of strangers.
Alexander's Day was considered a period of wolf weddings, so on March 28 (March 15 in the old style), people avoided solitary walks in the forest, and if they found themselves in the thicket, they tried to behave quietly so as not to attract the attention of predators.
What to Do on Alexander's Day
Signs from that time may seem amusing, but they are worth mentioning. On Alexander's Day, also known as "Forest Care," it was customary to praise nature. It was believed that if this was done sincerely and loudly, the forest would generously reward with its gifts. The table and storages were expected to be filled with berries, mushrooms, medicinal herbs, and other riches that could be found in the forest.
Our ancestors believed that prophetic dreams would come on the night of March 28. To make them come true, they needed to be remembered in the smallest details but not told to anyone.
The morning of Alexander's Day began with prayers in the church, where honors were paid to the great martyrs who were executed many centuries ago. After that, women would start their household chores, while men prepared for sowing and tidied up the barns and stables.
Alexander's Day: Folk Signs
People knew: if sparrows chirped loudly on Alexander's Day, it would be clear and sunny weather. If by this time the larks or cranes had returned, it foretold warmth. A bright sunset on Alexander's Day indicated possible rains. And rooks, which immediately settled on their nests after arriving, promised a warm spring.
Alexander's Day: What is Forbidden
Alexander's Day is full of prohibitions. In the past, people were afraid to wash their hair, believing that it could lead to a long separation from loved ones. On this day, it was also forbidden to:
Clean out closets and sort through things. This could lead to unplanned expenses, poverty, and destitution.
Hurt animals, especially dogs and cats. This could end in losing old friends.
Go to sleep on a warm pillow — it leads to insomnia.
Leave the house without pinning a safety pin on the inside of clothing. This could lead to the evil eye or illness.
Children should not dry themselves with their mother's towel — it could "take" her illnesses.
Engage in financial transactions — they will end in failure.
Go on a journey — it could bring problems.
Abuse alcoholic beverages — it leads to a series of troubles.
Borrow or lend money — it leads to loss of money.
Start a fire — it leads to a scandal.
One of the main prohibitions was the attitude towards black cats. These animals drew special attention on Alexander's Day. It is one of the few days when encountering a black cat was considered a sign of good luck. Our ancestors said that there was no need to be afraid if a black cat crossed the road. On Alexander's Day, this promises fortune and wealth. To attract luck, people would feed black cats with tasty food.
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