Nikon's Day: What to Do on April 5 to Attract Finances 0 74

On April 5, Orthodox believers commemorate Saint Nikon of Pechersk, who served as the abbot of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra from 1078 to 1088, founded by Anthony of Pechersk. As a companion of the creator of this famous monastery, he followed his example. Thanks to Nikon's efforts, the Church and Monastery of the Most Holy Theotokos were built.

This was preceded by an event that led to Saint Nikon's exile to Tmutarakan (now the Taman Peninsula in the Krasnodar Krai). The fact is that in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, Nikon was tonsuring people who came to the monastery into monks. One day, he tonsured the courtiers of Prince Iziaslav, who were his favorites. In anger, the prince sent Nikon to a distant peninsula.

Upon arriving there, the clergyman did not lose heart. He gathered followers around him and began the construction of the Monastery of the Most Holy Theotokos. Later, when Nikon returned to the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, he was honored with the rank of abbot.

During the invasion of the Polovtsians, the clergyman was captured, where he spent several years enduring all hardships and adversities. For his patience and obedience, the Almighty rewarded Nikon with the gift of miracle-working, which allowed him to heal many people who turned to the abbot from distant places.

Folk Calendar: Nikon's Day

The folk holiday dedicated to Saint Nikon was known both as Nikon's Day and simply as Nikon. Although the morning began with a visit to the church, where Christians prayed to the saint for help in worldly matters and for strengthening health, this time was also spent in labor.

Nikon's Day in people's consciousness was associated with the struggle against dark forces. Therefore, on April 5, our ancestors lit candles and cleansed their homes using brooms made of mint. They washed the floors and wiped the furniture with an infusion of this herb. Mint was used for brewing tea and making kvass.

On Nikon's Day, it was necessary to tidy up the house and the surrounding area, which is now called a household plot. The entire family, including children and the elderly, participated in the general cleaning. Although, according to the saying, "Household chores cannot be finished," the worries did not cease until the evening. "The house is not large, but it does not allow for sitting down," they reflected on this.

It was also said: "Living in poverty is not shameful, but living in filth is disgraceful," "Living in dirt leads to illness." There were other signs, many of which were related to finances. Our ancestors believed that the more dirt in the house, the less money in the wallets.

Nikon's Day: What Can Be Done

On Nikon's Day, in addition to cleaning, it was necessary not only to tidy up the garden adjacent to the house but also to start planting fruit trees — this was considered a good omen. Typically, black-fruited rowan, apple trees, as well as red and black currants were planted.

To ensure the trees were comfortable when they took root, on Nikon's Day, people began to attract birds, which were considered the main protectors of green plantings. They scattered crumbs, wheat grains, and flax seeds for the birds.

On Nikon's Day, it was also necessary to take care of water. "Underground water, we open your spring paths," people would say while checking the springs located near the villages. They did not forget about themselves. After finishing household chores, people would go to the bathhouse, where they cleansed their souls, washed away sins, and labor sweat.

Nikon's Day: Folk Omens

People knew that on Nikon's Day, it was necessary to look at the sun early in the morning. If circles were seen around the sun, they rejoiced. This meant that the summer would be bountiful. A clear and starry sky on the night of Nikon foretold that morning frosts were not in a hurry to retreat.

The elders at this time observed the cats. If the four-legged ones suddenly began to sneeze, it meant that rain would soon begin. If the pets slept more than usual, people prepared for a cold snap.

Nikon's Day: What Should Not Be Done

Like every folk holiday, Nikon's Day has its prohibitions. Elderly people said that at this time, one should not be lazy. Saint Nikon of Pechersk, being hardworking, may punish idlers with illness. On Nikon's Day, it was also forbidden to:

Lie on someone else's pillow — this will cause heavy dreams or insomnia.
Deceive, gossip, invent fables about people — this leads to serious problems in the family.
Sort through beans and grains — this leads to loss of money.
Go fishing — the wrath of the Water Spirit may cause severe injuries.
On Nikon's Day, it was forbidden to leave money in a visible place — this may be the first step towards poverty. To increase it, one should hide bills and coins in secluded corners. Moreover, the elders warned that at this time, one should not say "Here’s the cross for you!" using this phrase as an oath. The punishment will be illness.