On April 18, Orthodox churches commemorate the martyrs Theodulus and Agapetus, who lived in the 3rd–4th centuries. In the folk calendar, this day is known as Fedul Vetrenik. Our ancestors would wash windows and let the wind into the house to cleanse the space of dark forces and troubles.
On April 18, Orthodox believers commemorate the feat of two great martyrs – Theodulus and Agapetus, who lived in the 3rd–4th centuries and belonged to the same church parish. Theodulus served as a reader, while Agapetus was a deacon. Both saints actively preached Orthodoxy and sought to help parishioners with their advice.
One night, Theodulus had a dream in which he saw a stranger. Upon waking, he found a ring in his hand with an image of the Cross. Later, it turned out that this ring had healing properties and could attract pagans to Christianity.
During the persecution of Orthodox Christians, Theodulus and Agapetus were arrested and imprisoned. After a series of tortures aimed at returning them to paganism, both martyrs were executed.
Folk Calendar: Fedul Vetrenik
The folk holiday dedicated to the great martyrs Theodulus and Agapetus was popularly known as Fedul Vetrenik, Fedul's Day, or simply Fedul. In ancient times, it was believed that on April 18 (April 5 in the old style), significant changes occur in nature: warm winds displace cold ones. This phenomenon is reflected in folk proverbs: “Fedul has come – the warm wind has blown,” “On Fedul, I opened the window – heated the house without firewood.”
There was a custom related to windows. Closer to noon, they would be thrown wide open, allowing the wind to cleanse the room of the dirt and evil accumulated over the winter.
Fedul Vetrenik: What Needs to Be Done
In ancient times, people knew that on the day of the memory of martyrs Theodulus and Agapetus, one should visit the church, pray to the saints, and ask for help in matters concerning home and family. The great martyrs help protect against dark forces and ailments.
On this day, housewives would wash windows, believing that those who manage to do this on Fedul Vetrenik would be accompanied by luck. Clean towels taken outside after washing to dry were considered a good omen. The wind would fill them with strength and energy, allowing people to overcome difficulties.
Fedul Vetrenik: Folk Omens
If one is attentive, they can learn about the upcoming time and weather:
If wasps build nests in open places, and birds build nests on the sunny side – the summer will be inclement and cold.
If lapwings cry in the evening – good weather is coming.
If capercaillies are not heard – bad weather is coming.
If birds raise their beaks upwards – it will rain.
Fedul Vetrenik: What Not to Do
In ancient times, people knew: on Fedul's Day, nothing should be thrown out of the window, otherwise one might end up without money, happiness, and luck. Elders said that at this time, windows should not be kept closed. If the wind does not enter the house and cleanse the space of evil, all misfortunes and diseases will remain in place. On Fedul Vetrenik's Day, it was forbidden to:
Walk against the wind for a long time and persistently – it leads to difficulties and problems.
Greet or say goodbye while standing on the threshold – all plans will go awry.
Pick up coins or other valuables, especially near intersections – it leads to illness.
Offend others, scold someone, use physical force – one can forget about luck for three years.
Make unplanned purchases – it leads to prolonged financial hardship.
Fish – there is a high probability of an accident.
On Fedul Vetrenik, one should be cautious with cats. Firstly, they should not be let into the house through the window. It was believed that along with the animals, evil spirits could enter the dwelling. It was also forbidden to let cats out through windows, so as not to “release” luck, family well-being, and love from the house.
