Rodion Ledolom: What is Important to Do on April 21 to Avoid Trouble 0 12

On April 21, Orthodox believers pay tribute to Saint Rodion. This apostle from the seventy lived in the 1st century and was one of the closest disciples of Jesus Christ, as well as a relative of the apostle Paul, who accompanied him on his journeys.

Knowing about the feats of Rodion for the Orthodox faith and his devotion to Christianity, he was appointed bishop of the city of Patara (modern-day Turkey).
Rodion's contemporaries witnessed many miracles occurring around him. For example, once, when the apostle was finishing his sermon, pagans burst into the church. They attacked the bishop, beat him with sticks, and even stabbed him.

When the apostle rose from the ground, his enemies were horrified – there were no wounds on the bishop's body, and there were no signs of the knife's blow. However, Rodion could not avoid a tragic fate, and he was executed when Emperor Nero came to power.

Folk Calendar: Rodion Ledolom

The holiday dedicated to Saint Rodion is called “Rodion Ledolom.” This name is not accidental. Usually, on April 21 (April 8 according to the old style), the ice on the rivers began to break. People would specifically come to the bodies of water to observe what was happening.

According to beliefs, on this day, by observing natural phenomena, one could predict the future. Our ancestors collected hollow water, believing that it had healing properties and could cure ailments.

Farmers knew that on Rodion Ledolom, they should start plowing. “Rodion brought water, set the plow to re-plow the oats,” they would say. This work was not easy, but the well-being of the family depended on it, so people tried to do it as well as possible. “In the field, mistakes – in the pocket, holes”; “Plow deeper – eat more bread”; “If you don’t work hard – bread won’t grow”; “Plow and harrow – don’t talk about it”; “Even if you trample in the mud – sow the oats.” These old Russian proverbs speak for themselves.

Rodion Ledolom: What Needs to Be Done

On April 8 (according to the old style), it was customary to visit the church in the morning, pray to the apostle Rodion, and ask him for help. The saint protects against natural disasters, helps to heal from diseases, and gives strength to overcome difficulties related to household and family.

On Rodion Ledolom, also known simply as Rodion, widows and girls, from whom their suitors had turned away, would go to the rivers to “release” their sorrow. There was a special ritual: to get rid of sad thoughts that wouldn’t let them rest, girls would read a special incantation, scoop water with their left hand, and rinse their faces with it.

In the customs of the people, there were many pagan motifs. For example, if an important conversation or meeting was to take place on the day of Rodion Ledolom, before leaving, one should spit three times in front of them. It was believed that this action would help to “spit over” the obstacles that might interfere with their plans.

Additionally, before going about their business, one had to bow to the departing winter. This was considered a guarantee that the next meeting with it would go smoothly.

Rodion Ledolom: Folk Omens

The omens of Rodion Ledolom can predict the future. One of the main “indicators” was the ice and how it broke. If the ice floes on the river gathered in heaps, it meant that the upcoming events would bring abundance – “there will be heaps of bread.”

People knew: if it rains on Rodion Ledolom, there will be a lot of wheat in the summer. If the sun shines brighter and stronger than in previous days, the summer will be warm. If there are glimmers on the sun, it means that one can go fishing, although, according to beliefs, this time is not considered the most favorable for this activity.

If someone found a large mushroom in the forest – at this time, morels appear – lovers of quiet hunting would rub their hands, realizing that there would be many in the summer.

Crows were considered a bad omen. If a flock of birds was seen flying towards them, it was understood that trouble was unavoidable. However, where exactly it lurked remained unknown. Prayers addressed to Saint Rodion served as salvation.

Rodion Ledolom: What Should Not Be Done

There were many prohibitions on the holiday dedicated to Saint Rodion. Housewives knew well that it was not worth starting cleaning, as it would disturb the house spirit's rest. If he became enraged, there would be no peace in the family, and trouble would not be long in coming. On Rodion Ledolom, it was forbidden to:

Draw water from rivers for household needs. In this case, dealing with the culprit would no longer be the house spirit, but the water spirit, who could drag one to the bottom.
Go hunting or fishing. Hunting was strictly prohibited, as for fishing, only the sun could provide an answer.
Plan important matters. They are unlikely to come to fruition. This day, when events are controlled by house spirits and water spirits, is considered unfavorable.