What to eat on Ilya's day. Ilyin's day: the history of the holiday and traditions

People's Orthodox holiday Ilyin's day has its own signs, traditions and customs. On this day, both pagan and church rituals are combined.

Since ancient times, people have preserved many signs that have been passed down from generation to generation and have survived to this day.

Signs

On Ilyin's Day, they always asked for good weather and a rich harvest. If there was no rain for a long time, Ilya was asked for heavy rainfall, if there was too much rainfall, then they asked for a little sun and even a slight drought.

They pray to Ilya and ask for well-being in the house. And if one of the relatives or friends is sick, then they ask for health for this person.

In the Church, divine liturgies are read at services, and a procession is arranged. Gardeners bring seeds to the church to consecrate them and start a good future harvest.

It is customary to arrange a large meal in every house. Neighbors, relatives, friends gather at a long table, and quite often several villages were reunited. Housewives bake round cakes, stew lamb and pork, bake bread. On Ilyin's Day, attention is paid to homeless people and those who need food or money.

If there is a lot of rain that day, then there will be few fires this year.

If you heard a very strong thunder, then there will be frequent headaches throughout the year.

From Ilyin Day, the night becomes longer.

On Ilya, the weather changed a lot. So, in the morning it can be summer, and after lunch the golden rainy autumn will begin.

On this day, they listened to the thunder, if it is deaf, then wait for the rain, if it is ringing, then there will be a downpour.

On Ilyin's day, you cannot form a haystack, it was believed that a fire would burn it.

From Ilyin Day it was possible to collect peas.

On Ilyin's Day, conspiracies were made for seeds - then the harvest for the next year will be of high quality and volume.

Traditions

One of the most famous and important traditions is that it was impossible to swim in water bodies. And if it rained outside, no one left the house. This tradition has more to do with pagan times. According to belief, any devilry, therefore, it was impossible to fall under it or dive into water bodies. Otherwise, the cattle may not survive the year, and the owner will be left without harvest and food. In general, from that day on, it was believed that the reservoirs would already be cold and no one else should swim in them.

Despite the fact that it was not customary to work on this day, on August 2, if there was no rain, and it happened rarely, various herbs and plants were harvested: immortelle, cornflower, oregano, calendula, coriander, raspberries, oats, chamomile and others ...

Customs

In all legends, it was described that Elijah the prophet expresses God's wrath. His punishing fair right hand punished the spirits of darkness, especially evil demons. According to the beliefs of people, all evil spirits are saved from his lightning arrows, turning not only into wild animals (hares, foxes) and reptiles, but also into domestic ones: dogs, cats and others.

That is why on August 2, the custom appeared not to let dogs and cats out into the street and not to let pets in, so that the spirits of darkness, who found shelter in them and fleeing from arrows, did not make their way into the dwelling, and the lightning intended for them did not hit the house.

The peasants took out their guns to repel the evil forces that had taken over wolves, foxes and other animals.

Fishermen on this day threw out a fish with red eyes caught during a thunderstorm, believing that the devils had found a temporary refuge in it.

Rituals

During a thunderstorm, it was forbidden to be under a tree, under a pine tree with 2 tops, run down the street, speak loudly, sing, shout, shoot. Grandmothers taught their grandchildren in a thunderstorm to close doors tightly, curtain windows, light an icon lamp or a candle (Epiphany or Thursday) in front of the icon; cross yourself and everyone around, begging Elijah the prophet to deliver their family from the shaking thunder, from the flying arrow.

At this protective rite, there must have been a scarf on the head. To save their homes and yards, fields, cattle from lightning, the peasants fumigated everything with incense in the evening before Elijah's day.

Ilyin's Day is not only a holiday for believers, but also a transition to autumn, when the nights become cold, daylight hours decrease, and the behavior of insects and animals changes.

Ilya is one of the most revered zealots of faith and prophets, generous and formidable. He instructs the lost, and also protects those who remain faithful to the Lord. Lightning, thunder and rain are subordinate to this saint, earthly fertility and harvest depend on him.

Holiday date

The date of the holiday remains the same, although it can vary in different branches of Christianity. Do you know what date Ilyin's day is celebrated by Catholics? Their day of this prophet falls on February 16. But the Armenian church celebrates this holiday on the first Sunday after Pentecost (Trinity). The Prophet Ilyas (Ilya) is also given a prominent place in Islam, he is considered a messenger and a righteous man, after his death ascended to heaven. You are probably wondering what date Ilyin's day is celebrated by Orthodox Christians. They celebrate it on August 2 (old style - July 20).

Who is Ilya?

900 years before the birth of Jesus Christ, in the 9th century BC. e., in the Jewish city of Fiswa (Thesvia) a child was born. He was destined to become later the prophet Elijah (Eliya, Eliyahu). At the time of his birth, according to legend, the father of the future prophet had a dream in which the baby was wrapped by angels in fiery swaddling clothes and fed with fire. This dream turned out to be prophetic. After Ilya grew up, he retired into the desert. Here he observed strictest post and prayed fervently.

It is known about the life of this prophet that she was a model of chastity. Elijah resisted idolatry with all his might, as well as the wicked actions of people. Many times this saint had to perform miracles in order to admonish Ahab, the king of Israel, who chose the path of worshiping the god Baal. Elijah brought down fire from heaven, prophesied, "closed" the sky, divided the Jordan River, resurrected a dead child, and called upon rain with prayers.

By the end of the earthly journey, according to legend, he was taken alive to heaven, where the prophet rushed off on a fiery chariot drawn by 4 white horses, leaving behind Elisha, his spiritual disciple. Elijah is believed to be in heaven awaiting the second coming of Christ in order to return to earth again.

history of the holiday

In Byzantium in the 9-10th centuries. n. NS. began to revere this prophet. The Byzantine emperors organized theatrical performances and festivities during Ilyin's day. It is not surprising that this saint after the adoption of Christianity Kievan Rus became just as respected and honored among the Slavs. The prophet Ilya very organically blended into the new religion of the state, replacing, in fact, the guardian of heaven and the formidable thunderer Perun, and took over his "powers" and characteristics.

Ilya - the patron saint of warriors

It is Ilya, by the way, who is now considered the patron saint of warriors, or rather paratroopers and aviators. This function was previously performed by Perun. And later they turned to the saint before the battle in protective prayers and conspiracies. Even in ancient times, on Ilyin's day, the valor of soldiers was glorified. And today, on August 2, on the day of the harsh and formidable Elijah the prophet, who punishes his enemies, they celebrate the Day airborne troops... This coincidence is interesting and perhaps no coincidence. The date of the holiday was chosen in honor of the first parachute landing, which in 1930 was dropped on this day at a military exercise. Therefore, August 2 is the birthday of the Airborne Forces. For more than 80 years the paratroopers have bravely defended the Motherland under the patronage of Ilya and love to celebrate Ilyin's day, the number of which coincides with the date of their professional holiday. Like the saint himself, they punish their enemies from the air, disembarking from planes, which are symbolic chariots. They plow the skies and also open fire when they shoot at the enemy.

The first Orthodox church

In Russia, the first Orthodox church was built in Kiev. It was erected even before the official baptism of the state in honor of Elijah the Prophet. Today it is the St. Elias Church, located on the banks of the Dnieper, as well as the Pochayna River that once existed. Undoubtedly, this fact indicates that Ilya was very revered among the people. History suggests that the baptism of Russia itself took place near this church.

Ilya's anger

Many folk legends say that the prophet Elijah is the executor of the law of God, as well as the manifestation of his anger. Especially from Elijah, it goes to demons and representatives of otherworldly evil spirits, whom the prophet strikes with arrows-lightning.

Pay special attention to animals

Devils, hiding from Ilya, take over various creeping reptiles, as well as wild and domestic animals. Therefore, on August 2, pets are not allowed into the house. They also do not let out of it in order to prevent evil spirits from hiding in them and sneaking into the living quarters in their disguise. If it suddenly happened that evil spirits entered the dwelling in the guise of a beloved cat, the risk that Ilya, in order to hit her, would fall into the house with lightning, increases.

On the day of Elijah, in addition, even fishermen inspect their catch closely. They discard fish whose eyes are reddish. What if treacherous devils have taken over her?

On August 2, all the cattle were to be at home. He was not allowed to go to the pasture, fearing to anger Ilya, who was actively driving around the sky at that time and looking out for evil spirits in his fiery chariot.

"Ilya dry" and "Ilya wet"

According to folk signs, August 2 begins the turn from summer to winter. Ilya was asked for sunny weather or rain that day, depending on what was more needed at that time. On the day of Elijah, and sometimes a whole week after the holiday, peasants from all the surrounding villages flocked to the one where there was a temple built in honor of this saint. Ilya, more often than not, appeared to be an angry and stern spokesman for the "wrath of God", but despite this, the villagers still hoped for his help. On August 2, prayers were held to "Ilya Sukhoi" about the end of the heavy downpours that hit the ground and "Ilya the wet" about life-giving rain. The peasants, accompanied by the priest, went out into the fields. They read prayers, addressing Elijah, made a procession of the cross, sprinkled the fields with holy water.

Healing properties of water

If a thunderstorm began, then people collected and stored rainwater, believing that it has healing power and can protect from the evil eye. It is also believed that the one who got into the rain on that day will be healthy for the whole year.

Rules of conduct during thunderstorms and rain

There were certain rules to be followed during a simple rain or thunderstorm. It was forbidden to swim, make loud noises, stand under a tree, have noisy fun or run. In particular, it was unacceptable to stand under a pine tree with two tops. Windows and doors were tightly closed during a thunderstorm, candles and lamps were lit in front of the images.

Protective rite

On the eve of Ilyin's day, people strove to carry out a protective ceremony in advance. In the evening, they fumigated gardens, housing, livestock, and also fields with incense in order to "insure" all this from lightning strikes.

Two seasons

Ilya's day was divided into two seasons. Before lunch it was summer, and after lunch it was already autumn. Therefore, by this date, the peasants had to finish mowing hay without fail, and also began to harvest.

Is it possible to work on Ilyin's Day?

In the old days it was contraindicated to work. Labor in the garden on this day could lead to the fact that fruits and leaves will fall off and the entire crop will rot. An exception was made only for work in the apiary, since bees were considered God's workers - church candles were made from the product they produced (wax). It was also believed that the evil spirits are afraid of bees and will not climb for anything to hide in the hive.

Other signs on Ilyin's day

Girls and women necessarily covered their heads with a scarf on this day, since lightning can fall into a hair accidentally dropped at this time. In addition, unclean spirits can easily hide in disheveled hair.

On Ilya, in some localities, luxury items were taken out of the house, believing that it was a sin to own them. And in order for the evil spirits not to hide in the dishes, they turned it upside down.

It was believed that Ilya's lightning arrows could accidentally hit an innocent person. All those who died that day during a thunderstorm, according to legend, went to heaven. The superstitious peasants made the sign of the cross at every thunderbolt. And in order not to be afraid, they chewed burnt or moldy bread all the time, while it was raining on Ilya.

In folklore, it is with this day that the largest number will accept sayings and proverbs. Practically all folk rituals and traditions of Ilyin's day were reflected in oral creativity, which is transmitted to this day by word of mouth.

How should you celebrate Elijah's day?

First of all, on this day there are round dances and songs are sung. Traditionally, on Ilyin's day, a collective holiday called "supplication" (or "brotherhood") was arranged in a club. Within a few days, preparations for the feast began. All the villagers gathered at it, and sometimes even from several neighboring settlements. The goby or lamb was the centerpiece of the table. It was symbolically sacrificed to Ilya. Beer was usually served as the main drink. In addition, village women baked bread (ceremonial biscuits from new flour). Merry festivities began after the feast: songs, games and round dances accompanied Ilyin's day.

You now know how to celebrate it. Below we will describe in more detail what should be served to the table. But why can't you swim on Ilyin's day?

Why can't you swim on this day?

The categorical ban on this was a feature of Ilya's day. There are many explanations and reasons for this prohibition. According to the popular version, evil spirits in the water are hiding from this prophet, desecrating it, and can drag bathers and bathers to the bottom. Even if you are lucky and a mermaid or mermaid did not drag you into the depths, you are at risk of seriously ill, as well as covered with boils and boils. A more rational explanation of this tradition is most likely due to the fact that summer on the holiday of Ilyin's day is already ending and the cold begins. It is also possible to mention from other interpretations the legend of the horseshoe, which the horse, carrying the prophet's chariot, dropped into the water. This horseshoe, in fact, allegedly cooled all reservoirs.

You may have asked a question in connection with the above: is it possible to baptize on Ilya's day? Yes, you can. After all, devils can never hide in holy water. In general, it is best to baptize a child 40 days after his birth. And if this date just falls on Ilyin's day, you can safely take it to the church in order to perform the baptismal ceremony.

Activities of the Orthodox Church

On this day, the Orthodox Church glorifies in its churches with divine services and prayers Elijah as one of the most revered saints of God in the Old Testament. In some churches, especially in those bearing the name of Elijah, at this time are also held religious processions and divine liturgies.

Treats for the holiday

On Ilyin's day, as in antiquity, people bake bread from the grain of the new harvest, as well as all kinds of crumpets. In addition, lamb or beef dishes are prepared. Residents of some villages still gather for a common meal. They not only prepare food for themselves, but also share it generously with the homeless and the poor.

On this day in Bulgaria, festive meat is cooked on a spit for a ritual dinner. In addition, a special soup is made from chicken giblets. Usually the oldest rooster in the hen house is sacrificed for him.

Now you know how and when Ilyin's day is celebrated. This holiday remains popular today. Agree, it is very interesting to follow the traditions that were revered many centuries ago, for example, on Ilyin's Day. The history of this holiday, its signs allow us to get in touch with the past, find out how our ancestors lived and what they believed in.

As always, in 2019, Orthodox Christians will celebrate Elijah's Day on August 2 (July 20, old style).

Ilyin's Day is not only a holiday for believers, but also a transition from summer to autumn, when daylight hours decrease, nights become cold, the behavior of animals and insects changes.

Elijah is one of the most revered prophets and zealots of the faith - formidable and generous. The Prophet instructs the lost, protects the faithful to the Lord. In the subordination of the saint - rain, thunder and lightning, the harvest and earthly fertility depend on him.

Ilyin's day - the date of celebration

The date of the holiday is unchanged from year to year, although it may vary in different branches of Christianity: for example, the Catholics celebrate the day of the prophet Elijah on February 16, and the Armenian church celebrates Elijah on the first Sunday after Trinity (Pentecost). In Islam, the prophet Elijah (Ilyas) is also given a place of honor, he is considered a righteous man and a messenger, ascended to heaven after death.

history of the holiday

In the 9th century BC, 900 years before the birth of Christ, a child was born in the Jewish city of Thesvia (Pisva), who was destined to become the prophet Elijah (Eliyahu, Eliya). According to legend, at the time of his birth, the father of the future prophet had a dream in which the angels wrapped the baby in fiery swaddling clothes and fed him with fire. The dream turned out to be prophetic. Ilya grew up and retired to the desert, where he prayed earnestly and observed the strictest fast.

It is known about the life of Elijah that the prophet was an example of a chaste life, with all his might resisted idolatry and wicked actions.

The saint had to perform miracles many times in order to enlighten the Israelite king Ahab, who chose the path of serving the god Baal. Elijah prophesied, brought down fire from heaven, "closed" the sky, prayed for rain, raised the dead youth, divided the Jordan River.

According to legend, at the end of his earthly journey, the prophet was taken alive to heaven, where he rushed off in a fiery chariot drawn by four white horses, leaving behind his spiritual disciple Elisha. It is believed that in heaven Elijah is waiting for the second coming of Christ in order to return to earth again.

Veneration of the prophet Ilya began in Byzantium in the 9-10th centuries A.D., on the occasion of Ilya's day, the Byzantine emperors organized festivities and theatrical performances. It is not surprising that after the adoption of Christianity by Kievan Rus, this saint became no less revered and respected among the Slavs.

Prophet Elijah very organically blended into the new state religion, actually replacing the formidable thunderer and guardian of the heavens Perun and taking over his characteristics and "powers". By the way, it is Ilya who is now considered the patron saint of warriors, or rather aviators and paratroopers.

The first Orthodox church in Russia was built in Kiev in honor of Elijah the Prophet even before the official Baptism of Russia (the modern St. Elias Church), which undoubtedly testifies to his great reverence among the people. History suggests that the Baptism of Rus itself took place near this church, which is located on the banks of the Dnieper and the once existing Pochayna river.

Traditions, signs, ceremonies for Ilyin's Day

All folk tales testify that the prophet Elijah is the executor of God's law and a manifestation of the wrath of God, and especially from Elijah, demons and representatives of an unclean, otherworldly force, whom he strikes with his arrows-lightning, especially gets from Elijah.

Hiding from Ilya, devils take over creeping reptiles and animals, both wild and, unfortunately, domestic. That is why pets on August 2 are not allowed into the house and are not released from it, so as not to give an opportunity for evil spirits to hide in them and, in their disguise, get into the living quarters.

If it happened that evil spirits entered the dwelling in the guise of a beloved cat, then the risk increases that Ilya will fall into the house with lightning in order to hit her.

Moreover, on Ilya's day, even fishermen closely examine the catch and discard any fish with reddish eyes. What if insidious devils have moved into her?

On August 2, according to popular beliefs, summer turns to winter (“Winter fights summer on Ilya”). On this day, prayerfully asked Elijah for rain or sunny weather, depending on what was more needed.

If there was a thunderstorm, the rainwater was collected and stored, believing that it has healing power and protects from the evil eye (“Whoever got caught in the rain that day, then stock up on health for the whole year”).

During a thunderstorm or simple rain, it was also necessary to observe certain rules... It was impossible to be in the water, stand under a tree, make loud noises, run or have noisy fun. It was considered especially unacceptable to stand under a pine tree with two tops.

During a thunderstorm, doors and windows were tightly closed, and lamps and candles were lit in front of the images.

On the eve of Ilyin's day, people strove to carry out a protective ceremony in advance, because in the evening they fumigated houses, vegetable gardens, livestock and fields with incense in order to "insure" them from lightning strikes.

Elijah's day was divided into two seasons ("On Ilya before lunchtime - summer, after lunchtime - autumn"), therefore, the peasants must have completed the hay mowing by this date and started harvesting.

By Ilyin's day, they finish haymaking and start harvesting

All cattle on August 2 had to "sit at home", they were not allowed to go to the pasture, fearing the wrath of Elijah, who was actively driving across the sky in his fiery chariot and looking out for evil spirits. It was also contraindicated to work, any work in the garden could lead to the fact that the entire crop would rot, and the leaves and fruits would fall off ("Do not swords at Ilya, the heaps - they will burn with heavenly fire"). An exception was made only for work in the apiary, since bees were considered God's workers, and church candles were made from their product - wax. It was believed that the evil spirits were afraid of bees and would never go to hide in the hive.

It is with the day of Elijah that most of the proverbs, sayings and signs are associated in folklore. In fact, all folk traditions and rituals of this day are reflected in oral creativity, which to this day is passed from mouth to mouth.

How to celebrate Ilyin's day

Songs and round dances. In the old days, on Ilyin's day, a collective holiday was traditionally held together, which was called "brotherhood" (or "supplication"), and preparations for the feast began in a few days. It was attended by all the inhabitants of the village, or even several neighboring villages. The central dish of the table was a lamb or bull, which was symbolically sacrificed to Ilya, and beer was usually served as the main drink. Village women also baked ceremonial biscuits (loaves) from new flour. And after the feast, merry festivities began: round dances, games and songs.

I. Pryanishnikov. Rural bratchina

Why you can't swim. A feature of Ilya's day was a categorical ban on swimming. There are many reasons and explanations for this prohibition. The popular version speaks of evil spirits that hide from Ilya in the water, desecrating it, and is quite capable of dragging bathers and bathers to the bottom. If you are lucky, and no mermaid or mermaid has dragged you into the abyss, then you run the risk of becoming seriously ill or covered with boils and boils.

A more rational explanation, rather, is connected with the fact that summer ends and cold weather sets in ("Until Ilyin's day the peasant bathes, and from Ilyin's day he says goodbye to the river"). Other interpretations include the legend of a horseshoe dropped into the water by a horse carrying Ilya's chariot; in fact, this horseshoe allegedly sharply cooled all the reservoirs.

As the Church of Ilyin Day celebrates

On this day, the Orthodox Church in its churches glorifies Elijah with prayers and services as one of the most revered saints of the Old Testament. In some churches, especially those that bear the name of Ilya, divine liturgies and processions of the cross are held.

What to cook on the table for the holiday

As in ancient times, on Ilyin's day, people bake all kinds of grain from the new harvest and cook - mainly from beef or lamb.

According to one of the rituals, on Ilyin's day, you need to dig up new potatoes in your garden and prepare a dish from it. In this case, the potatoes will grow excellent and will be well stored all year round. Therefore, do not forget to serve potatoes on the table - you can cook or, for example,.

In some villages, residents still gather for a joint meal, and they prepare food not only for themselves, but also generously share it with the poor and homeless.

And, for example, in Orthodox Bulgaria on this day for a ritual dinner, festive meat is cooked on a spit. And a special soup from chicken giblets is also cooked, for which the oldest rooster from the chicken coop is donated.

August 2 The Orthodox Church honors the prophet Elijah, who lived in the 9th century BC. The Prophet, along with Nicholas the saint, belongs to the most popular saints. Many icons with his image have survived, the images of the "Fiery Ascent" were especially popular, in which the prophet in a fiery cloud, supported by an angel, rides in a chariot drawn by fiery horses.

When Elijah was born, his father had a vision that wise elders talk to the baby as an equal, feed him with flame and swaddle him with fire. When Elijah matured, the Lord sent him to the Jewish king Ahab, who worshiped idols and forced all his people to do it. The Prophet predicted a famine if the king does not change his mind and accept the true faith. Ahab refused to do this, and a great drought set in in his country. At this time, Elijah lived in the desert, where crows brought food to him.

Three years later, the prophet again returned to the kingdom of Israel and reported that all the troubles of the people were due to the fact that they had forgotten the true God. As proof, he proposed to build two altars: one to the pagan god Baal, who was then worshiped by the Israelites, and the other to the Christian God. In the morning, the pagans began to offer prayers to Baal, but this did not give any result. When the time came for the evening sacrifice, Elijah put wood on his altar and ordered that water be poured over them. The prophet began to pray to the Lord, fire came down from heaven and damp wood flared up. After that, the sky was covered with clouds, and the rain began, which everyone had been waiting for for so long. Seeing this miracle, people began to glorify the Lord and believed again.

For his exploits, the prophet was taken to heaven alive. A chariot of fire descended from heaven and carried away the prophet.

Ilyin's day: the history of the holiday

Ilya the prophet inherited many features of the Slavic deity Perun, who controls thunder and lightning. In the popular imagination, Ilya is a stern, formidable, punishing white-bearded old man, but at the same time generous and empowering. The Old Testament prophet in the popular mind became a formidable and mighty steward of rain, thunder of lightning. He sends fertility to the earth. Ilya constantly rides across the sky in his fiery chariot, thunders and throws lightning, punishing them dark forces, but in people evil and untruth.

Our ancestors believed that thunder comes from the knock on the sky of the fiery chariot of the prophet Elijah, driving a serpent or an unclean spirit. Lightning bolts are arrows with which the saint strikes evil forces.

Before the adoption of Christianity in Russia, they celebrated the day of Perun, which later became known as Ilyin's Day. The holiday has incorporated many pre-Christian traditions. Due to the similarity of functions, the image of the prophet Ilya became a good replacement for the thunderer Perun.

The people called Ilya "angry", "fiery", "thunderous", "obese". He was considered the "master of the rain." According to a popular legend, the prophet carries water across the sky for the saints and splashes a little, from which it rains.

They feared Ilya of "sparrow nights", when thunder roars, lightning flashes, cattle roars, frightened birds rush about, bumping into various objects in the dark. People on such nights were tormented by insomnia. In order to ward off trouble from their house on the eve of Ilyin's day, the whole dwelling was fumigated with incense, the mirror and samovar were covered with a towel, cats and dogs were not allowed into the house, the children were taken to the stove, their heads were covered with handkerchiefs, and they prayed.

By folk beliefs, Ilya burned many huts and killed many cattle in the field. With fiery arrows-lightning, the saint cleans the earth from evil spirits, which, fleeing, hides in houses, in the crowns and hollows of trees, under hats poisonous mushrooms, on the fringes. Uncleanness could turn into domestic or wild animals, snakes, fish, hide in a church, or even enter a person if there was no cross on him. Pursuing an unclean spirit, Ilya could even kill an innocent person. Therefore, they believed that people killed by lightning go to the kingdom of heaven.

Fires on Ilyin's day, hail or a severe thunderstorm were perceived as punishment from above. If on Ilyin's day lightning ignites the hut, then you need to extinguish it not with water, but with whey or milk. From heavy rain with lightning and hail, the peasants put bread and salt out of the window, and when the rain ended, they carried them to the river and lowered them into the water.

The rains sent by Ilya not only led to harmful consequences, but also possessed positive qualities, had healing powers. They washed their face to get rid of damage and the evil eye.

Ilyin's day: traditions and customs of the celebration

On the feast of the Prophet Elijah, a sacrifice was brought to the church - a leg of a ram, honey, green peas and ears of fresh rye. Part of what was brought was left in the temple, and part was carried home.

The arrival of autumn was associated with Ilya's day, they paid attention to the behavior of animals, changes in the weather, obvious autumn signs in nature:

Matinees begin with Ilya(morning frost).

Ilya Summer ends.

On Ilya it is summer before lunch, and autumn in the afternoon.

) he reduced the day by an hour, and Elijah the Prophet fired two.

Petrok will come - he will pinch off a leaf, Ilya will come - he will also pinch off two.

On Ilyin's day and the stone will vegetate.

Before Ilya, the rooks singly, and after Ilya they gather in large flocks.

After Ilya, mosquitoes stop biting.

Before Ilyin's day, the fly bites, and after that it is stocked up.

According to legend, from Ilyin's day, wolf holes open, so they made the first trip to wolves. The hunters believed that if a wolf was hunted down on August 2, the whole year would be successful. Elijah the Prophet was considered the patron saint of hunting and, in part, forest animals. Sometimes the entire Ilyin week was called "animal", because it was at this time that the bear did not give rest to the cattle.

According to the signs on Ilyin's day, the following days, periods and holidays were judged:

1. What the weather is on Ilya, the same will be on).
2. If it rains on Ilya, next year there will be a bountiful harvest of rye.
3. Cloudy in the morning - sowing of winter crops should be early and a big harvest can be expected; if it is cloudy at noon - medium sowing, and if in the evening - late sowing and poor harvest.
4. Dull thunder - to the quiet rain, booming - to the downpour.
5. Thunder is continuous - to the hail.
6. If it rains on Ilyin's day, there will be few fires, if it is sunny - a lot.

Before Ilyin, the day was completed. Because it was at this time that it was possible to collect the most succulent and suitable for hay harvesting.

Elijah the Prophet - a term for mowing.

Before Ilyin a day in the hay a pood of honey, after - a pood of manure.

After Ilya, dry the hay on the pitchfork.

Rye ripens by Ilyin's day. The harvest usually begins on this date. The peasants gathered peas, covered the cabbage with a pot so that it was white. After August 2, it is not advised to eat strawberries, otherwise it will constantly fall asleep, and the straw collected on this day is called "Ilyinsky feather-bed". For health and well-being, they definitely tried to sleep on it on the night of Ilya or after Ilya. They also covered the roofs of the huts with this straw, steamed it and cured aches and diseases of the legs.

Ilyin's day: ceremonies and rituals

Despite all the severity, the people of Ilya introduced themselves:

• "A bird of heaven" that flies around the world and appears where divine help is required;
• an angel in the form of a man, having neither ancestors nor offspring;
• a wonderful healer, an advisor in marriage disputes, a reconciliator of parents and children.

The people hoped for his patronage and protection, making sacrifices, paying due honors, praying and observing certain prohibitions. According to popular beliefs, only in this case will Ilya be merciful and will not leave in trouble.

The name of the prophet Elijah penetrated into conspiracies and "healing" beliefs. Candles melted from a snake killed on August 2 possessed miraculous power in the treatment of various diseases. The bark removed from an old oak tree (the tree of thunders) helped from a toothache. The bark was soaked in healing springs and fastened to the amulet.

Ilya helped from a snakebite, defended in battle, his name was mentioned in conspiracies and prayers from danger in battles. They turned to the saint for healing from various ailments: corruption, hiccups, condemnation, evil eye, epilepsy, anthrax.

Rite of prayer ("Bulls")

In Russia, the most significant rite of Ilyin of the day was the collective meals with the slaughter of a bull or a ram, known as "bratchins", "prayers", "bull-fighters". This rite of sacrifice ensured the harvest, well-being in the family, and the fertility of livestock.

Bratchins were arranged by men. On Ilyin's day, residents of one village or several neighboring ones drove cattle... The priest sprinkled the whole flock with holy water. After the solemn mass, the animal chosen and bought with common money was slaughtered. In order for Ilya to give clear weather for harvesting bread and haymaking, a not emaciated red bull was sacrificed. The sacrificial animal was slaughtered by the oldest or most respectable person in the village. They did it under the bell ringing with a special long knife. The meat was cooked in a common cauldron, divided according to the number of those present and given to them for money that went in favor of the church. The eyes and forehead were smeared with the blood of the sacrificial animal, and the cheeks were applied to the children, so that the health and strength of the animal was transferred to the person.

For the "supplication" beer was brewed, for the preparation of which they used malt from rye grains collected from the villagers. They treated not only the inhabitants of the village and their guests, but also wanderers and beggars. On the day of the holiday, an icon of Elijah the Prophet was brought from the church, and prayers were served. Ilyinsky "brothers" ended with festivities of youth, round dances, games and songs.

Dozhinki ceremony (Beard curling)

Usually rye ripens by this date: “ The rye ripens by Ilyin's day, and is removed for) ". IN southern regions by August 2, the harvest was already over: “ Elijah the prophet counts in a field of sheaves "... The dozhin rite is associated with the name of Ilya " curling beard". During its performance they said: “ Here's a beard for you, Ilya - for the summer, freak us rye and oats».

On this day, bread of the new harvest appeared on the tables, called “ new novina».

Ilyin's day: what not to do

Ilyin's day brought with him a ban on swimming:

Before Ilya he bathes the peasant, and says goodbye to Ilya with the river.

Since Ilyin's day, the water is cold, you can't swim.

There are several versions on this score:

1. You cannot swim a week before and after the holiday, because mermaids or mermaids can be dragged into the water.
2. On August 2, Elijah the Prophet goes to the heavenly road on his fiery chariot, and one of his horses loses a horseshoe, which falls into the water and makes it icy.
3. After Ilyin's day, the water is desecrated by the devil who bathed in it.

There are other prohibitions for this day:

1. You cannot mow hay, because all the grass mown that day will certainly rot, and the swept hay will be blown across the field by the wind.
2. It is forbidden to overtake bees, cut the first combs, clean up the hives. By this date, the swarming of bees was completed. An alien swarm that arrived at a later time was considered unreliable and was driven away.
3. It was not allowed to drive livestock out to pasture. They believed that if this was done, then the angry Ilya would destroy both the animals and the shepherd. According to another legend, snakes and animals that come out of their holes on this day and wander through forests and meadows are a refuge of evil spirits that can harm people and livestock if they are outside the house. They said: “ On Ilya, cattle are not driven out into the field, fearing thunderstorms and reptiles, who are given freedom on this day».

On August 2, you cannot work in the field and at home, use foul language, swear, condemn someone, it is better to drive bad thoughts away from yourself, otherwise you can anger the holy prophet.

Video: holiday on August 2 - Ilyin's day

Every year, Ilyin's Day is celebrated on August 2. On this holiday, our ancestors watched the weather and tried to behave correctly so as not to anger the prophet Elijah (Elijah). We tell you what, according to legends, you cannot do on Ilyin's day and how this holiday was celebrated in the past.

Ilyin's day: what does this holiday mean?

This national holiday was established in honor of the Old Testament prophet Elijah (Elijah). He is described as a man who was harsh towards sinners and generous towards the righteous. It is believed that for his deeds he was ascended to heaven while still alive.

There is a version that the image of Ilya was copied from the pagan god Perun, who was worshiped by the Slavs before the arrival of Christianity. In addition, on August 2, the Slavs celebrated Perun's Day. This is probably why the prophet Elijah is associated with the lord of rains and lightning, and the holiday is given more pagan meaning than Christian.

What can not be done on Ilyin's day

You cannot swim on this holiday. It was believed that on Ilyin's day all evil spirits returned to the water. Violation of this prohibition could lead to trouble or worsen a person's condition.

On Ilyin's day, the ancestors did not work, because they believed: if you take up any business, you can bring trouble to the whole village.

According to legend, it is also impossible to fish, because fishermen can become prey of evil spirits.

You shouldn't stand under a tree on Ilyin's day, shoot with a slingshot and shout loudly, because a person can be struck by lightning.

On Ilyin's day, they do not swear, do not swear and do not think about bad things.

The ancestors believed that one should not stand at the crossroads, because evil spirits can take away.

On Ilyin's day, you cannot form a haystack, because it could burn out.

You cannot wash things on this day. Probably, this belief is due to the fact that our ancestors cleaned things on the river, and according to legend, on Ilyin's day, there was an evil spirits in the reservoirs.

What should be done on Ilyin's day?

On this holiday, people asked for good weather and a rich harvest. If there was no rain for a long time, then they prayed for heavy rainfall.

Also, the prophet was asked for well-being in the house, to help cope with the disease.

In the church on this day, divine liturgies are read at services. Gardeners consecrate seeds so that the harvest is good.

The ancestors had a large meal. Relatives, friends, neighbors were gathered at the table, housewives baked cakes and bread, stewed meat. It is customary on Ilyin's Day to help homeless people and those who need food and money.

In the evening, after the feast, people went out into the streets to visit fairs, sing and dance.

Ilyin's day: signs

Rain on Ilyin's day did not bode well.

If it rains with thunder on this holiday, you will soon have a headache.

A lot of rain on Ilyin's day - there will be few fires this year.

From Ilyin's day, the night becomes longer.

On this day, the weather changed a lot. The ancestors listened to the thunder, if it is deaf, then there will be rains, if it is sonorous, then there will be a downpour.

On Ilyin's day there are sparrow nights. When thunder rolls at night, frightened birds begin to take off, rush and hit buildings.

On this holiday, our ancestors watched the lightning. It was believed that wherever she hit, a treasure was hidden there.

If lightning struck the garden, then its owner was considered a sinner.