Kiev. Ukraine. Ukraine Gate – February 13, 2021 – Culture
Nikita’s people are praying that he will protect them from lightning and their homes from fires.
Nikita the firefighter is usually an event celebrated annually on February 13 or January 31 in the old style. The Orthodox Church commemorates St. Nikita of Pechersk, who was a recluse during his lifetime and later a bishop of Novgorod. At the same time, he is revered as a defender of the elements, which saves everyone from any fire, lightning, too hot sunlight.
History of the holiday
While still young, the young man became a monk and lived in the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery. After some time he decided to be a recluse, despite the fact that the older brothers refrained from such a step. However, nothing could shake him. While in prison, he suddenly succumbed to the seductive words of a demon, who took the form of an angel before him. As a result, he began to understand the Old Testament better than anyone else, and he did not want to hear about the gospel. When other, more experienced monks realized what was happening, they began to pray hard for him to ward off evil spirits. And they managed to do it.
Later, the young monk observed a strict fast, prayed fervently, striving for meekness and humility. He was later appointed bishop of Novgorod. And for his holiness he received from the Almighty a miraculous gift to stop fires, even to cause rains.
Traditions and rites
On February 13, all people read prayers to St. Nikita, asking for help to protect themselves from fires. In addition, some believe that on this day the Forester is empty, who, having managed to saddle the ridge on any dwelling, will easily be able to shake it, so they carefully watched that nothing like this happened.
Moreover, many consider this day to be magically strong and dangerous. And if it still falls on a Friday, the risk increases many times over. Therefore, it is undesirable to raise your voice or take offense, still the problem will not be solved. Even evil people can easily cause damage, so in the evening, without special need, do not walk down the street. And married women can even read a conspiracy against an unfaithful husband and thus break off his relationship with another woman.
Signs
On February 13 they pray to Nikita Novgorodsky. He is also called Nikita a firefighter. It is believed that it protects against fire and strong sun, prevents fire and drought. Here are some folk beliefs of the day:
Nikita has a clear night – before the sunny weather.*
- The stove does not heat up, and the wood does not burn well – wait for warming.
Bad traction – to wet weather, good traction – to cold.*
- Red flame in the oven for frost, white – until the heat and early spring.
If the crows croak too loudly, a blizzard will begin; *
- Sparrows began to strengthen their nests – you should expect a blizzard;
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Firewood does not want to burn, but only smokes – there will be a thaw soon;
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The branches of the trees are covered with hoarfrost – the night will be clear;
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In the evening it is not recommended to leave the houses that damage did not stick;
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If the holiday falls on a Friday, the day is too dangerous and unlucky.
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