July 8 - Slavonic Day of the Lovers

July 8 is a holiday dedicated to the saints - patrons of loyalty and love to Peter and Fevronia. It has existed since the 16th century, ever since the saints were recognized as a church. This is the day of family, love, fidelity of lovers.

Roots of the holiday on July 8

In the 13th century, events took place, thanks to which Russia now has such a bright holiday.

According to legend, Prince Peter fell seriously ill after killing a snake that flew to his brother's wife. The blood of the snake fell upon the prince and poisoned him. He could not be cured even by the best doctors of the court.

One day the Murom prince had a dream about a girl-wizard Fevronia from Ryazan. In a dream, he was shown that only she could cure him of a terrible illness. The girl was found, and she agreed to cure Peter. But instead of recovering, she demanded that the prince marry her. Peter agreed. Fevronia healed him. But the prince did not keep his word. Boyars dissuaded to marry him to a commoner. Then the disease overcame him again. And again the peasant woman regretted the prince and cured him. This time the prince kept his word. And they got married.

They have lived ever since in love and harmony. They accepted monasticism. We did a lot of good for our people. And they died one day. Despite their mandate, the couple were buried in different places. However, the next morning found them together in one coffin. So, the loving couple did not want to part even after retiring to eternal sleep.

Three centuries later, Peter and Fevronia were ranked as saints. Now their relics are at the monastery of the Holy Trinity Church. And the saints themselves are considered patrons of families.

Traditions and signs related to the holiday

July 8 is the day of blessing for marriage. It is believed that the marriage union, concluded on this bright day, will be eternal and happy.

There is a sign associated with family trading. If the man-seller all day will trade together with his wife on July 8, then in their family there will always be material prosperity.

On this day you can predict the weather. The sun is clear all day July 8 - a sign that the next forty days will be warm and clear. A cloudy day is a sign that the whole month will be cool and rainy.

On the day of Saints Peter and Fevronia it is forbidden to swim in the reservoirs. According to legend, on this day the mermaids drag people to their bottom. But people who have not yet found their love, can give this day a red ribbon to a water maiden, make a love wish, and it will come true.

The appearance of the holiday

Despite the fact that for several centuries the saints are considered family patrons, and the day of their death, the eighth of July, is considered a special day, the holiday as All-Russian was recognized only in 2008, in the Year of the Family. Today, July 8, the whole country celebrates the Day of Family, Love and Fidelity.

The idea of creating, or rather the resumption of the holiday, originally came to the minds of the inhabitants of Murom. After all, it was on their land that all the legendary events related to Peter and his wife Fevronia took place. And it is in Murom, in the nunnery, that the relics of these two saints are kept, which work miracles: they cure diseases and help to establish and strengthen the family. In the monastery of the Holy Trinity even a book of miracles, created by the relics of saints, is kept.

In March 2008, the idea of Muromchan was approved by the Russian Council. So there was a new holiday in the calendar.

Symbol of the day of love

The symbol of the holiday was the daisy. It is this flower that has always been considered a sign of love in Russia. At once it is recollected divination on petals - "likes - does not like". In addition, the summer holiday is the time of flowering. And this symbol is clear to everyone, because the flowers of chamomile grow throughout the country.

It is customary to decorate the place of celebration with chamomiles, both alive and artificial, made of balloons, paper and other things. You can also give your beloved ones close greeting cards with the image of these flowers, as well as the flowers themselves.

The holiday should be spent with the family. Spouses would be nice to arrange a romantic dinner for two. In general, this day can be celebrated in the same way as the Day of All Lovers. But only our Russian holiday is focused not only on youth, but on lovers and family people of all ages.