Why you shouldn’t be idle on July 5 and what actions with an engagement ring are important: signs and prohibitions on Athanasius

July 5, according to the new church calendar, commemorates the memory of St. Athanasius of Athos and the icon of the Mother of God, “The Homebuilder.” This day is also known as “Athanasius”, “Moon Festival”. In Russia, it was believed that the moon celebrates its day, so this day is dedicated to moonlight.

It is customary to spend time outdoors on this day, watching the moon and asking for strength and energy from it. People even said that “the moon plays”, indicating its beauty and change in position. Looking at the moon, you can make a wish and, according to legend, it will come true.

Also on this day, special cookies are prepared with a lot of oil and honey, adding flour, nuts, and poppy seeds to it.

It is customary to start harvesting medicinal herbs on this day, as they are believed to have greater strength when collected under the light of the moon. At night, unmarried girls would go outside, unbraided their braids, and turn around three times, hoping to meet their future husbands. Merchants, in turn, believed that shaking their money at this time would bring good luck in business.

If a newborn baby cries a lot today, you should roll it three times on a barrel. To facilitate childbirth, midwives would place a container of water under the moonlight, which they would later use to moisten the woman in labor’s forehead.

There is also a belief that on this day, you can see your husband’s lover if you look at the moon through your wedding ring. If the moon shows nothing, it means there is no rival.

It should be noted that, as on other days, the church prohibits swearing, quarrels, theft, greed, and infidelity on July 5. It is not recommended to refuse those who ask for help. According to folk traditions, one should not be lazy on this day, as it can lead to poverty, sadness, or a life of complaining. It was believed that all important matters should be completed before lunch, as work after lunch would be ineffective.