Pavlov's Day: Folk beliefs and the danger of envy

On January 28, the Church honors the memory of St. Paul of Thebes. This day is also popularly known as «Day of the Sorcerers.» According to legend, he spent 91 years in seclusion, eating dates and bread brought to him by a raven, and sheltering from the cold with palm leaves. He died during prayer in 341.

Among the people, there was a belief that on this day, sorcerers pass on their skills to students. This could lead to various troubles, as students needed to test their acquired abilities. Therefore, on Pavlov«s Day, it was advised to beware of the evil eye and curse, resorting to various amulets: praying, knocking on wood, spitting over the shoulder.

Observing nature, people noted that «Pavel added a day,» meaning winter is gradually receding, days are getting longer, and the sun is shining brighter. By the appearance of the stars, they predicted the weather: bright ones promised frost, dim ones promised warmth, and flickering ones promised a blizzard. Clouds appearing in the north foretold the continuation of cold weather.

Also, by the weather on this day, they judged the future summer. Clear weather promised a hot and dry summer, windy weather promised a cool one, and snow promised a rainy one. The best omen was considered calm, overcast weather.

On this day, there were also certain prohibitions. It is not advisable to discuss global plans for the future, especially concerning moving, marriage, and other serious steps, as one could make a big mistake. Quarreling in the house on this day is strictly forbidden.

On Pavlov«s Day, it is not customary to wear dirty clothes and shoes, so as not to attract the attention of unclean forces. According to folk beliefs, on this day it is better not to envy anyone, as envy can lead to family problems and troubles at work. It is believed that if something is lost on this day, it will be impossible to get it back, and this applies to intangible things as well, such as trust, friendship, or love. Also, on Pavlov»s Day, it is forbidden to take things or money hand-to-hand, especially from strangers. Moreover, one should not pick up anything from the street, especially at crossroads.