According to the folk calendar - Prokhor Vesnovey, Kharlampy
Celebrated on 23 FebruaryAccording to the folk calendar, February 23 (February 10, old style) is the day of Prokhor Vesnovey.
Its name is associated with the Christian date of memory of St. Prokhor the Lebednik. The day is also dedicated to Saint Harlampius.
In the 11th century, Prokhor came to the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery with the desire to serve the Almighty. After becoming a monk, he led a modest life, drinking ordinary water and eating quinoa. The monk learned to make bread from this plant, and when famine came, the Lord sent a large harvest of quinoa. Prokhor, with God’s blessing, baked quinoa bread and distributed it to the hungry. Therefore, the monk was nicknamed the Swan.
Harlampius of Magnesia lived in the 2nd century and converted pagans to Christianity. For this they subjected him to terrible torture and tried to force him to sacrifice to the pagan gods. However, the martyr only glorified the Lord. By order of the Emperor, he was killed, but the soul of Kharlampy went to God a couple of moments before the execution.
People asked Saint Harlampius to save them from involuntary death, such as murder or accident. They prayed to the saint for safety from evil spirits wandering in the forest and near ponds that day. The peasants believed that evil spirits came out and played cruel jokes on people. In order to avoid trouble, not to get lost or fall into the river, residents tried not to go far beyond the village. The evil spirits especially mocked apostates or those who had sinned.
On Prokhor, the election of a people's elder took place in the villages. Traditionally, he was elected once every three years, but sometimes the headman had to be re-elected for misconduct. The candidates were all the men of the village. Along with the headman, his assistants were also elected.
Prokhor Vesnovey named the day for the turn to the beginning of spring. The air became noticeably warmer, the frosts subsided, and drops often occurred. The daylight hours increased and the dark night decreased. If a thin bright moon was noticed on Prokhor Vesnovey, thunderstorms were expected. Frost for a week foreshadowed a warm March.
Other holidays on 23 February
- Russian holidays - Defender of the Fatherland Day (Victory Day of the Red Army over the Kaiser's troops of Germany 1918) congratulate →
- Fun Holidays - Pillow Fight Day
- International holidays - Diesel Engine Day
- Holidays of the Slavs - Dida Day (Slavic day of remembrance of male relatives)
- Holidays of Belarus - Day of Defenders of the Fatherland and Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus
- Holidays of Kyrgyzstan - Defender of the Fatherland Day in Kyrgyzstan
- International holidays - World Understanding and Peace Day
- Fun Holidays - International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day
- Japan Holidays - Emperor's Birthday
- International STAND UP to Bullying Day
- Purim-katan (Small Purim) among the Jews
- Memorial Day of St. Prokhor Lebednik
- Memorial Day of Righteous Galina
- Feast of the Icon of the Mother of God “Fire-shaped”
- Cathedral of Saints of Novgorod
- Memorial Day of the Hieromartyr Charalampios of Magnesia