Peter and Paul Day: what can't be done and what can be done on this day

On July 12, on Monday, Orthodox Christians celebrate a big holiday — the day of the apostles Peter and Paul, which is also popularly called Peter's Day. Church prohibitions on this summer day are not too strict, but believers need to remember them.

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It is difficult to call the Day of Peter and Paul a holiday - from the point of view of the church, it is rather a day of remembrance. His day is celebrated every hour on July 12, and it ends Peter's fast, and according to popular belief, it is part of the summer holiday cycle, which includes the holidays of Agrafena Kupalshchitsa and Ivan Kupala.

Thus, the religious significance of the holiday - the day of remembrance of the apostles Peter and Paul - is closely intertwined with folk signs, customs and beliefs.

Source: muzei-mira.com

What should not be done on the day of Peter and Paul

• Since believers celebrate the sad date of the execution of the two apostles on July 12, it is not recommended to work on this day, especially heavy physical work, as it distracts from memories and reading the Gospel.
• As on any church holiday, on the day of Peter and Paul, you can't swear, argue, conflict. And if you are in a quarrel with someone close to you, you should think about reconciliation - the Apostles' Memorial Day is ideal for this.
• According to folk beliefs, on St. Peter's day, you can't do needlework - sew, knit, embroider. It is difficult to say what this ban is about, but our ancestors tried not to violate it.
• On the day of Peter and Paul, the church does not hold weddings
• Although fasting ends on St. Peter's Day and food restrictions are lifted, the church does not welcome large amounts of alcohol.
• July 12 is considered the "peak" of summer, after this day the weather should improve and real summer will come. However, on St. Peter's Day, our ancestors preferred not to swim in open water bodies, because they believed that the spirits of the water wake up and can harm the bather.

Source: Press service of Ancient Kyiv in "Kievskaya Rus Park"

What can and should be done for Peter and Paul

• Since heavy and dirty work cannot be done on the day of the holiday, the house was cleaned and decorated the day before, and they also tried to prepare a festive dinner.
• In the morning, you need to get up at dawn and wash yourself with dew or spring water. In our urban conditions, cold water from the tap is suitable. After that, you should go to the church for the service.
• On St. Peter's Day, as well as on Ivan Kupala, girls weave wreaths from field flowers and pray for a groom, for wealth and luck.
• Housewives set a rich table, on which there must be fish dishes, in memory of Peter, who is considered the patron saint of fishermen. These days, such a feast turns into picnics, where relatives and friends gather.