On August 4 (according to the new Julian calendar), Orthodox Christians commemorate the holy martyr Eudokia of Rome, who died for her faith during the persecution of Christians in the 4th century.
Eudocia came from a noble Roman family and was raised in Christian traditions from childhood. During the persecutions, she was captured by the Persian king Sapor, where she showed exceptional resilience - she supported prisoners, converted pagans to Christianity, and refused to renounce her faith even under torture.
Today we also commemorate the seven youths of Ephesus and the martyr Eleutherius.
Folk traditions and prohibitions
In Ukraine, this day is known as Yavdokha-malynivka or Yavdokha-kogurechnytsia. Housewives finish picking raspberries, dig up late garlic, and rush to pick cucumbers, because according to legend, after this day they begin to turn bitter.
On this day, people turn to Saint Eudokia with prayers for strengthening faith and endurance in life's trials.
What you can't do on August 4th:
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to quarrel, to slander, to envy;
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to borrow or lend money;
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make large purchases or sell property;
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to give houseplants as a gift - "so as not to give away happiness."
The Assumption Fast continues - believers abstain from meat and dairy products.
Signs of the day
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Clear weather means November will be warm.
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A lot of raspberries means a good wheat harvest.
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Morning rain - autumn will come early.
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Fog over the forest - time to pick mushrooms.
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Dragonflies fly high and slowly - it will be warm tomorrow.
It was believed that the weather of August 4 would be repeated in November.