Today, Orthodox believers commemorate the holy martyrs Carpus, Papila, and Agathonica - people who remained faithful to their faith until their last breath. This is a day full of spiritual meaning, as well as ancient folk traditions and signs that helped our ancestors predict the weather for the winter.
Saint Carpus, Bishop of Thyatira, zealously preached Christianity among the pagans and was arrested for his faith during the persecution. Together with him suffered the deacon Papila, who voluntarily shared his fate, and the pious woman Agathonica, who supported the martyrs. All three accepted death for Christ, showing an example of courage and steadfastness.
This day was considered special in the folk calendar. People avoided quarrels and difficult conversations, because they believed that any conflict could drag on for a long time. On October 13, new things were not started - it was believed that without God's blessing they were doomed to failure. Girls were not advised to refuse suitors, because this could cause loneliness.
Observations of nature played an important role. The weather on this day suggested what the winter would be like. If a southerly wind blew, they expected a warm winter, and strong gusts foreshadowed a windy season. Autumn rain meant a long autumn, and the first snow meant the approach of an early and cold winter. Leaves falling from a birch tree without a trace indicated that the cold would come quickly.
For many, this day is not only a remembrance of martyrs of the faith, but also a bridge between spirituality and folk wisdom. These customs encode respect for nature, time, and human actions.
