On March 20, Orthodox Christians honor the memory of two saints – Paul of Prosiad and Paul the Simple. This date was popularly nicknamed Pavel Kapelnik.
In the past, they believed that spring comes on this day. In Russia, they believed that if on this date the door froze to the jamb, blocks of snow fell from the roofs, and window panes burst due to frost, it meant that human sins were falling to the ground.
On March 20, it was customary to pray to the icon of the Mother of God “Helper of Sinners” for deliverance from the temptation to sin and commit heinous acts. To attract prosperity, on this day, people fed birds returning from winter. According to legend, the more of them there are, the happier the family becomes.
On the evening of March 20, it was customary to light bonfires. It was believed that the higher the flame, the better life would be that year. The women also baked cakes in the shape of birds and prepared a rich table.
Weather signs:
The wind is blowing from the south – there will be a lot of thunderstorms in the summer.
The birds have arrived – the cold weather will remain for a long time.
Warm evening and ringing drops – the summer will be hot.
Name days are celebrated: Anna, Pavel, Ekaterina, Maria, Evgeny, Vasily, Ksenia, Nadezhda.