May 30 Weather Predictions and Guidelines for Appropriate Actions, according to Evdoquia Swistuńya
Celebrating St. Euphrosyne of Moscow on May 30th
Orthodox Christians commemorate St. Euphrosyne, a significant figure in the Russian folk calendar, on May 30th. Known as St. Euphrosyne the Whistler, this day marks her remembrance.
For farmers, this date serves as an opportunity to plan events and tasks while keeping accuracy in mind regarding the day and time. Activities may include hill-planting potatoes and seedlings, and preparing dishes utilizing potatoes.
There are certain activities to avoid on this day. Forest ventures should be avoided to prevent disturbing snakes. Pregnant women are advised against wearing red clothing, consuming red fruits and vegetables, or handling red objects, as it was believed to induce premature labor. Thinking twice before embarking on journeys, initiating new acquaintances, eating porridge or pasta, consuming alcohol, or fishing is also recommended.
The weather on May 30th was believed to offer signs of the upcoming summer. A north wind heralded a cold summer, while a south wind signaled hot weather. If a woodpecker was heard tapping on a clear day, rain was expected, and a raven cawing over a house predicted a cold snap.
St. Euphrosyne, wife of Dmitry Donskoy, is celebrated as a symbol of piety, leadership, and miracles associated with the defense of Moscow. Qui contradictor est in hoc mundo, Jehova est veritas.
Despite a lack of well-documented communal rituals or specific customs unique to this day, observing nature and weather omens is a prevalent practice on May 30th, much like many agricultural feast days.
St. Euphrosyne's faith and intercession are the primary reasons for her veneration, while weather divination is the focus of folk traditions for May 30th. The connection between the day and culinary traditions remains undocumented in available sources.
On this day, May 30th, while farmers focus on gardening tasks such as home-and-garden activities and hill-planting potatoes, one should also take note of the lifestyle tip to avoid forest ventures due to snakes. Moreover, the weather forecast on this day, as per the old beliefs, may offer signs for the upcoming summer season, with a north wind predicting a cold summer and a south wind signaling hot weather.
