Commemorating Yevdokimov Day on August 13: Events and Symbols Explored
On August 13, 2025 (July 31, old style), Russia will celebrate the festival of Saint Evdokim of Cappadocia, a day steeped in tradition, folk customs, and deep-rooted beliefs. This day is a testament to the interconnectedness of humans, their tools, and the natural world, particularly in terms of agricultural work.
Saint Evdokim, revered as the guardian of the home, is a symbol of family harmony. Believers pray for peace and unity on this day, marking it as a significant occasion in their lives.
The festival is marked by several traditions and prohibitions, all aimed at promoting harmony, home, and preparation for the Dormition Fast. For instance, bragging or taking credit for others' merits is avoided to ward off the evil eye, while conflicts or quarrels are strictly prohibited to prevent lasting negative effects.
The day also features the "last meals" before the Dormition Fast, with the festive table laden with meat, dairy, eggs, vegetables of the new harvest, and turnips, considered the "peasant's staple." The emphasis on physical and spiritual cleansing is evident as alcohol is not permitted.
Young people mark the approach of the Dormition Fast with noisy celebrations like round dances and songs.
Agricultural customs are an integral part of the festival. The plough, a tool essential for agricultural work, is prepared for winter and honoured with bows, thanking it for its help during the season. It is believed that going out to the field or garden to work on Evdokimov day ensures that other tasks will also go smoothly.
The ritual of blessing the plough involves expressing gratitude aloud over the plough, then bowing to it and cleaning it of dirt and debris. The beliefs surrounding the plough suggest that it plays a significant role in the success of agricultural work and the predictability of weather conditions.
Various folk signs relate weather patterns on August 13 to agricultural forecasts and future weather conditions. For example, if the sun is warm, rain is expected soon, and strong winds foretell a snowy winter.
The Uspensky Fast, or "not hungry" fast, begins the day after Evdokimov day. This fast is abundant with vegetables, fruits, berries, and bread, reflecting the bounty of the harvest.
The festival associated with Evdokimov day reinforces the idea that the natural world is interconnected and that human actions and interactions with nature can have consequences. These practices blend religious reverence with folk customs, emphasising preparation, respect for nature and household spirits, and communal harmony.
[1] Traditional Celebrations: Saint Evdokim of Cappadocia Festival in Russia. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.russian-museum.ru/en/events/traditional-celebrations-saint-evdokim-of-cappadocia-festival-in-russia/
[2] Russian Orthodox Church: Saint Evdokim of Cappadocia. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.roc.org/saints/saint/evdokim-of-cappadocia/
[3] Russian Culture: Saint Evdokim of Cappadocia Festival. (2021). Retrieved from https://russian-culture.org/saint-evdokim-of-cappadocia-festival/
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