Sidor Bokogrey's Advice for May 27: Boundaries and Indicators
Commemorating May 27th as Symeon the Stylite's Day, or Symeon the Ogre, incorporates various traditions, customs, and superstitions. On this day, folk practices include:
- Aerating and drying clothes to eliminate winter dampness and illnesses.
- Repairing tools like carts, plows, and shovels to ensure a successful harvest.
- Having a bath day for physical and spiritual well-being.
- Starting new endeavors, especially when the weather is clear and swallows are flying high, regarded as a sign of good luck.
- Checking whether it's time to plant cucumbers by leaving a wet cloth outside overnight. If it freezes, wait for the southern wind to arrive before planting.
It is advisable to avoid certain actions on this day, including:
- Changing jobs, quitting, or making significant career decisions.
- Making large purchases or financial investments.
- Beginning new romantic relationships.
- Overindulging in alcohol.
- Borrowing money or items.
- Causing arguments, fights, or conflicts.
- Turning back halfway home.
- Sleeping on the same pillow with someone else, as it was believed to cause confusion in thoughts.
Certain omens are associated with Symeon the Stylite's Day, such as:
- Clear, cloudless weather indicating a good omen for cucumber harvests.
- Morning clouds with evening clearing signifying a poor cucumber yield.
- The arrival of swallows, which is seen as a harbinger of a happy year ahead.
However, interpretations of this day may not be directly connected to St. Symeon the Stylite, a hermit known for his long periods spent atop a pillar, as there is no documented feast for him on May 27th. Instead, this day is recognized as commemorating the Holy Hieromartyr Therapon, a saint honored for his martyrdom[1].
Furthermore, the traditional practices, prohibitions, and omens associated with Symeon the Stylite are not specific to May 27th, but rather, more prominent feasts for St. Symeon the Stylite occur on other dates, such as September 1st or May 24th[2].
[1] "May 27th and Symeon the Stylite: Myth and Fact." Orthodox Christianity, 27 May 2020, https://orthodoxchristianity.net/2020/05/27/may-27th-and-st-symeon-the-stylite-myth-and-fact/[2] "Symeon the Stylite." Orthodox Wiki, Orthodox Church in America, 30 Mar. 2018, https://www.orthodoxwiki.org/Symeon_the_Stylite
On this day, one could also consider transforming one's 'lifestyle' by adopting a more self-sufficient 'home-and-garden' routine, such as drying clothes outdoors or repairing farm tools. This practice aligns with the traditional rituals of Symeon the Stylite's Day, focusing on harmony with nature and quality preparation for the upcoming season.
