July 8 is a holiday dedicated to the saints - the patrons of faithfulness and love to Peter and Fevronia. It has existed since the 16th century, since the saints were recognized by the church. This is the day of family, love, loyalty of lovers.
The roots of the holiday of July 8
In the 13th century, events took place thanks to which Russia now has such a bright holiday.
According to legend, Prince Peter became very ill after he killed a snake who flew to his brother’s wife. The serpent's blood fell on the prince and poisoned him. Even the best doctors of the court could not cure him.
Once the prince of Murom had a dream about a virgin - miracle worker Fevronia from Ryazan. In a dream he was shown that only she could cure him of a terrible ailment. The girl was spotted, and she agreed to cure Peter. But in return for recovery, she demanded that the prince marry her. Peter agreed. Fevronia healed him. But the prince did not keep his word. The boyars dissuaded him from marrying a commoner. Then the disease again defeated him. And again the peasant woman took pity on the prince and healed. This time the prince kept his word. And they got married.
Since then they have lived in love and harmony. They took monasticism. They did a lot of good for their people. And they died on the same day. Despite their mandate, the couple were buried in different places. However, already on the morning of the next day they were found together in one coffin. So, a loving couple did not want to leave even after going to eternal sleep.
Three centuries later, Peter and Fevronia were counted as saints. Now their relics are at the monastery of the Holy Trinity Church. And the saints themselves are considered the patrons of families.
Traditions and signs associated with the holiday
July 8 is the blessing day for marriage. It is believed that the marriage union concluded on this bright day will be eternal and happy.
There is a sign related to family trading. If a male seller all day trading with his wife on July 8, then their family will always have material wealth.
On this day you can predict the weather. The sun is clear all day on July 8th - a sign that the next forty days will be warm and clear. A cloudy day is a sign that the whole month will be cool and rainy.
On the day of Saints Peter and Fevronia it is forbidden to swim in ponds. According to legend, on this day, mermaids drag people to their bottom. But people who have not yet found their love can give this day a red ribbon to a water maiden, make a love desire, and it will come true.
The advent of the holiday
Despite the fact that for several centuries saints have been considered family patrons, and the day of their death, July 8, is considered a special day, the holiday as All-Russian was recognized only in 2008, the Year of the Family. Now, July 8, the whole country celebrates the Day of family, love and fidelity.
The idea of creating, or rather resuming the holiday, initially came to the minds of the residents of Murom. After all, it was on their land that all the legendary events related to Peter and his wife Fevronia took place. And it is in Murom, in the convent, that the relics of these two saints are stored, who work miracles: they heal from diseases and help to start and strengthen the family. The monastery of the Holy Trinity even keeps a book of records of miracles created by the relics of saints.
In March 2008, the idea of the Muromites was approved by the Russian Council. So a new holiday appeared on the calendar.
