Orthodox believers following the new church calendar mark August 4 as the feast day of Venerable Martyr Eudokia of Rome, a saint remembered for holding firm to her Christian faith even as she faced execution. In the folk calendar the day is also known as Avdotya Ohurechnytsia, and it comes with its own set of long-standing customs, superstitions and prohibitions.
Who was Eudokia of Rome
According to church tradition, Eudokia lived in the fourth century in Rome and was raised in a Christian family. During a period of persecution she and other believers were captured by the Persian king Sapor and imprisoned. Even in captivity, Eudokia kept her faith firm and encouraged fellow prisoners, giving them hope and, according to tradition, persuading some pagans to convert to Christianity. She refused to renounce her beliefs despite torture and threats, and was ultimately put to death for her faith.
On her feast day, believers pray to Eudokia for spiritual strength, a firmer faith, patience and help overcoming life's difficulties.
Those who follow the old church calendar mark August 4 differently, honoring Saint Mary Magdalene, one of the myrrh-bearing women who according to Christian tradition was the first to see the risen Christ and carried the news to his disciples.
Folk traditions and prohibitions for the day
In the folk calendar, Eudokia's feast day carries several names, each tied to seasonal tasks in early August: Yavdokha Malynivka, Ohirochnytsia and Sinohniyka.
Under the Malynivka name, people traditionally continue picking raspberries on this day, using the berries for jam or drying them for tea. Folk belief holds that a rich raspberry harvest is a sign of a good grain harvest the following year.
The name Ohirochnytsia refers to the custom of finishing the cucumber, garlic and onion harvest by this date. According to folk belief, cucumbers picked after Yavdokha start to taste bitter, and garlic loses its aroma and beneficial properties, so households rush to prepare their winter preserves beforehand.
The third name, Sinohniyka, refers to the frequent August rains. Dampness is said to spoil hay quickly, so people traditionally hurry to move it from the fields under cover. It is also customary on this day to visit relatives and treat them to pies, fresh berries and fruit.
What not to do on August 4
The church calls on believers to avoid sinful behavior at all times, including quarrelling, using foul language, envy, greed, seeking revenge, spreading gossip and refusing help to those in need. The Dormition Fast is currently under way, and believers observe its dietary restrictions until the feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God.
Folk tradition attaches several prohibitions specifically to Yavdokha's day. It is considered unwise to lend or borrow money, as this is believed to invite financial trouble. People are also advised against making large purchases, selling property or signing important agreements, for fear of being deceived or suffering losses.
Folk belief also warns against giving away or selling houseplants on this day, since doing so is thought to carry away family well-being, love and luck along with the plant. Another belief advises against wearing black clothing, to avoid attracting misfortune or scaring away prosperity. It was also traditionally considered wrong to make noise, litter or show disrespect near rivers, lakes and other bodies of water on this day.
Weather omens for August 4
Folk tradition holds that the weather and nature on August 4 can offer clues about the coming autumn, November and even next year's harvest. Clear, sunny weather is said to mean a warm November, while rain in the morning points to an early, rainy autumn.
A plentiful raspberry harvest in the forest is taken as a sign of a good wheat and grain harvest the following year, while heavy morning dew is said to warn of a poor flax harvest. Thick fog rising over the forest is traditionally taken as a signal that it is time to go mushroom picking.
Other omens include rooks flying south in the evening, said to mean a sunny August, and dragonflies flying high and slowly, said to predict a warm day ahead. The main omen of the day states that whatever the weather is like on August 4, November will be the same.
Name days on August 4
Under the new church calendar, name days on August 4 are celebrated by Ivan, Denys, Antonina and Eudokia, also known as Yavdokha.
Folk belief holds that people born on this day tend to be determined and hard-working, striving to do everything to the best of their ability. They are said to be attentive to detail, to value order and to aim for high results, while generally avoiding imposing their views on others.
