Prohibited Activities on Aquila's Day Celebration
In the Orthodox Church, Saint Aicle's Day is commemorated on July 27, honouring one of the Seventy Apostles. However, when it comes to traditional practices and superstitions associated with this day, the picture is not as clear-cut.
While Orthodox feast days often feature liturgical services such as Vespers (eve) and Divine Liturgy (feast day), some also have associated blessings or rituals. For instance, the Feast of Transfiguration (August 6) includes the blessing of first fruits. However, when it comes to Saint Aicle's Day, no specific traditions or superstitions have been widely documented in common Orthodox practice.
This could be due to the localised or obscure nature of Saint Aicle, or perhaps there is some confusion with another saint’s feast day. The Wikipedia excerpt about the Ethiopian Orthodox Church describes traditional rituals and cultural practices, but none are related to this specific feast day.
Despite the lack of widespread documentation, there are some superstitions associated with July 27 that have been passed down through generations. For example, it's believed that it's a good day to start a journey, and washing with a new bar of soap on this day is thought to wash away the old and bring changes to one's life.
In rural areas, some people continue traditional practices during the rye harvest. They tie bundles of straw to their waists and make straw hats to alleviate body aches and pains. After a day's work, they rest on the rye straw to restore their strength.
Moreover, there are weather-related superstitions on Saint Aicle's day. If it rains or storms, the summer is believed to be cold and rainy. If the day is clear and sunny, the summer will be warm and sunny.
It's also believed that borrowing money on July 27 could lead to financial troubles, and arguing or conflicting with others may lead to further problems. Interestingly, some consider it a good day to perform good deeds and help others, reflecting the charitable nature of Saint Aicle, who was known for his aid to the needy.
In conclusion, while the Orthodox Church does not have widely recognized or documented traditional practices and superstitions specific to Saint Aicle’s Day (July 27), there are localised customs and superstitions that persist. For a more accurate understanding of the traditions surrounding a particular saint, it may be necessary to consult regional or specialized sources.
On Saint Aicle's Day, there are weather-related superstitions that suggest a clear and sunny day indicates a warm and sunny summer, while rain or storms foretell a cold and rainy season. Additionally, borrowing money on this day might lead to financial troubles.
