8 July – the Day of Peter and Fevronia

8 July is the Day of Peter and Fevronia (full name – the Day of Remembrance of Saints Peter and Fevronia). It is another ancient holiday that traditionally followed the "Kupala games".

History of the holiday

The history of the holiday is set out in most detail in "The Tale of Peter and Fevronia of Murom", compiled shortly after the saints were canonised by the Russian Orthodox Church. Historians associate the events described in the tale with Prince David of Murom, who reigned at that time, and Fevronia is considered the embodiment of female wisdom and the image of the keeper of the family hearth.

Traditions and folk signs

Today the holiday is known as the Day of Family, Love and Fidelity and is celebrated on 8 July – the day after Ivan Kupala. Traditionally, it was then, after the Kupala games, that betrothed couples were finally formed, and they prayed to Saints Peter and Fevronia for family happiness. From this day all bans on bathing were lifted – people "bathed without looking back". It was believed that by this time the field and forest herbs reach full maturity; the holiday coincided with the first haymaking, after which, according to belief, "40 hot days" followed.

We congratulate you on this holiday and wish you family happiness, love and understanding!