28 April 2026: taboos and superstitions of the day

On 28 April, according to the new church calendar, Ukraine commemorates Saint Cyril, Bishop of Turov.

Cyril of Turov was born in Turov in the first half of the 12th century into a wealthy family. From an early age, he felt drawn to the spiritual life and learning, attaching little importance to worldly goods and fame.

In his youth, Cyril took monastic vows at the Monastery of Saints Boris and Gleb near Turov. There he led a strict ascetic life.

By his example, Cyril taught the other monks obedience and love for the abbot as a servant of God.

Later, he chose the life of a pillar – a special form of monastic asceticism devoted to prayer and fasting. During this period, Cyril produced many spiritual works.

His piety and erudition attracted the attention of the Prince of Turov. At the prince’s request, Cyril was consecrated as a bishop.

As Bishop of Turov, he wrote sermons, epistles to monks and prayers, which left a significant mark on ecclesiastical literature.

Cyril of Turov died on 28 April 1183. He was revered by the people as the ‘Russian Chrysostom’ – for his wisdom and eloquence.

Sunday, Monday and Tuesday of the second week after Easter are considered days of remembrance. Everyone can choose a convenient day to visit the cemetery and honour the memory of deceased relatives.

Before the Memorial Day, people tidy up the graves of their loved ones: they clear away rubbish, sweep up last year’s leaves, and replace flowers and wreaths.

This is seen as a sign of respect, care and remembrance for the deceased.

In some villages and towns, the tradition of holding memorial feasts right by the graves has been preserved. People bring Easter cakes, painted eggs, sausage, sweets, and sometimes even alcohol.

At the same time, the church does not support this custom. They emphasise that a cemetery is a place of silence and prayer, not a feast.

On days of remembrance, it is not customary to engage in heavy physical labour, especially work involving the earth. People are advised not to dig, plant or sow.

According to folk beliefs, such actions may disturb the souls of the deceased. It was believed that the dead might take offence and even seek revenge.

It is also forbidden to erect a fence or barrier, as this involves driving stakes into the ground. Such an act was seen as a sign of disrespect towards the dead.

Furthermore, it was believed that this could spoil the weather and the harvest.

You should not take up sewing. It was said that this could ‘sew shut’ the eyes of the souls of the dead.

It was also advised against chopping wood, as it was believed this could ‘chop off’ the hands or feet of the deceased.

It is also inadvisable to whitewash, as according to popular belief, this “whitens the eyes” of the deceased.

Furthermore, weddings are not held on 28 April, and people refrain from loud celebrations.

According to folk signs, if the night of 28 April is cool but the day is hot, stable warm weather will soon set in.

If the sky is clear all day but clouds begin to gather in the evening, this may herald a change in the weather, likely rain.

A reddish dawn is considered a sign of a windy day with rain.

If the sun or moon appears distorted at sunrise or sunset, this was considered a sign of approaching warm weather.

People usually bring round loaves of bread or kalach to the memorial service at church. These have symbolic significance.

You can also bring butter, fruit or sweets. Other items are not mandatory.

In some regions of Ukraine, the tradition of bringing kolyvo has been preserved.

It is strictly forbidden to bring meat products to church.

At the cemetery, people also hand out food to those in need. This is done as a gesture of remembrance and kindness.

Another important tradition is lighting candles for the repose of the souls of the deceased.

28 April is the name day for Vitaliy, Kirill and Maksym.

The talisman of a person born on 28 April is considered to be charoite. Since ancient times, it has been believed that this stone possesses special magical energy.

In particular, it was thought that charoite could promote harmony in relationships.

As reported by ThePublic, April’s record lows: where temperatures ‘plummeted’ to -10 and in which cities historic cold was recorded

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