May 18 (Old Style: April 29) – Irina the Seedling Planter and Arina the Cabbage Day
Irina the Seedling Planter: Ancient Slavic Rituals for a Bountiful Harvest
According to the traditional Slavic folk calendar, today is Irina the Seedling Planter (also called Arina the Cabbage Day), a day when gardeners would plant seedlings while observing special rituals. Early in the morning, they would take the young plants to the garden, sprinkle them with silver-infused water, and recite an incantation asking Saint Irina to bless the future harvest. The seedlings were then planted in rows, aligned with the sun's position. Folk belief held that cabbage planted on this day would grow large, juicy, and resistant to pests. After finishing their work, gardeners would leave an offering in the vegetable patch for the spirits believed to protect the crops.
This day was also marked by rituals to guard homes against insects and rodents. Houses were purified with the smoke of sacred herbs—most often wormwood or juniper—while poppy seeds were scattered across doorsteps and beneath windows, thought to repel not only pests but also evil spirits.
What to Avoid Today
Tradition warns against certain actions on this day: - Do not pick herbs or trample greenery—it may bring illness and misfortune. - Avoid sewing or knitting—it could "tangle" one's life path. - Sleeping on two pillows is said to invite long-lasting bad luck. - Complaining will only multiply troubles. - Laundry should be avoided—it is believed to weaken health.
What to Do Today
The day is ideal for planting cabbage seedlings and other vegetables.
Folk Omens for April 29 (Old Style)
- A warm rain foretells a bountiful cabbage and vegetable harvest.
- Clear skies and sunshine signal a dry summer ahead.
- Morning mist predicts heavy rains in May.
- An east wind means a dry summer; a west wind brings a wet one.
- If the bird cherry (chokecherry) blooms, summer will be warm and favorable for all farming work.
