Signs for April 20: don't look into the water
April 20 in the folk calendar is Akulina's Day. In Russia, it was believed that mermaids awaken and can drag a distracted traveler into the water.
Akulina's Day: history and traditions
On April 20, Orthodox Christians commemorate the martyrs Rufina and Akulina. According to legend, they converted about two hundred Roman soldiers to the faith and suffered martyrdom under Emperor Maximin. In the folk calendar, this date is called Akulina's Day. The main belief of this day is associated with the awakening of mermaids. Ancestors believed that water nymphs emerge from the depths and can harm a person.
Weather signs for April 20
Rain - Poor harvest of spring crops, but viburnum will bear fruit
Red sun at sunrise - The weather will change soon
Starry sky - Rich harvest of mushrooms and berries
The weather on this day will repeat on September 20 (in the Onion holiday)
Bright sunlight in frost - A lot of bread and buckwheat
What can be done on April 20
The main tradition is to appease the mermaids. Women brought old but clean clothes to the water bodies. When going for water, they always put a bunch of wormwood in their pocket - it was believed that the smell repels water nymphs, who could tickle a person to death.
In the evening, people would go outside to look at the stars. At these moments, it was customary to make a wish - it was believed that it would definitely come true.
Elders warned: one should not look into the water as if it were a mirror. Mermaids could catch the reflection, drag the soul into the depths, and leave the body empty. When drawing water from a river or well, people tried not to bend down too low and not to linger their gaze on the surface.
For the protection of children, mothers sewed several dried rowan berries into the hems of their shirts. The bright red color, according to beliefs, repelled river spirits.
What should not be done on April 20
Look at the sky through the window - it can invite ailments into the house.
Spend money down to the last penny - it will be difficult to restore financial balance.
Argue loudly and make noise - to avoid angering the house spirit.
Cut bread - to avoid causing discord with loved ones.
Take out the trash after sunset - it can throw away luck and well-being.
Special attention was paid to thresholds. Before dawn, housewives sprinkled them with spring water, creating an invisible barrier against evil spirits. They stepped carefully on the threshold - this place was considered a meeting point with the house spirit.
April 20 is a day full of mysteries and ancient beliefs. Mermaids, stars, wormwood, and rowan - all this is a piece of folk wisdom that has helped people live in harmony with nature and themselves for centuries.
Photo by the author
Yulia Kazamarova
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Signs for April 20: do not look into the water
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April 20 in the folk calendar is Akulina's Day. In Russia, it was believed that mermaids awaken and can drag a distracted traveler into the water.
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Signs for April 20: don't look into the water
April 20 in the folk calendar is Akulina's Day. In Russia, it was believed that mermaids awaken, who can pull a distracted traveler into the water. Akulina's Day: 04.20.2026. Zainsk-Inform. Republic of Tatarstan. Zainsk.