May 4, 2026: appease the forest spirits and look at the dandelions — signs of the day

      May 4 in the folk calendar is Proklyov Day. Our ancestors believed that in spring, forest spirits awaken and can either help or harm a person.

      What is the holiday - Proklyov Day

      May 4 in the folk calendar is named after Proklyov. It was believed that on this day, nature finally awakens, along with the forest spirits. Unlike evil forces, these beings were perceived ambivalently: they could assist in forest matters (helping mushrooms, producing berries), but they could also lead one astray or hide their catch. Therefore, the main ritual of Proklyov Day was appeasing the spirits. Men and women would go into the forest, find old clearings or crossroads, and leave offerings: pies (often with mushrooms or berries); dried apples and pears; pieces of sugar (considered a special treat for the spirits); milk in a bowl (the white color symbolized purity of intentions). Offerings were left without witnesses, and they would leave silently, without looking back. Those who broke this prohibition, according to beliefs, could bring upon themselves "forest spoilage" - getting lost even in a familiar grove.

      Weather signs for May 4, 2026

      On Proklyov Day, nature gives the most accurate hints about summer and the coming days. Dandelions close their heads during the day - soon there will be precipitation - possibly by evening. A lot of spider webs are flying or settled on the bushes - summer will be hot and dry. Rooks walk on the grass (not flying, but wandering) - bad weather is approaching - strong winds or prolonged rain. Rowan trees bloom abundantly - summer will be rainy, with frequent downpours.

      What else will the forest and field tell

      The willow is weeping (sap drips from the leaves) - a wet, rainy week is coming. Larks sing loudly, high in the sky - the weather will be dry for several days. Puddles are covered with ripples in calm weather - to a quick rain. Bees return to their hives early - there will be a thunderstorm.

      What can and cannot be done on May 4

      Can:

      Go to the forest (even just for a walk) - but with good thoughts and without litter. Leave an offering under an old tree (a piece of bread, a handful of dried fruits) - a symbolic gift to nature. Look at the dandelions: if they closed - return home with an umbrella. Weed the beds (it was believed that on this day, weeds are easier to pull out).

      Cannot:

      Curse and shout in the forest - angry spirits may "take" a person. Break branches of living trees - to illnesses in the family. Throw away food - with it, one can "throw away" prosperity from the home. Look into a well after sunset - one might see "something wrong."

      Denying shelter to a random traveler - under their guise may hide a checking spirit.

      Love sign of the day

      Unmarried girls would go into the forest on May 4 to look for blooming rowan trees. They would pick one small branch, bring it home, and place it in a glass of water on the windowsill. If the branch did not wilt after three days - marriage proposals were expected that year. If the flowers quickly fell off - marriage would be postponed until next spring.

      Main advice for Proklyov Day

      On May 4, 2026, listen to nature, not the weather forecast on your phone. Closed dandelions will indicate rain earlier than any cloud radar. Spider webs on the bushes are a sign that it's time to prepare light clothing for a hot summer. And if the rowan stands in white bloom - it means that in summer, an umbrella will have to be carried more often. And remember about the forest spirits. Even if you don't believe in them, a simple rule always works: in the forest - with respect, in the clearing - do not litter, treat the living - with kindness, and kindness will return.

      Photo by the author

      Yulia Kazamarova