Folk signs for May 5, 2026: Onion Day — what not to do

      On May 5, Orthodox Christians commemorate the Apostle Luke — the author of one of the Gospels, the first iconographer, and the patron saint of doctors and painters. This date is popularly known as Luke's Day: it is from this day that people began to plant onions, a symbol of purification and health.

      On May 5, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the Apostle Luke — a disciple of Christ, the author of one of the four Gospels and the Book of Acts of the Apostles. Luke is also considered the first iconographer and the patron of doctors, artists, and all those connected with painting. In folk tradition, the day is called Luke's Day — it is from this date that peasants began mass planting of onions in their gardens. Onions were perceived not just as a vegetable, but as a talisman, a symbol of purification, health, and family well-being.

      Weather signs for May 5

      Our ancestors closely observed nature on this day — it predicted summer and harvest:

      - The cuckoo calls loudly and for a long time

      - Good weather will set in the coming days

      - A thunderstorm on May 5 means a bountiful summer

      - In the evening, the western sky is clear

      - There will be no rain the next morning

      - Cumulus clouds are floating in the sky

      - Rain is coming soon

      - A haze is visible in the distance

      - Clear, dry weather will establish

      What can and should be done on Luke's Day

      - Plant onions

      The main tradition is planting onions. It was believed that onions planted on May 5 would grow particularly large and last throughout the winter.

      - Bake onion pies and pancakes

      In many regions, onion pies were baked and shared with relatives and neighbors. However, in some places, this baking was avoided — it was believed that the aroma of onions attracted evil spirits.

      - Rites for love and protection from misfortune

      Women performed special rituals:

      - To ward off rivals. The wife would cut an onion in half: one half symbolized her, the other — her husband. The halves were sprinkled with salt, tied with a thread, and buried under an old tree. It was believed that this would avert infidelity.

      - To protect from misfortune. The peasant would eat a peeled onion, while the skin was ground into powder and scattered to the wind. It was believed that this would carry away troubles.

      Prophetic dreams

      Dreams on Luke's Day were considered prophetic. Bad dreams were quickly forgotten — they would spit over their left shoulder. Good ones were hurriedly shared with three people to ensure they would come true.

      Strict prohibitions: what not to do on May 5

      On Luke's Day, there were special restrictions. Breaking them would bring misfortune.

      - Removing spider webs in the house was considered a bad omen, leading to poverty.

      - Pregnant women sitting on the threshold would bring misfortune to both mother and child.

      - Throwing things around the house could scatter luck.

      - Talking about pregnancy was believed to cause the baby to get tangled in the umbilical cord.

      - Quarreling would lead to prolonged conflict and reconciliation would take a long time.

      - Women dreaming of children should not leave the house, as witches could cast infertility.

      - Going into the forest was dangerous, as fog on this day was considered witchcraft, perilous for travelers.

      What else was forbidden

      - Refusing help. Those who denied assistance to the needy risked finding themselves in trouble.

      - Starting new ventures after noon. It would not bring success.

      - Complaining about life. Otherwise, the complaint would materialize and worsen the situation.

      The main advice for Luke's Day

      The most reliable way to spend May 5 is to work in the garden (plant onions and other root vegetables), eat an onion on an empty stomach for health, and avoid conflicts. If you are pregnant — do not tell anyone about your condition, do not sit on the threshold, and do not leave the house unless absolutely necessary. Those dreaming of a child should better stay home all day. And under no circumstances should you go into the forest — even if you really want to. The witch's fog, according to beliefs, can lead you astray.