Green cabbage soup and a knife ban: signs of May 10

      Boil green borscht from nettles and sorrel, give the excess to those in need, but do not take a knife in your hands and do not count money — folk signs for May 10, 2026, for health, harvest, and harmony in the family. The Orthodox Church commemorates the holy martyr Simeon, a relative of the Lord — one of the 70 apostles who preached the teachings of Christ and condemned idolatry. In the folk calendar, this day was nicknamed Semen the Early Plowman: the name speaks for itself — it was on May 10 that plowing began everywhere in Russia, but only after nature gave clear signs. The forests had to be filled with greenery, the first croaking of frogs was heard near the water bodies, and the ground warmed up enough so that the seedlings would not perish from night frosts. Before going out to the field, the whole family prayed before the icons for a good harvest, and the sons bowed to their parents' feet, asking for blessings. Food held a special place on this day. Housewives necessarily cooked the first green borscht — from nettles, sorrel, and other young herbs. It was believed that such a soup replenished the vitamin supply exhausted by the long winter in one meal. Dishes made from eggs were also served (in May, hens began to lay eggs more actively) and brewed tea with honey or last year's berries. The evening meal was usually completed in the family circle, without quarrels. Sick people were required to go outside to warm themselves in the sun — it was believed that this accelerated recovery. Another good tradition: on the day of Semen the Early Plowman, the excess was given to those in need, so that abundance would not run out in one's own home. However, May 10 also imposed many strict prohibitions. The most unusual of them was not to take knives, needles, or any sharp objects in hand. According to beliefs, a violator attracted quarrels, confrontations with enemies, and even minor injuries into the house. It was forbidden to sow plants — it was believed that any crops planted on this day would grow weak and barren. It was also prohibited to count money (so as not to "recount" future profits), lend money (the money would not return), buy shoes (they would tear at the most inconvenient moment), and sing — there was a belief that a singer would spend her whole life entertaining people for alms. A separate prohibition concerned mirrors: it was not allowed to look at one's reflection for a long time, otherwise "a little devil would jump into the soul." Taking out the trash was also not recommended — along with it, one could attract poverty and a series of misfortunes to the house.