November 20 - Fedotov Day: history, traditions, folk omens

Every year on November 20, Orthodox Christians honor the memory of St. Theodotus of Ancyra, who died a martyr's death for the faith. In the folk calendar, this date is called Theodotus Day and marks the end of the fall season. In 2024 it falls on Wednesday. About the history of this holiday, its traditions and omens read in the material "Izvestia".

History of Fedotov Day, celebrated on November 20

The holiday was named in honor of St. Theodotus, who lived in the III century in Ankir in modern Turkey. He was known for his pious life, preached Christianity even during the period of persecution, helped believers in trouble, gave them shelter, bought them out of debt, visited in prison those who were persecuted for their faith, organized the funerals of martyrs.

It is known that Fedot angered Emperor Diocletian by taking the bodies of seven tortured Christian women out of the reservoir and committing them to the ground. For this deed he himself was seized, but even under torture he refused to renounce his faith and was executed. The figure of the saint became a symbol of patience, wisdom and steadfastness of faith.

Traditions and customs of Fedotov Day in Russia

In Slavic tradition, November 20 was considered a transitional period between autumn and winter, when preparation for the winter season entered an active phase. People assessed how successful the year had been, whether there were enough supplies to last until spring. On this day families inspected their storages, checked whether they had enough grain, vegetables and firewood to heat the house.

Special attention was paid to preparing tools and clothes for winter. During this period men started mending gear, preparing sledges, while women patched clothes, knitted, embroidered, wove and spun. That is why in the folk calendar St. Fedot is considered the patron saint of needlework. It was believed that items of clothing made on the holiday would serve for a long time.

Another name of this day is "Ledostav", as the holiday falls on the period when ice actively fuses rivers and lakes. In Russia, the moment of freezing of all water bodies was considered the "official" beginning of winter. During this period, the season of ice fishing and traveling on the ice began. There was a saying: "The rivers are covered with ice - winter roads have opened".

Omen of Fedotov's Day

In Russia there were beliefs and omens associated with this holiday. So, it was believed that on Fedot it is favorable to do housework, repair, make plans for the winter. For example, women believed: the more laundry to wash on this day, the more wealth can be attracted to the house.

Also on November 20, people carefully observed nature to determine how severe the winter would be or how productive the next year would be. The ice that stood "humped" on reservoirs and roads foreshadowed the next year's grain harvest. And the loud cry of jackdaws - a rapid snowfall. If the day is clear and frosty, the spring will be early and dry.

Earlier "Izvestia" told about the traditions of the holiday Anna Cold.