January 20 - Ivan's Day (Winter Wedding Day): history and traditions of the holiday

On January 20, the Orthodox Church commemorates the Prophet John the Baptist, the saint who baptized Jesus Christ in the waters of the Jordan River. In 2025, the celebration falls on a Monday. In the folk calendar it is called Ivan's Day or Winter Wedding Day. On the history, traditions and prohibitions of this holiday read in the material "Izvestia".

Ivan's Day in 2025 - the history of the holiday

John the Baptist was born in the family of the priest of the Jerusalem temple Zacharias and the righteous Elizabeth. The pious spouses for a long time could not conceive a child and only in deep old age were blessed with the long-awaited firstborn.

However, the happiness of the holy couple did not last long. Soon after the birth of Jesus Christ, the Israeli king Herod the Great, fearing that the Savior would take his throne, ordered to kill all male infants under two years old, born in Bethlehem and its vicinity. A terrible fate threatened the little Forerunner, but his mother managed to hide with the child in the desert. Zacharias was killed by the king's soldiers for refusing to reveal the location of his wife and child.

Vasily's Day in 2025: history and traditions of the holiday

The folk-Christian event is celebrated annually on January 14

For a long time John lived in the desert, spending his days in solitude and prayer. At the age of 30 he was called by the Lord to the prophetic ministry. The saint went to the Jordan River, where he began to preach about the imminent appearance of the Savior. He called the people of Israel to repentance and conducted the rite of baptism with water. Jesus himself was baptized by the hand of the prophet.

The baptism of the Son of God was not John's last step on the prophetic path. The saint continued to preach and was not afraid to denounce the sins of even high-ranking people. In particular, he spoke out against the illegal marriage of King Herod Antipas (son of Herod the Great), who married his own brother's wife, forgetting his own lawful wife. The prophet was then imprisoned and soon executed.

Winter weddings on January 20 - traditions of the holiday

In Russia, the holiday in honor of John the Baptist was called Ivan's Day or Winter Wedding Day. He opened the period of weddings and matchmaking, which lasted until Shrovetide. People believed that a marriage concluded at this time would be happy and long-lasting.

By Ivan's Day in the villages brewed beer and braga. They were put on wedding tables or simply drunk with friends and relatives. The bride, going to the wedding on the holiday, was sure to drink a few sips of alcohol. It was believed that this would help her to worry and cry less in her new life.

During the day before the meal it was supposed to drink holy water collected on Epiphany at least once. Some also washed their faces with it to preserve their health and protect themselves from evil forces.

What you can and can not do on Ivan's Day on January 20

The Orthodox Church does not establish special prohibitions on the day of the memory of John the Baptist. Believers can visit the temple, read a prayer at home or refresh the memory of the life of the saint. Fasting on this day is not necessary.

In Russia, Ivan's Day was associated with various prohibitions and superstitions. On the holiday tried not to wash their hands and face unnecessarily, so as not to "wash away" the happiness. There was also a belief that a person who too often conducts water procedures, will become gullible and easily fall into the net of deceivers.

Generous evening: what is strictly forbidden, mystical items

On this holiday it is customary to have a lavish feast and put on plays

January 20 tried not to count money and not to lend to anyone, so as not to face financial difficulties. It was forbidden to refuse help, especially if one of the relatives was in trouble. It was believed that after that the one who showed indifference would be left without support in a difficult situation.

In addition, on Ivan did not sew, because, according to popular beliefs, it could bring conflict in the house.

Omen for Ivan's Day (Winter Wedding Day) January 20

On Ivan's Day in Russia carefully watched the world around them, trying to predict what the weather would be like in the coming days and what to expect from other seasons. Thus, snowfall on the holiday heralded a cold snap. If the echo was heard from afar, they were preparing for frost. Clear weather foreshadowed a dry summer, and the bright sun at noon - early spring.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the history and traditions of Gordeev Day.