January 26 - Ermil's Day: history and traditions, folk omens

On January 26, the Church honors the memory of the martyrs Ermil and Stratonikos of Singidon, who lived in the 3rd-4th centuries. In the folk calendar, the holiday is called Ermil's Day. In 2025 the celebration falls on Sunday. About what pet became the main symbol of the holiday and what traditions are associated with this day, tell "Izvestia".

History of Ermilov Day, celebrated on January 26

The holy martyrs Ermil and Stratonik were Slavs. They lived at one time in the city of Singidon, now the capital of Serbia - Belgrade, and suffered during the persecution of Christians in the reign of the Roman Emperor Licinius.

Ermil served as a deacon. Together with other Christians, he was arrested and put on trial. Even at the trial, however, he continued to denounce the pagan gods and boldly proclaim his faith. He was then imprisoned.

In prison the warden was his friend named Stratonikus, who secretly professed Christianity. Seeing Yermil's suffering, he also openly declared his faith, for which he was tortured.

Both righteous men were executed. The martyrs were tied up and thrown into the Danube. A few days later their bodies were discovered by the locals and buried near the city. With Baptism the saints began to be honored in Russia. At the same time, the people formed their own traditions, and the holiday itself was called Ermil's Day.

Epiphany thaw: how Russians celebrated the Epiphany holiday

In Moscow and the Moscow region almost 250 swimming pools were organized

Traditions and omens of Ermil's Day - 2025

In Russia, Ermilov Day was mostly spent at home. Usually during this period there were already hard frosts, so they tried not to go out of the huts unnecessarily, devoting the day to household chores.

Special attention was paid to the behavior of cats, which were indispensable helpers in the household. They not only dispersed mice, but also could foresee different events. In addition, these animals are most sensitive to changes in the weather. Therefore, the way a cat behaves, they judged what kind of weather will be established in the coming days.

According to folk omens, if the cat lies curled up in a ball, then soon there will be frost. If it often stretches and stretches its back - to warmth. And if it scrapes the floor with its claws, blizzards are not far off.

The cat was also considered a home healer. Old people used to say: where it hurts, the cat will lie down. Even by their mere presence these pets were able to raise the mood and get rid of worries. Cats were often placed with babies who could not sleep. Adults, on the contrary, were not recommended to go to bed with a cat.

Scary fun: what they believed in, what they were afraid of and how to fortune-tell on Christmas Eve

Shilikuns, hairy spirits and a soulmate in the bath - winter entertainments of our ancestors

What you can and can not do on January 26

On the holiday it is supposed to show love and care for any animals: cats, dogs, as well as birds and stray animals. It is not allowed to harm them, otherwise, according to popular beliefs, a great misfortune may happen.

It is also impossible to drive away the animal with a kick. But any treats are welcome. In the olden days it was customary to give the leftovers to birds or cattle.

In addition, it is forbidden to quarrel, to enter into conflicts, especially with loved ones. Do not gossip and spread rumors about other people. Quarrels and disagreements started on this day will be difficult to settle.

Earlier in Russia celebrated Philip's day. "Izvestia" told about the history and traditions of this holiday.