Folk signs for September 4: what can and cannot be done
In Russia, signs and beliefs were given special importance. They determined what the weather would be like in the coming days and months, when it was better to sow and harvest, and even judged the future of a person. The national calendar is full of various beliefs and traditions. Izvestia tells about the signs for September 4 and shares the prayers that can be read on this day.
Folk signs for September 4, 2025
In Russia, Agathon Borage or Borage Day was celebrated on September 4. The name of the holiday comes from the word "threshing floor", which was the name of a room or a trampled piece of land where the sheaves were stacked after the harvest. To prevent evil spirits from reaching the grain, the men took a poker and, putting on a sheepskin coat inside out, drew a circle around the outbuildings. According to beliefs, evil spirits could not cross this line.
The ancestors paid attention to Agafon Ogumennik for various signs. If the holiday fell on a clear and warm day, it was understood that such weather would last another month.
Other signs for September 4th
- The fog dissipates quickly in the morning, leading to prolonged good weather.;
- lots of nuts, but few mushrooms — winter will be harsh and snowy;
- The spider's web flies at high altitude — the winter is going to be cold;
- An owl is hooting near the house — a goblin is wandering nearby.;
- the wind blows from the south — autumn will be warm and clear; from the west or east — rainy; north wind — close to cold;
- a lot of acorns on the oaks — there will be a lot of snow before Christmas;
- ants run along the tops of the grass to high snowdrifts in winter;
- Cold rain — fish won't bite;
- Thunder — autumn will be short, and winter will come quickly.
What not to do on September 4th
The ancestors adhered to strict prohibitions on Agathon Ogumennik. For example, they did not go to the forest that day, because they believed that they could meet the goblin there.
What else can't be done on September 4th:
- Giving and accepting gifts can lead to a series of minor troubles.;
- starting serious business will not bring the desired result.;
- Going on a long journey can be unsuccessful;
- Thinking about the bad — negative thoughts can turn into reality;
- Being lazy — idleness can lead to lack of money;
- swearing and fighting — anger and resentment can return a hundredfold;
- women and girls eat before sunset — according to popular beliefs, this can lead to a loss of beauty.
Church holidays on September 4th
On September 4, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the martyrs Agathonikos, Zotikos, Theoprepius and others who suffered for their faith in Christ at the turn of the III–IV centuries. Agathonikos came from a noble family and was a talented preacher. He converted many pagans to Christianity, including a member of the Roman Senate. By order of the emperor, Agathonikos and his associates Theoprepius, Akindin, and Severian were arrested. Christian Zotik, who refused to sacrifice to idols, was taken into custody along with them. All the saints died after long tortures.
Also on September 4, believers remember St. Isaac of Optina, one of the famous Optina elders. He was born in 1810 in Kursk into a pious merchant family. From an early age, he showed a desire for spiritual life and in 1847 entered the Optina of Deserts as a novice. Under the guidance of Elder Macarius, he rose from novice to hieromonk, and in 1862 became the abbot of the monastery.
Under his rule, Optina Pustyn experienced a period of spiritual rebirth. St. Isaac paid great attention to the inner order of the brethren, and encouraged gardening and landscaping of the monastery. He was known for his humble nature and strict observance of monastic vows.
Prayers for September 4th
On September 4, believers can pray to the martyrs Agathonikos, Zotikos and others like them, as well as to St. Isaac of Optina. Saints are often asked for help in difficult situations, healing from illnesses and strengthening their faith.
Troparion to the Martyr Agathonikos and others like him
"Thy martyrs, O Lord, have received incorruptible crowns from Thee, our God, in their sufferings: for Thou hast possessed thy fortress, and hast overthrown the tormentors, and crushed the demons of feeble insolence. Through those prayers, save our souls."
Kontakion to the Martyr Agathonikos and others like him
"Having acquired a good title, O God-wise One, thou didst turn away from evil men of faith, not fearing torments, O Agathonian glory, for thou wast a good heir and didst accept worthy crowns with those who suffered with thee."
Prayer to St. Isaac of Optina
"Oh, our Reverend Father Isaac, the monastery of Optina is a good steward. You have faithfully walked according to the precepts of your fathers, and from the age of Optina you were like a fragrant rod. Under your guidance, many souls were guided on the path of salvation and reached perfection, for you were the image of your flock, and you succeeded in action and appeared skilled in silence. For this reason, we fall down and pray to you.: Raise us up, who live in carelessness and neglect of the commandments of the Lord and who adhere to the tradition of the fatherland, because we are moved by the righteous wrath of God against us and the Mother of Light is saddened by our life. But be to us a zealous guardian who flows to you with faith, and with the mace of your prayers guide our way from the temptations of everyday life and corrupt passions. Through the unfailing path of fatherly tradition, teach us to walk and diligently fulfill the commandments of the Lord, so that through your intercession at the Throne of the Most High we may find mercy and at the end of our earthly journey we may receive salvation, through the grace and generosity of our Only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, whose honor and power befits with the Father and the Holy Spirit forever. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia reported on the signs and traditions of Thaddeus the Preacher.
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