Folk signs for September 9th: what can and cannot be done

In Russia, omens have been given special importance since ancient times. They were used to judge the weather, when to sow and harvest, and what to expect in the future. Therefore, every day of the national calendar was full of rituals and superstitions. Izvestia tells about the popular signs of Tuesday, September 9th, and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for September 9, 2025

In Russia, Anfisa Ryabinnitsa was celebrated on September 9. The holiday marked the transition from summer to autumn. On this day, mountain ash was harvested, which was valued for its healing properties. Jam was made from berries, tea was brewed and preparations were made for the winter. And the twigs were used as a talisman.

It was believed that the clusters of mountain ash are able to ward off evil spirits. They were hung at the entrance to the house or hidden under the roof to protect the family and the house from harm. Unmarried girls made beads from mountain ash and put berries in their lovers' boots. In this way they tried to attract love and happiness. Some of the berries were left to the birds that stayed for the winter.

Many signs of the day are also associated with mountain ash. So, according to the rowan harvest, they judged what the upcoming winter would be like. If there are few berries, then we knew that the winter would be mild and warm. And the abundance of berries foreshadowed a cold, harsh winter.

Other signs of the day:

• clouds float across the sky in "lumps" or small heaps — for a short rain;
• It's a warm, clear day — for a good bite;
• the cat often snorts — the weather will soon turn bad;
• pigs behave restlessly and try to hide — in case of heavy rain or hail.
• thunderstorm on Anfisa Ryabinnitsa — for a long and warm autumn;
• there are a lot of mushrooms in the forest — autumn will be rainy;
• there are a lot of acorns on the ground — the winter will be harsh;
• Hedgehogs carry dry grass and leaves into their burrows — the cold weather is coming soon.

What not to do on September 9th

There were also strict prohibitions on the holiday. For example, it was strictly forbidden to break or cut down rowan trees. According to legend, this promised great misfortunes. It was considered a bad sign to leave a mess or scatter things in the house. This led to quarrels and misunderstandings in the family. They tried to keep the house clean and tidy so that luck and prosperity would come to the house.

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What else can't be done on September 9th:

• standing on the threshold for a long time can bring trouble into the house.;
• quarreling, especially with loved ones, leads to long—term discord in the family.;
• to lend money, they will not come back soon.;
• Make dates, woo, or confess your feelings — the relationship will be short-lived and bring nothing but disappointment.;
• Making large purchases means there is a high probability of making a wrong choice.;
• picking up any items at the crossroads is how you can "pick up" someone else's misfortune or misfortune.

What is the church holiday on September 9th?

On September 9, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the Martyr Anfisa Nova. The exact dates of the saint's life and place of death are not known for certain. However, there are descriptions according to which the events related to her martyrdom took place in the IV century, during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian.

For openly professing the Christian faith, Anfisa was subjected to severe torture. Despite all the trials, she did not renounce Christ. As a result, she was sentenced to death by drowning in a well. For believers, Anfisa has become a symbol of unshakeable faith and perseverance.

On the same date, St. Pimen the Great is remembered. He was born around 340 in Egypt. Since his youth, Pimen felt a craving for a secluded monastic life. Later, he retired to a deserted monastery, where, together with two brothers, he founded a monastery, a small monastic brotherhood. For the brethren, he became a spiritual mentor and teacher. His wise sayings are still an important part of spiritual literature.

Pimen died at the age of about 110. Shortly after his death, he was recognized as a saint of God and received the name Great, as a sign of great humility, righteousness, and selfless service to God.

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Prayers on September 9th

On St. Anfisa's memorial day, prayers are offered for perseverance in faith, a pious life, protection from persecution and all evil. Pimen the Great is asked for guidance on the right path, strengthening faith and giving peace of mind. In addition, on Pimen's Day, "fatherly teachings" are read in monasteries — statements of the holy fathers about spiritual life.

Prayer to Anfisa the New

Troparion, glas 4

"Thy lamb, Jesus, Anfisa, calls with a great voice: To thee, my bridegroom, I love, and to thee I suffer, and am crucified, and am buried by thy baptism, and suffer for thy sake, that I may reign in thee, and die for thee, and live with thee; but as an immaculate sacrifice accept me, with the love devoured by You. Through your prayers, for You are Merciful, save our souls."

Kontakion, glas 2

"O all-honorable Temple, for we have found the purpose of our soul, let us cry aloud to you: O great-named virgin Martyr Anfisa, pray unceasingly to Christ God for us all."

Greatness

"We magnify you, passion-bearer of Christ, Anfisa, and we honor your honorable sufferings, which you endured for Christ."

Prayer to Pimen the Great

"O wondrous saint, our Venerable Father Pimene, we sinners will fail in our duty to praise you. For you were the image of monks, the giver of healing, the inhabitant of the desert, the steward of silence, the extirpator of passions, and the teacher of all virtues. For this reason, we tenderly fall down to you and humbly ask: from your treasury, give to our misery. By thy humility, cast down our pride; by thy dispassion, our passions have fallen; by thy wakefulness, the spirit of laziness has been wrung from us; by thy tears, awaken our insensitivity; by thy vigil, raise us from neglect; by thy prayers, kindle the flame of prayer in us; by thy love, make us brotherly; grant us the spirit of meekness and humility, the spirit of purity and piety; free us from passions, therefore and lead me to true repentance. For in your mind you unceasingly had the Son of God crucified on the Cross for us. Incessantly mark His sweetest Name in mind and heart, and grant us, the wretched, that through His love, burning and reflecting on our sins, we may meet that terrible Day of Judgment and enter the Kingdom of heaven with you and all the saints, glorifying the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen to that."

Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to the martyrs Adrian and Natalia of Nicomedia.