September 11 — Beheading of John the Baptist: what is strictly prohibited

The beheading of John the Baptist is one of the great Orthodox holidays, established in honor of the martyrdom of the prophet and baptist of the Lord. It is celebrated annually on September 11. On this day, Christians visit the temple, pray and strictly fast, remembering the feat of the saint. In 2025, the celebration falls on a Thursday. About how the holiday originated, what traditions it has — in the material of Izvestia.

The Story of the Beheading of John the Baptist

John the Baptist is the last Old Testament prophet and harbinger of the coming of Christ. He lived in the desert, called the people to repentance, and baptized people in the waters of the Jordan. It was he who was destined to baptize Jesus, attesting to His Divine destiny.

After meeting with the Savior, John continued to denounce sin and injustice, not being afraid to point out the lawlessness of King Herod Antipas, who married his brother's wife. These words provoked the anger of Herodias, and she decided to destroy the prophet.

During the feast on the occasion of the king's birthday, Herodias' daughter, Salome, performed a dance, after which she asked for John's head according to her mother's instructions. Herod, bound by an oath, was forced to comply with her request. The Prophet's head was cut off, and it was presented on a platter.

According to legend, Herodias hid the shrine, but the wife of the royal official secretly buried her. Later, the honest chapter was rediscovered and became one of the revered shrines of the Christian world. The prophet's body was buried in the area of modern Nablus, where his relics were revered already in the IV century.

The spiritual significance of the holiday

The Church sees the Beheading of John the Baptist as a day of mourning and strict abstinence. It is a reminder to believers of the power of truth, steadfastness in faith and loyalty to God. The prophet remained a preacher of the truth until the end of his life, for which he was martyred.

Strict fasting is established on this day: meat, fish and dairy dishes, as well as alcohol, are prohibited. Some believers abstain from food until the end of the liturgy. Even if the date falls on a Sunday, there is no relaxation of fasting — this emphasizes the special rigor of the day.

The day of the Beheading of John the Baptist is one of the most revered, so strict prohibitions have developed on this day.:

• do not pick up sharp objects — knives, axes, needles, scythes.;

• It is not customary to eat round vegetables and dishes resembling a head.;

• red should be avoided in clothing and everyday life, as it symbolizes blood.;

• It is forbidden to have fun, arrange feasts and noisy feasts.

According to beliefs, violating these rules could bring illness or misfortune.

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Folk signs of September 11

The date coincides with the beginning of autumn, so there are many natural signs associated with it. Our ancestors believed:

• cranes fly high — the winter will be cold and long;

• Swans are on their way — the first snows will arrive early;

• thunder on this day heralds a warm and sunny autumn.;

• starlings are delayed — Indian summer is ahead;

• morning fog leads to a rich harvest of mushrooms;

• rain leads to a wet and lingering autumn.

For believers, this holiday remains a time of prayer and repentance, as well as a reminder of the steadfastness of the prophet, who was not afraid to tell the truth, even in the face of death.