Folk signs for September 13: 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 Saturday, September 13, and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for September 13, 2025

In Russia, Kupriyanov Day was celebrated on September 13. The holiday was considered a kind of boundary between summer and autumn. Usually at this time, cranes gathered in the marshes, preparing to fly to warmer climes. This was perceived as a sign of the changing seasons and the imminent onset of cold weather. Therefore, another name for the holiday is Zhuravlinka or Crane Veche.

In the old days, they tried to avoid swamps so as not to scare off birds and disrupt the natural order. Cranberries, popularly called crane berries, were ripening in the forests by this time. They started collecting it only from Kupriyanov day. According to legend, it was on this day that she had the maximum benefit. Fruit drinks, homemade tinctures, jams and wines were made from berries. Women used cranberries as a therapeutic and cosmetological remedy.

The berry was also considered a good talisman. They dried it, hung it by the bed, made small bags with fruits and carried it with them as amulets. There was a sign that as long as a bag of cranberries was with a person, he would be lucky in everything.

Other signs of the day:

• fog at dawn — the day will be clear and windless;
• The chickens are sitting hunched over, ready for bad weather.;
• cranes fly high in a wedge — winter will come early and be harsh;
• If the birds are circling low, you don't have to wait for frosts in the near future.;
• Swans are in no hurry to fly south — Indian summer will linger for a long time.;
• Ants build tall anthills for a snowy, cold winter.;
• to dream of a large ripe cranberry is a sign of prosperity in the house;
• if you dream of a wrinkled sour berry, you will be deceived and disappointed.

What not to do on September 13th

There are also many prohibitions and warnings associated with the holiday, the violation of which could lead to misfortunes. For example, on Kupriyanov Day, it was forbidden to look in the mirror after sunset. In the old days, it was believed that on this day a mirror could "remember" sadness, fatigue or anger and return them in multiple sizes.

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What else can not be done on September 13

• Going on a long journey can cause various problems along the way.;
• Accepting gifts from strangers is a way to "accept" someone else's misfortune with them.;
• To borrow or borrow money is to lose financial well—being.;
• quarreling and conflict with loved ones — scandals in the family will become protracted.;
• replant plants — they will not bloom and bear fruit well;
• Laugh out loud and have too much fun — then you'll have to cry a lot.;
• celebrate weddings — marriage will soon collapse due to quarrels or infidelities.

What is the church holiday on September 13th?

On September 13, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the Holy Martyr Cyprian of Carthage, an early Christian theologian and ascetic who lived in Carthage in the third century. He was born into a noble pagan family, received a brilliant education and later became one of the most famous orators in the Roman Empire. At an advanced age, Cyprian was baptized and devoted himself to the service of God. A few years later, he was elected bishop of Carthage.

When the persecution of Christians began, many believers, including representatives of the clergy, renounced their faith. However, Cyprian continued to be active in theology. After resolutely refusing to sacrifice to pagan gods, he was publicly beheaded. The saint became the first bishop-martyr of African descent, whose veneration spread throughout the Christian world.

On the same day, believers celebrate the Position of the holy belt of the Blessed Virgin. The memorial date was set in honor of one of the most sacred relics of Christianity, which, according to legend, was woven by the Mother of God Herself from camel's hair. After the Dormition of the Mother of God, Her honest belt was kept by pious Christians in Jerusalem. He was then placed in an ark and transported to Constantinople. Later, his particles were taken to monasteries and temples. One of them is kept in the Kazan Cathedral of St. Petersburg.

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Prayers on September 13th

Prayers to Cyprian of Carthage are mainly aimed at protecting against various negative factors such as corruption, the evil eye, malice, envy, and the effects of dark forces. On the day of the Position of the belt of the Virgin, they pray for healing from serious illnesses, the health of relatives and friends, protection from temptations, and help in various life circumstances.

Prayer to Cyprian of Carthage

"Holy servant of God, Holy Martyr Cyprian, speedy helper and prayerful for all who come running to you! Accept this praise from us, the unworthy; ask the Lord God for strength in our infirmities, comfort in our sorrows, and all that is useful in our lives; lift up your fervent prayer to the Lord, that he may protect us from sinful falls, teach us true repentance, and deliver us from the captivity of the devil and all the actions of unclean spirits and He will tame those who offend us. May you be a strong champion for us against all enemies, visible and invisible; grant us patience in temptation and, at the hour of our death, show us intercession from the torturers in the ordeals of the air; may we be led by you, may we reach Jerusalem on high, and may we be worthy in the heavenly Kingdom, with all the saints, to glorify and hymn the most holy flame of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen to that."

Prayer to the Mother of God

Troparion, glas 8

"To the Ever-virgin Theotokos, you have protected men, you have bestowed the robe and girdle of Your most pure body, you have bestowed a sovereign covering on Your city, you remain incorruptible by Your seedless Nativity, for in You both nature and time are renewed. In the meantime, we beseech You to grant peace to Your city, and great mercy to our souls."

Troparion, glas 4

"Today, Your temple celebrates Your honorable position, Singing, and diligently calls out to You: hail, Virgin, Christians are praised."

Kontakion, glas 2

"Your womb is pleasing to God, O Theotokos, Your generous girdle is an invincible power to Your city, and the treasure of the good is unlimited, the only one who gave birth to the Ever-virgin."

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