Folk signs for September 14: 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 Sunday, September 14, and which church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for September 14, 2025

According to the national calendar, Simeon the Summer Guide, or Autumn Days, is celebrated on September 14 — one of the main autumn holidays in Russia. It was believed that after this date, the real autumn begins. But before she finally came into her own, she gave people warm weather — Indian summer. It was also at this time that the calendar year ended and the New Year began.

The celebration was celebrated on a large scale. Noisy festivities with round dances and songs were held in the villages. The housewives baked pies and other treats. In some houses, pitchers of beer and braga were left outside the gates so that everyone could taste them. The day was also considered favorable for viewing and wedding ceremonies.

There are many folk traditions and superstitions associated with the beginning of the wedding season. For example, in the old days it was believed that a marriage concluded with Simeon Letovodets would be a happy one. And if you propose to your chosen one on this day, there will definitely be no refusal. Unmarried girls paid attention to how the threads lay down when spinning yarn: if it is straight, then the husband will be good, and if it is wrong, he will not be lucky with his spouse.

Other signs of the day:

• It turned out to be an overcast morning — autumn will be rainy;
• flies stick and try to bite — to change the weather;
• Lots of cobwebs for a cold autumn;
• a flock of geese is visible in the sky — frosts are coming soon;
• Wild ducks splash in the water — winter will linger;
• The starlings have not yet flown south — the warmth will be established for a long time.;
• a warm and sunny day leads to mild winter weather.

What not to do on September 14th

There are many household prohibitions associated with the holiday, the violation of which foreshadowed various troubles and misfortunes. In particular, on Semenov's day, it was strictly forbidden to borrow salt. Our ancestors believed that together with her, one can "give away" family well-being. Meanwhile, it was considered a great sin to refuse other help, especially to those in need.

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What else can't be done on September 14th:

• throw away half—eaten food- it should be fed to birds or pets, so that there is always prosperity in the house.;
• Sweeping the floor is believed to be a way to "sweep away" luck along with garbage.;
• Going on a long journey can cause various troubles along the way.;
• Killing insects can get you into trouble.;
• spreading rumors and discussing other people — the whole year will be spent in squabbles and strife.;
• conflict with loved ones — quarrels can permanently settle discord in the family.

What is the church holiday on September 14th?

On September 14, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Simeon Stylites, who lived in Cappadocia in the 4th century. He came from a poor family and tended sheep. One day, a young man passed by a church and was so imbued with the hymns he heard that, without going home, he went to the nearest monastery and did not get up for seven days until he was accepted into the brotherhood.

At the age of 18, Simeon took monastic vows. Later, he went into the desert, where he built a tall pillar and settled on it, marking the beginning of stylites. The news of the unusual feat quickly spread around the area. People came to the pillar to hear Simeon's instructions. Patriarchs, bishops, and emperors addressed him. The saint lived on top of the pillar for 47 years. Subsequently, a monastery was founded on this site, which became a pilgrimage center.

On the same date, believers remember the righteous Joshua, the Old Testament prophet, the successor of Moses, who became the leader of the Israeli people after his death. Many miracles are associated with the saint's name: during his reign, the walls of Jericho were destroyed without a fight, and during one of the battles he stopped the sun until he defeated the enemies. The prophet's activities are described in detail in the Book of Joshua. In the Christian tradition, he is often perceived as a prototype of Christ the Savior.

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Prayers on September 14th

The Lord gave Saint Simeon Stylites the gift of healing people and foreseeing the future. More often, the monk is prayed for healing from various diseases and mental ailments, help in combating temptations, and guidance on the right path, especially for followers of sects and false teachings. Joshua is asked to get rid of envy, greed, and the selfish intentions of enemies and ill-wishers.

Prayer to Simeon Stylites

"Oh, holy and great saint of God Simeon! Having labored with a good deed on earth, you have perceived in heaven the crown of righteousness, which the Lord has prepared for all who love Him. Moreover, looking at your holy image, we rejoice at the most glorious end of your residence and honor your holy memory. But you, standing before the Throne of God, accept our supplications and offer them to the All-merciful God, that He may forgive us every sin and help us against the wiles of the devil, so that, having been delivered from sorrows, diseases, troubles and misfortunes, and all evil, we may live piously and righteously in our present age and be worthy of your intercession, even if we are unworthy. May you see the good in the land of the living, glorifying God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."

Prayer to Joshua

Troparion, glas 2
"We celebrate the memory of your Prophet Joshua, O Lord, and we beseech You: save our souls."

Kontakion, glas 4
"Enlightened by the spirit of your pure heart, the prophecies of your most illustrious friend were: behold, you are real, far away; for this we honor you, O blessed and glorious prophet."

Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to the Holy Martyr Cyprian of Carthage.