Folk signs for September 23rd: 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 23, and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for September 23, 2025
In Russia, on September 23, the feast of Peter and Paul Ryabinnikov was celebrated. At this time, they began to collect rowan berries for harvesting for the winter. The berries were dried, compotes and tinctures were prepared from them, and the twigs were hung in houses as decorations and amulets against evil spirits. One bunch was necessarily hung above the entrance to protect the dwelling.
Unmarried girls used mountain ash in fortune-telling. The berries were picked in a handful and thrown behind the back. If they fell close to each other, there was a calm and stable year ahead. If the berries scattered in different directions, it foreshadowed unexpected events. They also made beads out of berries, and when the thread broke, they looked at where the berries flew — from there the matchmakers would come.
The mountain ash was also used to judge what the weather would be like in the coming months. A small number of berries indicated a dry, warm autumn, and an abundance of berries promised a frosty, harsh winter. In the old days, it was believed that in this way nature took care of birds, providing them with food supplies for the cold season.
Other signs of the day:
- It turned out to be a rainy day, and the rest of autumn will be the same.;
- branches have fallen on the fir trees — the first frosts are coming soon;
- There are no frogs in the ponds — the weather will change.;
- a cat basks outside — for warmer days;
- If the sky seems particularly high, expect clear weather.;
- moisture appeared on the old stump, ready for rain;
- cattle hide in pens — to a sharp cold snap.
What not to do on September 23rd
Peter and Pavel Ryabinnikov Day is considered favorable for important life changes, including the beginning of a new romantic relationship. Meanwhile, there are also a number of prohibitions that our ancestors tried not to violate in order not to incur misfortune. For example, there is a belief that on this day you can not cry, be sad and quarrel with your loved ones, otherwise you will have to shed tears for three months.
What else can not be done on September 23:
- to pluck all the berries from the mountain ash is to lose well—being, some of the berries must be left to the birds.;
- breaking mountain ash branches, swearing next to a tree, and using branches to make a fire — mountain ash, like birch, was especially revered in Russia, and any harm done to it promised great misfortunes.;
- girls and women walking down the street with their heads uncovered — it is believed that evil spirits can settle in their hair.;
- leaving clutter, dirt and dust in the house leads to illnesses and family troubles.;
- to leave the windows curtained — they block the way to the rays of the sun, which, according to beliefs, expel all the bad and charge the home with goodness and luck.
What is the church holiday on September 23rd?
On September 23, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of Saints Peter and Paul, Bishops of Nicaea. It is known about Peter that he condemned iconoclasts who opposed the veneration of holy images. For his beliefs, he was subjected to numerous trials and persecutions. One can learn about his asceticism from the letters of St. Theodore the Studite, dating from the beginning of the 9th century. They testify to the spiritual closeness of the two saints and the joint efforts to protect the icons.
There is practically no information about Pavel's life. His name was first mentioned in the so-called "Peter's" Greek Prologue of the 11th century. This text says that he was among the ministers of the church and parishioners who opposed the destruction of shrines. The Church honors Peter and Paul as prominent opponents of iconoclasm and defenders of the true faith.
On the same date, Christians remember St. Paul the Obedient (Pechersky), who lived at the turn of the XIII–XIV centuries. The saint was an ascetic monk of the Distant Caves in the Kiev Caves Lavra. Since his youth, he devoted himself to the monastic life, diligently performing the most difficult obediences, and in his spare time he ground grain on millstones. His humility and uncomplaining service to God became an example of monastic life.
Prayers on September 23rd
Saints Peter and Paul of Nicaea are prayed for strengthening faith, deliverance from sinful thoughts, and guidance on the right path. On the day of their memory, a Troparion is read to all the saints. St. Paul the Obedient is asked for help in his daily labors and worries, as well as prayers for monastic life.
Prayer to Peter and Paul of Nicaea
Troparion to All Saints, glas 2
"Apostolic martyrs and prophets, holy hierarchs, venerable and righteous, who have performed a good deed and kept the faith, who have boldness to Salvation, pray for us for the good, we pray that our souls may be saved."
Greatness
"We magnify you, apostles, martyrs, prophets, and all saints, and we honor your holy memory, for you pray to Christ our God for us."
Prayer to Paul the Obedient
Troparion, glas 3
"Having imitated the obedience of Christ, and for His Name's sake, in all obedience, patiently, even unto death, O Paul of all honor, work hard, but now accept the reward of your obedience diligently from the Lord, always pray to Him for us who sing to you."
Kontakion, glas 1
"A true novice and equally honorable to the saints, our all-blessed Father Paul, come, beloved, let us bless your zeal, for you pray unceasingly for all of us."
Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to St. Joseph of Volotsk.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
