Folk signs for September 25: what can and cannot be done
In Russia, omens have been given special importance since ancient times. They were used to determine when to sow and harvest, what the weather would be like, and what the future fate of a person would be. Every day of the national calendar was full of rituals and beliefs. Izvestia tells about the signs of September 25 and the church holidays that fall on this date.
Folk signs for September 25, 2025
In Russia, on September 25, a holiday called "Artamon the Serpentine" was celebrated. It was believed that by this date, snakes crawled out into the light for the last time before wintering in burrows. The ancestors were afraid of encountering reptiles, as they could behave aggressively. Therefore, they tried not to go into the forest once again, and if it was impossible to avoid going into the thicket, they put on high shoes and took amulets with them.
According to legend, when meeting a snake, one should leave a "gift" for it — milk or an egg. If the offering was eaten, the person could count on luck for a year. Women and children were picking mountain ash on September 25. The berry was appreciated both for its taste and for its medicinal properties. Rowan clusters and twigs were also used as a powerful talisman against evil spirits and the evil eye.
The ancestors paid attention to Artamon the Serpentine for various signs. If by this time the trees had shed almost all their leaves, they understood that winter would come early and it would be cold.
Other signs of September 25
- Snakes are crawling into holes — it's going to get colder soon;
- aspen leaves fall from the inside up to the warm winter;
- rain with small and steady drops leads to prolonged bad weather;
- flat clouds in the sky lead to prolonged precipitation;
- cranes are flying in a wedge — the winter will be mild;
- the wind blows all day with the same force — for bad weather;
- sunny weather — the next few days will be clear;
- Meeting a snake is good luck;
- The first snow will lead to a good wheat harvest next year.;
- heavy rain — it's going to be a long winter.
What not to do on September 25
On the day of Artamon the Serpentine, the ancestors adhered to certain prohibitions in order to avoid troubles. According to beliefs, it was not necessary to harm snakes on a holiday, much less kill them. Anyone who violated this rule could bring misfortune upon his entire family.
What else can not be done on September 25
- Sharing bread is for hungry times;
- Cutting your hair and nails can take away your health and good luck.;
- Accepting gifts from strangers can transmit illnesses and misfortunes.;
- starting new businesses won't bring the desired results.;
- going to forests and swamps — you may encounter an aggressive snake.;
- swearing and showing malicious intentions can lead to trouble.;
- chopping and breaking mountain ash leads to problems in the family.
Church holidays on September 25
On September 25, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the Hieromartyr St. Anthony of Italy, who lived in the fourth century. He was a bishop in Italy. During the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian, he moved to Bethany, where he continued to preach Christianity. For the destruction of a pagan temple and the conversion of pagans to Christianity, the saint was killed during a divine service. Numerous miracles were performed at the burial site of the Astronomer, and later a temple was built there in his honor.
Also on September 25, believers remember St. Athanasius Vysotsky Jr., the second abbot of the Serpukhov Vysotsky Monastery. He was born around 1352 into a pious family and from a young age devoted himself to the service of God. In the late 1970s, he took monastic vows from the first abbot of the Vysotsky monastery, Athanasius the Elder. Already in 1387, he himself headed the monastery.
St. Athanasius the Younger died in 1395 after a long illness. According to his will, he was buried under the stairs of the monastery church. Subsequently, he appeared to the monks more than once to warn them about something. In 1591, during the invasion of the Crimean Tatars, the monks left the High Monastery. According to legend, when the enemies approached the monastery, a monk rode out of the gate on a white horse with a large iron rod in his hands and put the enemies to flight. Many recognized him as St. Athanasius.
Prayers for September 25th
Orthodox believers can pray to the Holy Martyr St. Anthony of Italy and St. Athanasius Vysotsky Jr. They are asked to strengthen their faith, repent, get rid of physical and mental ailments, and help in difficult life situations.
Troparion to the Holy Martyr of the Autonomous Italian
"When you were a communicant of the spirit and a vicar of the throne, you found an act inspired by God, in the ascension of a vision: for this, correcting the word of truth, and for the sake of faith, you suffered even to the point of blood, O holy martyr, pray to Christ God that our souls may be saved."
Kontakion to the Holy Martyr of the Autonomous Italian
"O divine, wise, immaculate one, thou didst lead the mystery, thou wast a pleasant sacrifice, blessed of God: for thou didst drink the Cup of Christ, Most glorious, the lamp of the world, praying unceasingly for us all."
Prayer to St. Athanasius Vysotsky Jr.
"Oh, our venerable and God-bearing Father Athanasius! Desiring to serve the Lord, where did you dwell, and you labored unflinchingly in labors, vigils, prayers, and fasts, and you were a mentor to the monastics, and a zealous teacher to all people. Therefore, after your departure from earthly life, stand before the Heavenly King, and pray for His goodness, that you may protect the place of your settlement, this holy monastery, where you persist in your spirit of love, and all your people who fall down to your bosom with faith, in order to fulfill their good petitions. Ask our Merciful Lord, may He grant us an abundance of earthly goods, especially for the benefit of our souls, and may He grant us to end this temporary life in repentance, and on the Day of Judgment, may He grant us eternal rest and enjoyment in His kingdom. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia told about the signs and traditions of the holiday of Fedorina Vecherka.
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