A special holiday on September 29 is Yefimiya, the Bird's Nest: history, traditions, omens

Every year on September 29, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the Great Martyr Euphemia the All-Laudable. In 2025, the celebration falls on a Monday. In the national calendar, the holiday was called Efimiya or Bird's Bone. On this day in Russia, they read bird bones and avoided kissing. Read about the history and traditions of the holiday in the Izvestia article.

What is the church holiday on September 29th?

The Orthodox Church commemorates Saint Euphemia the Laudable on September 29. She was born at the end of the 3rd century into the family of the Chalcedonian senator Philophron and was known for her faith and perseverance.

During the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian, the ruler of Chalcedon, Priscus, ordered a large-scale celebration in honor of the god of war Mars. Representatives of the Christian community refused to participate in the unholy rituals and instead held a divine service in the temple. For this, all its participants, including Euphemia, were arrested.

Priscus sent most of the faithful to the emperor for trial, while Euphemia remained in the city. The ruler hoped to flatter and persuade the saint to renounce Christ and become his wife, but the girl resolutely rejected all his proposals. After that, Euphemia was severely tortured, but with God's help, she remained unharmed.

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Seeing the steadfastness of the young Christian woman, Priscus ordered her to be torn to pieces by wild animals. However, the lions and bears did not touch Euphemia, only one bear scratched her slightly. Suddenly, a voice rang out from heaven, calling the saint to heaven, and she joyfully handed over her soul to the Lord. After that, a strong earthquake began, destroying the arena and pagan temples. Euphemia's body was taken away and honorably buried by her parents. Later, a temple was built on the site of her burial, and the relics of the martyr began to be revered as bleeding.

In 451, the greatest miracle related to the name of Saint Euphemia was performed. At that time, an Ecumenical Council was being held in Chalcedon, which addressed the issue of the nature of Jesus Christ. Orthodox priests and theologians argued that the Son of God combines Divine and human nature, while supporters of the Monophysite heresy believed that he possessed only Divine nature.

After a long debate, the parties could not come to a consensus. Then it was decided that the Holy Spirit would judge the disputants through his undoubted carrier, Euphemia. Both the Orthodox and the Monophysites expounded their teachings in scrolls, which they placed in the saint's tomb and sealed. For three days, the participants of the Council prayed and observed strict fasting, and then reopened the tomb of the martyr. Euphemia held the Orthodox scroll in her right hand, and the heretical one lay at her feet. After that, many Monophysites repented of their errors, and those who persisted in unbelief were excommunicated.

Traditions of the national holiday Yefimiya, Bird's Nest on September 29

In Russia, Saint Euphemia's memorial day was called Euphemia or Bird's Bone. On this day, it was customary in the villages to guess on bird bones. To do this, the peasants caught grouse and ducks in the forest. If there was a lot of fat on their bones, they understood that the winter would be harsh.

On the feast of Yefimiya, autumn harvesting continued. The women leavened cabbage, made jam, and dried berries for tea and healing. Cabbage dishes such as cabbage soup, borscht, cabbage rolls and pies were always served on the tables on this day. It was believed that the more plentiful the food, the more peaceful the year would be.

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The holiday traditionally falls on September 27.

In the villages, it was customary to wash in the bath. It was believed that if you steamed well on Euphemia, then a person would be healthy throughout the year. However, at the same time, it was strictly forbidden to use someone else's broom — according to beliefs, it was possible to take on the illnesses of its owner.

What not to do on September 29 on Efim, Bird's Bone

Our ancestors believed that September 29 was the time to say goodbye to migratory birds. The day was filled with a sense of separation, so we didn't kiss our loved ones on Efimiya. It was believed that after that they would have to part for a long time.

What else can't be done on September 29th

• fishing or approaching bodies of water is a misfortune.;
• starting a move or a long trip leads to health problems or troubles along the way.;
• Wearing things that someone else has used can lead to gossip and envy from others.

Folk signs for September 29

On the day of Yefimiya, the ancestors paid attention to various signs. If the weather was warm and sunny on a holiday, they understood that winter would not come soon. There were other signs, too:

• Thunder — winter will be cold and snowless.
• jackdaws gather in flocks — for clear and dry weather;
• The leaves on the trees have turned yellow, but they are not falling — autumn will be long, and winter will come later than usual.;
• Geese are flying against the wind — a hurricane is about to start.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the signs and traditions of the Kornilov Day holiday.

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