A special Russian holiday on October 6 is Iraida Disputable: what can and cannot be done, signs

Every year on October 6, Orthodox Christians honor the memory of the Martyr Iraida of Alexandria, who lived in Alexandria in the IV century. In the national calendar, the holiday is known as Iraida Debatable. This name appeared because of the weather, which is rarely predicted at this time. In 2025, the date falls on a Monday. Izvestia tells us about the traditions, signs and strict prohibitions of this day.

What is the church holiday on October 6th?

The history of the holiday is connected with the name of the early Christian martyr Iraida (Raisa) of Alexandria, who suffered for her faith during the great persecution of Christians in Roman Egypt during the reign of Emperor Maxentius. According to the life, the saint was the daughter of a priest and was raised in Christian traditions from an early age, and at the age of 12 she chose the monastic life.

One day, the nun went to get water from the spring and witnessed a sight that shocked her to the depths of her soul. There was a ship off the coast, on board of which there were men and women imprisoned in chains. These were clergymen and other Christians who were being taken to execution.

Without hesitation, Iraida left the water carrier and joined the prisoners of Christ. They put shackles on her, and when the ship arrived in the Egyptian city of Antinopolis, she was the first to be tortured, after which she was beheaded with a sword. The same fate befell other prisoners.

The martyr's act was not only an act of mercy, but also a firm profession of faith, serving as an example for many believers. Saint Iraida is revered by both Eastern and Western Christians. In the Catholic Church, her memorial day is set on September 23. Prayers are offered to the saint for strengthening faith, protection from unfair accusations and spiritual support in difficult moments of life.

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The holiday traditionally falls on September 27.

How was the Disputed Iraida celebrated in Russia

In the folk tradition, the holiday was named "Iraida Controversial" because of the changeable weather in the middle of autumn. In addition, in the old days they believed that on this day one should not complain about life and "argue with fate", otherwise one can attract new difficulties. Talking about your successes was also considered a bad omen.

Despite the fact that the old-timers warned against fortune-telling and excessive faith in predictions, rituals were held in some areas for financial luck. To do this, they went to the confluence of two rivers and collected water in two identical vessels. At home, they watched where the water would evaporate faster. If it came from a vessel filled from a deeper river, it was a bad omen. If it's from a less well—flowing area, then the financial situation should have improved in the near future.

Traditionally, the day was associated with the beginning of the heating season and preparations for winter. Stoves were inspected and repaired in the villages, and huts and baths were well heated, saying: "Iraida lights the stove, equips the winter." Stoves were in great demand on the holiday. A special treat was prepared for them — "liqueurs", which were rye tortillas with boiled potatoes.

What can and cannot be done on Iraida Moot

Following the traditions, believers should visit the church in the morning or read the prayer to St. Iraida at home. You can also perform rituals for well-being. For example, burning an old broom to get rid of old adversities and buying a new one instead will attract financial well—being. They also put a coin with a scratch or dent in the wallet for prosperity. However, it must not be shown or given to anyone.

There are a number of prohibitions on this day. According to beliefs, it is not necessary to sort out the relationship between spouses on Iraida, otherwise it will lead to protracted disagreements. On the contrary, married couples should spend the day together in a relaxed atmosphere, maintaining peace and harmony in the family.

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What else can not be done on October 6

• picking up any objects from the ground leads to money problems.;
• make large purchases — serious holes can form in the family budget;
• Praising and admiring other people is a way to jinx a person and get them into trouble.;
• make plans for the future — they probably won't come true.

Folk signs for October 6th

According to the signs of the day, our ancestors determined the weather for the coming months. So, if it rains on October 6, the winter will be cold. And if the sky is clear, then winter is expected to be warm.

Other signs of the day:

• thick fog in the morning is a harbinger of clear weather;
• leaves have fallen from the maple tree — winter will come earlier than usual;
• geese splash in the water for a long time — for a prolonged autumn;
• Hedgehogs drag dry leaves and grass into their burrows — it will be a frosty winter.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the Kondrat da Ipat national holiday.