Folk signs for October 8: 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 Wednesday, October 8, and which church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for October 8, 2025
In Russia, on October 8, Sergei Kapustnik was celebrated. As usual, cabbage was chopped at this time, harvesting it for the winter. Cabbage was usually fermented with the first frost, in the middle of autumn, otherwise all the preparations could spoil. The whole family was supposed to work, then, according to legend, the "sourdough" would turn out crispy and would be fresh all winter.
Cabbage soup, cabbage rolls and cabbage pies were also cooked. Cabbage leaves were always served to livestock. This "top dressing" served as a kind of talisman against diseases and pestilence, strengthening the immunity of animals. On the same day, part of the poultry was slaughtered — for sale or a festive table. Hence another name of the holiday — the Coop.
Great importance was attached to weather signs. They were used to determine what the end of autumn and the coming winter would be like. Back on St. Sergeyev's Day, forecasts were made for next year's harvest. So, if birds chirp loudly near the house on October 8, you can expect a good grain harvest. And if the mice are scratching in the cellar, there won't be enough bread.
Other signs of the day:
- It was a clear day, and the good weather will last until early November.;
- The first snow has fallen — winter will come early this year;
- The north wind promises a cold winter, while the west wind promises a snowy one.;
- a large number of acorns on oak trees — for a frosty winter;
- cranes are flying south — frosts will hit the Cover (October 14).
- not all the foliage has flown off the birches, which means that autumn will be delayed.
What not to do on October 8th
In the old days, Sergei Kapustnik was not only watched by the weather, but also adhered to certain prohibitions in order not to bring trouble. For example, on holidays it was forbidden to eavesdrop on other people's conversations and peek at others through the windows. According to beliefs, this will be followed by God's punishment in the form of blindness or deafness.
What else can not be done on October 8:
- slander, swear, envy — all the bad things will return with illnesses and misfortunes;
- Showing pride and arrogance can put you in an awkward situation.;
- to be lazy and shift things to others — you will have to work hard all next year.;
- pick up things found on the ground — you can take away other people's hardships with them.;
- to refuse to help those in need — it was believed that in the future this would lead to need and other problems, while good deeds would bring happiness and protection to the family for the whole year.
What is the church holiday on October 8th
On October 8, the Orthodox Church commemorates St. Sergius of Radonezh, abbot of the Russian Church, founder of a number of monasteries, including the Holy Trinity Monastery near Moscow (now the Trinity—Sergius Lavra). The future saint was born in 1314 near Rostov and was named Bartholomew at birth. At the age of 23, he took vows, taking the name Sergius.
Throughout his life, the monk set an example of humility, deep faith, and selfless service to God and the Fatherland. He laid the foundations of cenobitic monasticism, actively engaged in book writing, the construction of churches, and also helped to overcome civil strife and strengthen the unity of Russia. It was he who blessed Grand Duke Dmitry Donskoy before the Battle of Kulikovo. Since the 15th century, he has been revered by the Russian Orthodox Church as a saint.
On the same date, believers honor the memory of St. Euphrosyne of Alexandria, who lived in Alexandria, Egypt, in the 5th century. According to the hagiography, Euphrosyne came from a noble and wealthy family. When she turned 18, they wanted to marry her off. Striving for a monastic life, the saint changed into men's clothes and secretly entered a monastery, devoting her life to the service of God. In Christianity, she is known as the patroness of consolation and intercessor for those in need before the Lord.
Prayers on October 8th
Prayers are addressed to Sergius of Radonezh for spiritual support and guidance, intercession in difficult circumstances, assistance to monasteries and convents, and protection in military matters. Euphrosyne of Alexandria is asked for help in various everyday needs: guidance on the path of truth, peace in the family, the birth of a child, health and well-being for loved ones.
Prayer to Sergius of Radonezh
"O holy head, our venerable and God-bearing Father Sergius, through your prayer, faith, and love for God, and purity of heart, you have still established your soul on earth in the monastery of the Most Holy Trinity, and have been vouchsafed angelic communion and visitation of the Most Holy Theotokos, and have received the gift of miraculous grace. <...> Ask us from Our gracious God has given us every gift that is needed by all, immaculate observance of faith, confirmation of our cities, peace, deliverance from gladness and perdition, preservation from the invasion of foreigners, consolation to the sorrowful, healing to the sick, restoration to the fallen, return to the path of truth and salvation, strengthening to those who strive, beneficence in good deeds, prosperity and blessing, education for the infant, guidance for the young, admonition for the ignorant, intercession for orphans and widows, good preparation and parting words for those who depart from this temporary life, blessed rest for those who depart, and through your merciful prayers grant us all a part of deliverance on the day of the Last Judgment, but the gums The countries of communion were, and the blessed voice of Vladyka Christ was heard: "Come, blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. Amen to that."
Prayer of Euphrosyne of Alexandria
"Oh, our holy Reverend Mother Euphrosyne! Now, celebrating your memory with light, we cry out to you with tender hearts: you have obeyed the good Teacher of our Lord Jesus Christ, who says in the Gospel: Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me, and anyone who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be My disciple, and you have followed Him with your whole life. Grant us, our mother Euphrosyne, the power and action of the Holy Spirit to eradicate every sin that lives in us and to create our souls in the temples of God; inflame our hearts with love for the Lord, so that we may fill our mouths with His praise and complete our walk before God in all piety and purity, so that through your heavenly intercession we may be saved. Let us see the glory of God, glorifying the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to the holy First Martyr Thekla of Iconium.
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