Folk signs for October 9th: 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 Thursday, October 9th, and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for October 9, 2025

In Russia, on October 9, the feast of Ivan the Autumn was celebrated. Usually at this time, the remnants of the harvest were harvested in the garden and preparations for winter were completed. We spent the day with our family. The women baked pies, treated their families and neighbors to them, and gave the remaining treats to the birds. It was believed that the more generous the hosts were, the more successful the year would be.

At the same time, it was customary to arrange viewing parties in the villages. The groom's parents came to the girl's house to get acquainted. If they were greeted as dear guests, seated at a table and deliciously fed, then one could count on a positive response and arrange a wedding. If the groom did not like it, the matchmakers were given a pumpkin decorated with ribbons, which symbolized the refusal.

Weather signs were given great importance on Midsummer Day. They were used to determine the weather conditions in the coming months. According to observations, if October 9 is warm and sunny, then the end of autumn will be mild. And if the first snow has fallen, the real winter will come on Michaelmas Day (November 21).

Other signs of the day:

• the sun is shining during the day — July next year will be cold and rainy;
• at sunset, white clouds — the next day will be cloudy, and pink clouds — for clear weather.;
• rain comes with snow — there will be a thaw in January;
• the leaf lies on the ground upside down — for a good harvest next year.;
• mice carry dry grass into their burrows — a harsh winter is ahead.;
• bubbles form at the bottom of the dishes — it may rain.

What not to do on October 9th

In addition to weather observations, some prohibitions were observed on Ivan the Autumn. For example, on a holiday, they tried not to talk loudly or have lively arguments. According to beliefs, loud words can scare away good luck and attract troubles.

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What else can't be done on October 9th:

• Wearing old shoes can lead to a losing streak.;
• Working after lunch is believed to bring forty troubles on yourself.;
• picking up sharp objects — there will be quarrels and conflicts in the family;
• to refuse those in need — if possible, it is necessary to provide assistance to those who need it.;
• to hold a wedding or a wedding — it is believed that a marriage concluded on this day will be unhappy and fleeting.

What is the church holiday on October 9th?

On October 9, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of John the Evangelist and one of the 12 closest disciples of Christ. He was born into the family of Zebedee, a fisherman, and Salome, the daughter of St. Joseph the Betrothed. While fishing in Lake Gennesaret, he was called by Jesus and, together with his brother James, followed the Savior, witnessing important events in His life, including the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Last Supper.

The nickname "Theologian" was fixed for John due to his writings, which reflected key theological truths. He is the author of a number of canonical texts of the New Testament, including the Gospels of John, the three Epistles and Revelation. John died at the age of over 100, becoming the only apostle who escaped violent death.

On the same date, St. Tikhon, the eleventh Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, is commemorated. The future patriarch was born in 1865 in the Pskov province, in the family of a priest. He became a monk at the age of 26. Later, he managed dioceses in Yaroslavl, Vilna and North America. In 1917, he was elected patriarch, courageously defending the Church. He was repeatedly arrested and assassinated. He died in 1925, and his relics are in the Donskoy Monastery.

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Believers honor their ancestors in the temple and at home, continuing the ancient customs of commemoration.

Prayers on October 9th

Everyone who finds it difficult, who feels undeservedly offended or accused, turns to John the Theologian for help. The saint helps to heal from illnesses, find family well-being, and also patronizes students and artists. Patriarch Tikhon can be prayed to in any situation that requires humility and faith: for deliverance from heresies and civil strife, for courage in the face of danger, for the salvation of the Fatherland in difficult times for the country.

Prayer to John the Theologian

"O great and all-laudable Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, the confidant of Christ, our warm intercessor and speedy helper in tribulation! Beseech the Lord God to grant us the remission of all our sins, since we have sinned from our youth in our whole life by deed, word, thought, and all our feelings. At the end of our souls, help us sinners to be delivered from aerial ordeals and eternal torment, so that through your merciful intercession we may glorify the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."

Prayer to Patriarch Tikhon

"O our good shepherd, Holy Great Patriarch Tikhon. <...> Now we fall down and fervently pray: beseech the Lord, may he give us the determination to acquire the piety of our fathers, which you acquired from your youth. You were a zealous defender and guardian of the true faith in your life, and help us to keep the Orthodox faith steadfastly. For thy quiet soul has greatly succeeded in Divine humility, teach us also to nourish our minds, not with the serene wisdom of man, but with a humble knowledge of the will of God. You have boldly confessed the true God before the fierce enemies of Christ, strengthen us, the faint-hearted, with your prayer, so that we too may always and everywhere resist the spirit of godlessness and flattery. <...> Grant us unflagging patience even to the end of our lives, peace with the Lord and remission of sins. Holy Father! Tame the winds of unbelief and turmoil in our country, may the Lord bring silence and piety and unfeigned love to the lands of Russia. Through your prayers, may He preserve us from internecine warfare, and strengthen our holy Orthodox Church. <...> Also save the erring sheep of Christ's flock. Above all, pray to the Lord of hosts that the Russian land may be reborn with holy repentance and with one heart and one mouth glorify the wondrous God in His saints, the Trinity of the glorified Father and Son and Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen to that."

Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to St. Sergius of Radonezh.