Folk signs for October 14: 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 Tuesday, October 14, and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for October 14, 2025

In Russia, the Feast of the Intercession was celebrated on October 14. In popular culture, it was considered one of the most important, symbolizing the transition from autumn to winter. No wonder they said: "On the Cover before lunch — autumn, and after lunch — winter." On this day, the harvesting of firewood and other preparations were completed so that the winter would pass without unpleasant surprises.

The wedding season also began with the Intercession, which lasted until Christmas. Girls who wanted to get married came to church in the morning and placed candles in front of the icon of the Virgin. According to beliefs, the one who prays for her fate first will meet her betrothed before the others. Hence the famous saying: "Cover the ground with a snowball, and me with a groom."

Great importance was attached to weather signs. They were used to judge what the winter would be like. So, if the leaves from the trees were completely covered by the Cover, then, of course, the winter season would be mild. If there are still a lot of leaves left, prepare for severe frosts.

Other signs of the day:

• It's raining, which means winter will be snowy, and autumn will be stormy.;
• It's snowing — it's going to be a long and cold winter.;
• sunny weather — no snow until December;
• The north wind is a harbinger of a harsh and frosty winter;
• south wind — for the warm and snowy season;
• if cranes fly to the Cover, winter will come early and it will be cold.

Snow on the Cover of the Virgin: the most important national omen on October 14

What not to do on October 14th

On a holiday, one should refrain from certain actions that may attract trouble or negative influence. For example, it is forbidden to practice magic in Pokrov. According to beliefs, magical rituals and occult practices disrupt the connection with God and can harm a person.

What else can't be done on October 14th:

• Starting new businesses is a better day to devote to completing current affairs and preparing for future endeavors.;
• working in the garden or cleaning the house — it is believed that such actions can lead to misfortunes and troubles.;
• quarreling and swearing — quarrels on a holiday will lead to problems in the family;
• Making impossible promises can have negative consequences in the future.;
• to be sad and complain about fate — the day of Intercession should be celebrated in joy and gratitude.;
• For women to walk with their hair down, they need to cover their heads with a headscarf, expressing respect for the holiday.

What is the church holiday on October 14th?

Orthodox Christians celebrate the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos on October 14. The celebration symbolizes the protection and patronage of the Mother of God, who, according to legend, showed her patronage to people on this day by spreading her omophorion (veil) over the inhabitants of besieged Constantinople. This event took place in the 10th century. Later, a separate church holiday was established in his honor.

According to tradition, during the Intercession, believers pray to the Most Holy Theotokos for protection from adversity, help in difficult life situations, and ask for her blessings for the future. It is also a day when Orthodox Christians remember the mercy of the Virgin Mary and her concern for people, thanking Her for Her protection and intercession before the Lord.

In the church calendar, on the same date, the Memorial Day of St. Roman the Sweet Singer, the author of early church hymns (kontakion) and hymns, is celebrated. Some of them are still used in worship. For example, "The Virgin gives birth to the Most Essential today" and "To my soul, to my soul, arise." Most of the works were written by him during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I the Great (527-565).

Popular beliefs: what is strictly forbidden to do on the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos in 2025

Rituals, prohibitions, and omens that are important to know

Prayers on October 14th

During the Intercession, believers pray to the Virgin for peace, health, a successful marriage, the birth of children and family well-being. Prayers in front of the icon of Roman the Sweet Singer help to gain an understanding of spiritual truths, strengthen faith and get closer to God. It is believed that the saint also patronizes all those who are engaged in the field of art, music and poetry, primarily in church singing.

Prayer for the Protection of the Virgin

"O Most Holy Virgin, Mother of the Lord of the Highest powers, Queen of heaven and earth, of our city and country, and All-powerful Intercessor! For this reason, we seek refuge in You, as our most certain and speedy Intercessor. Hear us as we pray to You, overshadow us with Your almighty protection, and ask God for Your Son: our shepherd is zeal and vigil for souls, our governor is wisdom and strength, justice and non-discrimination for judges, reason and humility for a mentor, love and harmony for a spouse, obedience for a child, patience for those who offend, the fear of God for those who grieve, complacency for those who rejoice abstinence. We all have the spirit of reason and piety, the spirit of mercy and meekness, the spirit of purity and truth. For you, O Lady, are the Glory of heaven and the hope of the earth, for You are our Hope and the Intercessor of all who flow to You in faith. For fear of You, we pray, and to You, as Your Omnipotent Helper, we commit ourselves and each other and our whole life, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."

Prayer to Roman the Sweet Singer

"Oh, our most blessed father, Sweet-singing Roman! Look down from the heights of glory upon us, the humble and the weak, who ask for your help and consolation. Cling to us with your compassion and help us to preserve the commandments of the Lord immaculately, to maintain the Orthodox faith firmly, and to diligently offer repentance for our sins to God. Teach us, who have become faithful to Christ, to work for Him with fear and to rejoice with trembling. Deliver us from sorrow and despondency, wring out our pride and love of glory, so that we may sing the glory of God, so that we may exalt the glory of heaven... Grant us to know the sweetness of renouncing our will, and sanctify our souls with strong faith in God's good providence for the salvation of man. Send down upon us a blessing from the Lord, that we may bear the good yoke of Christ in longsuffering to the end of our days, that we may be worthy, with wise virgins, to enter the wedding hall of our Heavenly Bridegroom and, together with the Angels, to sing the glory of His greatness, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen to that."

Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to St. Michael, Metropolitan of Kiev.