Folk signs for October 18: 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 certain rituals, superstitions and strict prohibitions. Izvestia tells about the popular signs of Saturday, October 18, and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for October 18, 2025
In Russia, on October 18, the Haritiny holiday was celebrated, also known as Haritiny — the first canvases. By this time, the field and garden work was over and the peasants switched to household chores.
Women began to weave canvases, and men were engaged in making felt boots. They tried to get the job done before dark. These traditions are reflected in the sayings: "Haritina wove and spun — she dressed the whole house," "The day lagged behind the night — he stumbled over a tree stump."
The girls gathered for parties, doing needlework and quietly singing songs. Love rituals and fortune-telling were popular on Haritiny. It was believed that in this way it was possible to attract a betrothed. They listened to their dreams, too. People believed that they could contain clues about the future. And if you make a wish before going to bed, then it will definitely come true.
Important attention was paid to weather signs. Observing nature, our ancestors tried to predict the coming winter. So, if crows and jackdaws are flying in noisy flocks in the sky, then snow will fall soon. The onset of winter is also heralded by clouds floating against the wind.
Other signs of the day:
- in the forest, you can hear the trees cracking, for the warm weather.;
- The smoke from the campfire is spreading on the ground — it's going to rain;
- the cattle are worried about a change in the weather and bad weather;
- The apple tree has not yet shed its leaves — frosts will come late.;
- The stones on the road are covered with moisture — rain is coming;
- the water in the barrel became cloudy, leading to a heavy downpour.
- the cat does not leave the hut all day — frosts are coming soon.
What not to do on October 18
On this day, there were various prohibitions and superstitions that the ancestors tried to strictly adhere to. For example, you couldn't be lazy and shirk work, otherwise you could lose your luck and face financial setbacks. It was also believed that a lazy person who spends time idly risks getting into trouble.
What else can not be done on October 18:
- wearing dark or new clothes — new clothes scare away happiness and luck;
- to boast of success — otherwise you can lose the object of pride.;
- talking about your plans — they probably won't come true.;
- Overeating is believed to affect your health during the cold season.;
- gossiping and speaking ill of people can lead to quarrels and loss of trust.;
- to envy others — fate will not turn out in the best way.
What is the church holiday on October 18?
On October 18, Orthodox Christians venerate two saints named Haritina — the Martyr Haritina of Amisi and the Venerable Haritina of Lithuania. They lived in different eras and in different countries, but both became a symbol of steadfastness of faith and patience.
Saint Haritina of Amisi lived in the late III — early IV century in the city of Ponte on the Black Sea coast. She lost her parents at an early age and was raised by a kind man named Claudius. In her youth, the girl fervently believed in Christ and decided to devote her life to serving God. Claudius supported her decision and built a house for her, in which she lived in solitude and prayer. The example of her life attracted many, and many people began to convert to Christianity.
When the persecution of Christians began under Emperor Diocletian, Haritina was arrested and severely tortured. She endured all the torments with fortitude, refusing to worship pagan idols. According to legend, in an attempt to force the girl to renounce Christ, her hair was repeatedly cut, but it miraculously grew back. After all the torments, Haritina was executed.
St. Haritina of Lithuania lived in the 13th century and came from a noble Lithuanian family. Due to internecine strife, her family fled to Novgorod, where she took vows at a monastery. The monastic name Haritina means "merciful," and she has truly become a model of mercy and caring for others. Over time, Haritina became the abbess of the monastery on Sinichy Gora. After her death, her relics were transferred to St. George's Monastery in Novgorod. The saint is revered as the patroness of Lithuania, and she is also revered in Belarus.
Prayers on October 18
They pray to the Martyr Haritina of Amisi for the healing of mental and physical ailments, the salvation of the soul and the strengthening of faith. St. Haritina of Lithuania is asked for intercession before the Lord, protection from civil strife and enemies. She is also considered the patroness of refugees and migrants, and internally displaced persons turn to her in various life situations.
Prayer to Haritina of Amisi
"Oh, holy saint of God, Holy Martyr Haritino! Having labored with good deeds on earth, you have received in heaven the crown of righteousness, which the Lord has prepared for all who love Him. Look mercifully upon the people who are coming and praying before your holy icon, asking for your help. Pray to the Lord, may He strengthen us in holy faith and piety, give us the spirit of God's fear, the spirit of humility, patience and love, and may He deliver us from all kinds of troubles and misfortunes, from hunger, destruction and unnecessary death. Help us, O Venerable Martyr, with your prayers at the Throne of God, so that the Lord may deliver this monastery (or this house) and all the cities and towns of our country from all evil and the slander of the enemy. Above all, ask the Lord for the remission of our sins and the inheritance of the heavenly kingdom, so that with you and all the saints 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 Haritina of Lithuania
"O Venerable and most glorious Mother Haritino, bride of your Bridegroom Christ, intercessor and guardian of Great New City and the Russian land. We have heard, we pray to you, and just as you had care of your monastery and the monks in it, and you guided many Russian wives to the path of salvation, so help us now. Enlighten the darkness of our minds and guide the Russian people to the light of the true faith, strengthen hope in God in our souls, establish love in our hearts and ask us for time to repent. In the days of great troubles and sorrows of our country, intercede for us, and beseech the Most Pure Mother of the Lord, that she may save the Russian land from famine, from the invasion of enemies and internecine warfare, from deadly plagues and diseases. May He strengthen us in Orthodoxy, like-mindedness, brotherly love, and unshakeable confession of the faith of Christ even unto death, and may He teach us obedience to His Holy Church. O our ever-memorable mother Haritino, bring thy prayers for us sinners and gather together the scattered children of God with thy love, kindle the flame of prayer in our hearts, that we may glorify thy memory, glorify our Lord Jesus Christ forever and ever. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia told what they were praying to Hieromartyr Hierotheus of Athens.
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