A special national holiday on October 22 is Yakov Studenyi: history, traditions, omens

Every year on October 22, Orthodox believers honor the memory of the Holy Apostle James Alpheyev, one of the twelve closest disciples of Jesus Christ, brother of the Evangelist Matthew. In the folk tradition, the holiday is called Yakov Studenyi. In 2025, the date falls on Wednesday. Read about its history, traditions, customs, prohibitions and omens in the Izvestia article.

Yakov Studenyi National Holiday — 2025: the history of the holiday

The Apostle James Alphaeus is one of the twelve closest disciples of Jesus Christ, who, along with his brother, the evangelist Matthew, went down in history as an example of faithfulness, spiritual fortitude and selfless service.

According to legend, before being called by Christ, James, like his brother, was a tax collector. However, meeting Jesus was a turning point in his life. He abandoned his former trade and followed his Teacher, becoming a witness and participant in many events of his earthly path.

After Pentecost (the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, which occurred on the 50th day after Easter), the apostle James devoted himself to preaching the Gospel. First, he carried the word of God in Judea, then, together with Andrew the First—Called, he went to Edessa, one of the ancient centers of Christianity in the territory of the modern Middle East.

His missionary path passed through Gaza, Eleutheropolis and the surrounding areas, where he converted pagans to the faith and strengthened Christian communities.

There are several versions of Jacob's death. According to one theory, he died a martyr's death by stoning in Marmarica, according to another, he was crucified in the Egyptian city of Ostracin, near the border with Palestine.

October 22 is the Memorial Day of the Apostle James Alfeyev: traditions and history

Traditions of the national holiday celebrated in Russia on October 22

In Russia, the holiday was considered a kind of reference point in winter life. He was known as Yakov Studenyi, Yakov the Woodcutter, or simply the Woodcutter, which directly indicated the main concern of the peasants at that time.

By October 22, according to the ancestors, the wood acquired the necessary degree of dryness for the best heat transfer — it had already been dried by nature and was ready for use. Therefore, the time was considered ideal for the start of winter firewood harvesting.

The ancestors traditionally started the morning with a visit to the temple. Believers lit candles in memory of the Apostle James, prayed for the health and well-being of the family, and asked for wisdom in their deeds and strength in their labors.

Cooking porridge from new harvest grain was an integral part of the celebration. This ritual had not only gastronomic, but also ritual significance — the ancestors believed that without such treats it was impossible to gain either the favor of fate or material prosperity. It was believed that it has a special power — not just saturates, but heals and strengthens the spirit.

The housewives cooked dishes from barley, millet, oats in lard or butter. They were served to the table in large bowls, enough for both the family and the guests. On this occasion, they sentenced: "When the wood is burning, then they cook porridge," "Yakov will come and bring a grain."

Pies were also baked on the holiday, often with oatmeal filling, which symbolized future prosperity. The fillings ranged from meat and cottage cheese to berry and apple.

On Yakov Studenyi, the ancestors tried to be generous — they treated neighbors, wanderers, and everyone who came into the house. Such hospitality promised prosperity. "The guests are looking at the stove — they obviously want porridge," people said. It was not accepted to refuse the treats, it was possible to bring upon oneself a bad reputation.

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What not to do on the feast of Jacob the Cold

Traditions included not only rituals and treats, but also strict prohibitions, the violation of which, according to legend, could turn into failure. So, it was forbidden to sit idle on Yakov Studenoy. Active work and diligence in the household were considered the best way to appease fate and the patron saints.

What else can not be done on October 22

• starting new businesses — even well-thought-out projects will turn into a failure;
• going to visit empty—handed - a visit without a treat or a gift promises unhappiness and discord in a relationship;
• to repair clothes and shoes — needles are especially dangerous at this point, their injection can "attract" long-term illnesses.;
• to be sad and regret the past — sad thoughts can provoke new troubles.;
• to swear, even mentally — there is a risk that abusive words will "hit" the health of loved ones;
• to retell dreams — they can turn for the worse.

Folk signs for October 22

On October 22, peasants closely monitored nature in order to make a forecast of what the winter months would be like.:

• foxes bark in the forest — to a sharp cold snap;
• icicles on the roofs — winter will be harsh;
• rain in the morning — frosts will hit soon;
• a rich harvest of mushrooms on this day — the winter will be long and snowy.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the traditions and prohibitions of the special national holiday Trifon and Pelageya.