Folk signs for October 22: 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 22, and which church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for October 22, 2025
According to the national calendar, October 22 is the day known as Yakov the Woodcutter or Yakov Studenyi. The holiday is closely connected with the completion of autumn works and the final preparations for winter. Its name "Woodcutter" directly indicates the main economic concern of this time — the harvesting of firewood for a long cold period. Old proverbs accurately reflect his essence: "Yakov cuts down the tree, but the cold walks around the yard," "Yakov came, he brought the cold."
In the morning, the men went into the forest to chop enough firewood. The autumn firewood harvested at this time was highly valued for its quality. They were drier and harder than summer ones, and therefore burned hotter and provided more heat, allowing them to survive even the most severe cold.
Women and children went to the forest for a "quiet hunt." Yakov Studenyi was the last day when it was possible to harvest autumn syroezhki and other late mushrooms. The harvested crops were salted, dried or stewed to serve for dinner with hot potatoes and fragrant pies, thus completing the mushroom season.
Great importance was attached to the weather signs on Yakov. They were used to make a forecast for the coming winter in order to be prepared for any vagaries of nature. If the first snow fell on that day, it promised a good harvest next year. If the day was clear and sunny, then the onset of frost was expected soon.
Other signs of the day:
- the cherry leaves have not fallen off — the heat will still linger.;
- if the bulb has a lot of husks, the winter will be cold.;
- the needles did not fall from the larch tree — by the snowy winter;
- the goose flaps its wings noisily — to the winds and frosts;
- The fox goes out to the village — to the early snow;
- the hare has completely changed his fur coat to a winter one — for the imminent frosts;
- The hedgehog hid in a hole with supplies — it's going to be a long winter.
What not to do on October 22
There were a number of strict prohibitions on the day of Yakov Studenyi. Our ancestors believed that violating these rules could lead to a series of failures, illnesses, and financial problems. For example, it was not recommended to visit empty-handed. According to beliefs, such a visit, devoid of respect and generosity to the hosts, could lead to quarrels and loss of well-being. It was necessary to bring a small gift or treat with you.
What else can not be done on October 22:
- starting new businesses — it is believed that any new endeavor on this day is doomed to failure.
- to repair clothes and shoes — to "attract" diseases;
- Being sad and regretting the past — such thoughts will only attract new problems.;
- swearing, even mentally abusive words were considered especially dangerous on this day and could "hit" one's health.;
- retell dreams, especially bad ones, otherwise they may come true in the worst case scenario.
What is the church holiday on October 22
On October 22, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. James Alpheyev, one of the twelve apostles and brother of the Evangelist Matthew. Before his calling as a Savior, Jacob, like his brother, was a tax collector. However, when he heard the voice of Christ, he did not hesitate to leave everything and follow Him to bring the Good News to people. After the Descent of the Holy Spirit, the apostle James was given the lot to preach in Judea, Edessa, Gaza and other cities of Southern Palestine, converting pagans to the true faith.
The apostle's life ended with a martyrdom. According to church tradition, he died for Christ in the Egyptian city of Ostracin, where he was going to preach. Like his Teacher, James was crucified on the cross. His ministry and martyrdom inspired many Christians during the era of persecution, setting an example of steadfastness and fidelity to the gospel. The memory of the Holy Apostle is celebrated twice a year: on October 22 and on the day of the Council of the Twelve Apostles on July 13.
On the same day, a celebration is held in honor of the Korsun Icon of the Mother of God, also known as the Ephesian Icon. This venerated shrine has deep historical roots and, according to legend, was painted by the Evangelist Luke himself during the life of the Blessed Virgin. It got its name from the Byzantine city of Chersonesos, which was formerly called Korsun. In 988, after the baptism in Chersonesos, the list of the miraculous icon was brought to Kiev by the Holy Prince Vladimir, Equal to the Apostles, becoming one of the first shrines of ancient Russia.
For many centuries, the Korsun Icon of the Mother of God has been revered as a powerful Intercessor and Helper of all Christians. Many believers testified to the miraculous help they received through prayers in front of this icon. She is considered a defender of the home, helping to preserve peace and mutual understanding between spouses, and also protects warriors and travelers, protecting them in dangerous wanderings and battles.
Prayers on October 22
On the memorial day of the Apostle James, the saint prays for the gift of the power of the spirit, for help in strengthening faith and getting rid of cowardice and doubt. They also turn to him for support in difficult life situations, when wisdom and determination are required. Before the Korsun Icon of the Virgin Mary, people traditionally pray for the well-being of the family, the health of children and parents, the gift of offspring, and the safe course of pregnancy and childbirth. Travelers and warriors ask this icon for protection on the road and return home unharmed.
Prayer to the Apostle James Alpheus
"O great servant of God, God-chosen and God-blessed Apostle James, brother of the Lord, You are the great bishop of the Holy City, our warm intercessor and intercessor, who stands before the Throne of the Most Holy Trinity. Do not turn us away from your intercession, but raise us up, who have been cast down by many sins. As a holy martyr, have the power to solve and bind, resolve our evils from the depths, and partake of the love of God and the Kingdom of heaven, blessed be through your prayers. Pray to Christ the Saviour that He may vouchsafe us to complete our earthly journey without blemish, that we may be worthy of eternal and blessed lives in heaven, and there, together with you, I will praise the Undivided Trinity, and sing praises to the One Divinity of the Father, and of the Son, and of the All-Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen to that."
Prayer in front of the Korsunskaya Icon
"O Most Holy Virgin, to the Lady Theotokos, <...> We pray to You and ask You, merciful Mother of the Lord who loves mankind, to have mercy on us, Your humble and unworthy servant: look mercifully upon our captivity and heal the destruction of our souls and bodies, ravage visible and invisible armies, and destroy every pillar of the fortress, weapon in battle, commander And, invincible champion, make us unworthy on behalf of our enemies. Show us the ancient mercies and Thy wonders. <...> Grant friendship to those who are ill, silence and guidance to those who sail the seas, travel with those who travel and keep me, comfort those who are afraid, ease poverty and all bodily bitterness, ease mental illnesses and passions. <...> More than You are given this city and every city and country from Deliver us from gladness, destruction, cowardice, flood, fire and sword, from the presence of foreigners and internecine warfare and from vain death, and turn away all righteous anger against us, through the good will and grace of Your Only Begotten Son, to whom all glory, honor and worship befits, with His Beginningless Father and Ever-present and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever and ever. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to St. Tryphon, the Wonderworker of Vyatka.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
