Folk signs for October 23rd: 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 23, and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for October 23, 2025
In Russia, on October 23, the Evlampy Winter Designator, also known as the Evlampy Lamp, was celebrated. Such names reflected the traditional occupations of our ancestors. On this date, the peasants observed nature to predict what winter would be like, and harvested kindling, which illuminated the dwelling at night.
By Evlampia, the days were getting noticeably shorter, so harvesting wood was an important activity that attracted both adults and children. For them, dry resinous logs without branches were used, from which thin splinters of a yard long (about 71 cm) were split off. Ready—made splinters were installed in special metal clamps, which were placed in the hut.
If the splinter constantly went out, then, according to legend, evil settled in the house, which could be brought by a stranger. Therefore, on this day, a ritual was performed from a "dashing guest" — they took a new knife and stuck it into the threshold, reading the plot: "Whoever comes into my house with a daredevil will take it back." Then the knife was placed next to the threshold, after which it was put away and never used.
Other traditions of the day were the collection of the magical herb rue, which was hung from the ceiling to protect against dark forces, and the symbolic burning of old things, which signified purification from accumulated negative energy and diseases.
According to weather signs, if a crescent moon is visible in the sky on October 23, then you need to see in which direction it is deployed with "horns". If you go south (down), the slush and rains will last until the beginning of November, and if you go north (up), winter will come very soon. Another sure sign of a cold snap is the loud crackling of logs in the oven.
Other signs of the day:
- the sky is clear all day — no precipitation expected in the near future;
- There are no frosts yet — winter will come no earlier than in four weeks.;
- If the wind blows from the east or north, it will cause a sharp cold snap.;
- willow leaves turn yellow and fly off — by early winter;
- There is still a lot of green foliage left on the trees — the winter will be cold and protracted.;
- if the weather is warm on Evlampia, winter will come late.
What not to do on October 23rd
There were also a number of strict prohibitions on the holiday. Our ancestors believed that violating these rules could bring troubles and misfortunes to the house. They were especially wary of actions related to fire and the hearth, which symbolized the vitality and well-being of the family. For example, it was strictly forbidden to lend matches or candles to neighbors, since along with the fire you could give away your family happiness.
What else can not be done on October 23:
- starting new or important things — in the old days, it was believed that a day on the border of autumn and winter had heavy energy, so things might not be successful.;
- Buying jewelry and new clothes is believed to attract evil spirits.;
- sweep the floor — you can sweep out not only litter from the house, but also financial well-being.;
- to have a wedding and arrange engagements — a marriage concluded on this day is considered doomed to misfortune.;
- guessing — the rituals performed on Evlampia of the Winter Designator will not benefit, but only harm.
What is the church holiday on October 23rd?
On October 23 (October 10, Old Style), the Orthodox Church honors the memory of several saints, among them the early Christian martyrs Evlampius and Evlampia, as well as one of the most revered Russian saints, St. Ambrose of Optina.
Evlampius and Evlampia lived in the early 4th century in the city of Nicomedia during the reign of Emperor Maximian, which was marked by persecution of Christians. They were siblings, and despite his fear of execution, he openly professed his faith. One day, a young man was captured and taken to a pagan temple, where he called on an idol to fall in the name of Christ. In front of everyone's eyes, the idol collapsed and crashed.
This caused confusion among the pagans present, and many of them later converted to Christianity. The guards arrested the young confessor again. Having learned of his suffering, Evlampia wished to share his fate. As a result, Evlampius was beheaded, and Evlampia died of agony. Their feat has become an example of fortitude and fidelity to Christ for many generations of Christians.
St. Ambrose of Optina (in the world Alexander Grenkov) became famous during his lifetime as a seer and wonderworker. He was born in 1812 in Tambov province. After graduating from the theological seminary, he arrived in Optina Pustyn, where he became a disciple of Elder Leo. Subsequently, Ambrose was elected hieromonk of the monastery. Thousands of people flocked to him for advice and spiritual solace, including famous writers Fyodor Dostoevsky and Leo Tolstoy.
Ambrose died at a very old age. In June 1988, he was glorified by the Russian Church as a saint. The relics of the monk are located in the Cathedral of the Introduction of Optina Desert and are available for worship.
Prayers on October 23rd
They pray to the Holy Martyrs Evlampius and Evlampia for healing from various ailments and for help in various everyday and everyday problems. Reverend Ambrose of Optina is addressed for physical and mental health, strengthening in faith in the Lord, admonition and guidance on the path of Truth. They also pray to the monk for deliverance from harmful habits and passions.
Prayer to Evlampius and Evlampia
"Holy Martyrs Evlampia and Evlampia! Look down from the heavenly palace on those who require your help and do not reject our petitions, but, as our ever-benefactors and intercessors, pray to Christ God, that He who loves mankind and is full of mercy, may preserve us from every cruel situation: from cowardice, flood, fire, sword, invasion of foreigners and internecine warfare; may he not condemn us, May we not turn sinners according to our iniquities to evil, half of the good given to us by the All-merciful God, but to the glory of His holy name and to the glorification of your mighty intercession. Through your prayers, may the Lord grant us peace of mind, abstinence from harmful passions and from all defilement; may He strengthen throughout the world His one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, which He has acquired through His honest Blood. Pray diligently, holy martyrs, that we may all live in peace and piety in the present age and attain blessed eternal life in heaven through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom befits all glory, honor and power with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."
Prayer to Ambrose of Optina
"O great elder and servant of God, our Venerable Father Ambrose, the Optina praise of all Russia to the teacher of piety! We glorify your humble life in Christ, by which God exalts your name while you are still on earth, and above all crowns you with heavenly honor after your departure to the palace of eternal glory. Accept now the supplication of us, your unworthy children, who honor you and invoke your holy name, deliver us by your intercession before the throne of God from all sorrowful situations, mental and bodily ailments, evil misfortunes, corrupting and evil temptations, send peace, silence and prosperity to our Fatherland from the most gracious God, and be the immutable protector of this holy monastery. In it, you yourself strove for success and pleased our glorified God by all in the Trinity, and to Him belongs all glory, honor, and worship, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to St. John Chrysostom.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
