Folk signs for October 24: 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 Friday, October 24, and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for October 24, 2025
In Russia, on October 24, Filippov's feast was celebrated. This date was closely related to the deterioration of weather conditions and the condition of roads. Autumn rains turned the communication routes into an impassable muddy mess, which delayed any movement and business.
The very word "fuss" in the old days meant a tedious, troublesome task that required a lot of time and patience. Folk wisdom aptly reflected this in the saying: "Philip himself stuck to the stove — so the roads were blown away." Thus, the name of the day accurately described its essence — a time of protracted and slow troubles.
In the old days, on this day, peasants began the important and unhurried process of grinding grain, harvesting flour for the long winter. Special attention was paid to checking and repairing the mills, because the well-being of the family depended on their proper operation.
The housewives cleaned the house, washed all the dishes, shook out and cleaned the rugs, and prepared winter clothes. The men were inspecting and repairing harnesses, carts, and household equipment, preparing them for the upcoming frosts. It was believed that how you spend this day would be the whole winter season.
The peasants also closely observed natural phenomena and animal behavior in order to predict the weather. For example, if the snow that fell in the morning did not melt throughout the day, it promised an early and harsh winter. Another sure sign of imminent and severe frosts was considered the behavior of poultry: if it hid its head under its wing, it should have expected a sharp cold snap.
Other signs of the day:
- The rivers were covered with ice for the holiday — spring will come early next year.;
- the fall of leaves continues — the year will be difficult, and the harvest will be scarce;
- The moon is in a haze — there will be heavy snowfall for several weeks;
- A quiet day with crisp frost leads to a clear and frosty winter;
- mice and squirrels store more food than usual for a prolonged and cold winter.
What not to do on October 24th
On the day of Filippov's fuss, there were a number of strict prohibitions based on centuries-old superstitions. Our ancestors believed that breaking these rules could lead to bad luck and illness. Quarrels and conflicts were especially feared on this day, as it was believed that any quarrel could "stick" to the house like autumn mud and bring discord throughout the winter. .
What else can't be done on October 24th:
- Playing with fire can attract the attention of evil spirits and cause a fire.;
- Look at ravens — birds were considered messengers of misfortune and could bring a curse.;
- recalculate money — there is a risk of quickly losing your savings;
- Putting things off until tomorrow is a habit that can lead to a series of problems.;
- to go on a trip — a trip promises losses and will be unsuccessful.
What is the church holiday on October 24th?
On October 24, the Orthodox Church commemorates two saints, the Apostle Philip of Seventy and St. Theophan the Confessor. The Apostle Philip, a native of the city of Bethsaida, was one of the first disciples of Christ, called by Him to the ministry. Saint Theophan, who lived in the 9th century, became famous for his feat of defending iconoclasm during the period of the renewal of the iconoclastic heresy.
Before meeting the Savior, Philip studied the Holy Scriptures in depth, which prepared him for his future sermon. According to church tradition, he zealously carried the Good News to various countries, including Galilee, Samaria and Asia Minor. His ministry was accompanied by miracles and healings, which strengthened faith in the newly formed Christian communities.
One of the most famous events in the missionary activity of the apostle was his meeting with an Ethiopian nobleman, after which he believed in Christ and was baptized. He also managed to convert the local wise man Simon, who practiced magic and witchcraft, to Christianity. Philip's earthly journey ended with a martyr's death — for preaching the Gospel, he was crucified in the city of Hierapolis.
St. Theophan was born in Jerusalem into the family of a priest. From a young age, he chose the monastic path and labored in the monastery of St. Sava the Consecrated. When the iconoclast Emperor Leo V of Armenia began persecuting the worshippers of holy icons, Theophanes went to Constantinople to defend Orthodox teaching. For his firm position, he suffered severe tortures and was sent into exile, where he ended his life.
Prayers on October 24
Believers turn to these saints with prayers in various vital needs. They pray to the Apostle Philip for healing from serious, including incurable diseases, for intercession for widows, orphans and the destitute, as well as for help in finding a worthy life partner. They pray to St. Theophan the Confessor for strengthening faith in times of trial and persecution, for giving strength of spirit and for the enlightenment of those who have lost their way in spiritual matters.
Prayer to the Apostle Philip
"Oh, Holy Apostle of Christ Philip! We beseech you: preserve and preserve us through your prayers from the temptations of the devil and the falls of sin, and ask us, the servants of God, for help from above in times of despondency, so that we may not stumble over the stone of temptation, but steadily walk the saving path of the commandments of Christ, until we reach these blessed mansions of paradise. To her, the Apostle of the Saviours! Do not put us to shame, but be our helper and protector in all our lives, and help us to end this temporary life piously and God-pleasing, to receive a Christian end, and to be vouchsafed a good answer at the Last Judgment of Christ; may we glorify the glorious name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen to that."
Prayer to Theophan the Confessor
"O holy head, Venerable Father, Most Blessed Abba Theophana, do not forget your poor ones to the end, but always remember us in holy and auspicious prayers to God:..> pray for us, holy Father, for your spiritual children, for you have boldness towards the Heavenly King: do not be silent for us to the Lord, and do not despise us who honor you with faith and love: remember us unworthy at the Throne of the Almighty, and do not stop praying for us to Christ God, for grace has been given to you. Pray for us. We don't think you're dead.: For though you have passed away from us in body, but you are still alive after death, do not depart from us in spirit, preserving us from the arrows of the enemy and all the charms of demons and the machinations of the devil, our good shepherd...> we bow down to you and pray to you: pray to Almighty God for us, for the benefit of our souls, and grant us time to repent, so that we may pass from earth to heaven unchallenged, and may we be delivered from bitter ordeals, demons of the air, and eternal torment, and may we be heiresses of the heavenly Kingdom with all the righteous, from everlasting pleasing our Lord Jesus Christ: To Him belongs all glory, honor, and worship, together with His Beginningless Father, and with His All-holy, Good, and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to St. Ambrose of Optina.
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