Folk signs for October 25: 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 Saturday, October 25, and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for October 25, 2025

In Russia, the Andron Stargazer holiday was celebrated on October 25. This date was associated with observations of celestial bodies. It was believed that at this time, man's connection with space was especially strong, and the stars could provide answers to the most important questions. The expression "Andron takes out the sky with his sixth finger, scoops up the stars with his scoop" vividly reflected people's ideas about the possibility of touching heavenly wisdom.

In the evening, the peasants always went outside to watch the starry sky. Everyday chores receded into the background, giving way to calm contemplation. Special importance was attached to shooting stars: after seeing such a star, it was necessary to immediately make a wish, which, according to beliefs, necessarily came true.

Also on this day, it was customary to prepare treats from the products of the new harvest to ensure well-being for the coming year. According to custom, on Andronov's day, housewives made porridge from fresh cereals or bread from newly ground flour. Food was shared with relatives and neighbors, thereby strengthening family and community ties.

Great importance was attached to weather signs, which helped to make a forecast for the upcoming winter. First of all, the stars were observed on the Andron of the Astrologer, analyzing their color and brightness. The brighter they shine, the stronger the coming cold weather will be. The flickering and bluish tint indicate an imminent snowfall. A dim light indicates that the weather will be warm in the coming days.

Other signs of the day:

• Thunder on October 25 — for a warm and snowy winter,
• A thunderstorm on this day is a good sign for the coming season.;
• The horizon seems too close — the weather will be clear.;
• The wind often changes direction, leading to prolonged bad weather.;
• birds fly low to the ground — winter will be early and harsh.

What not to do on October 25

There were a number of strict prohibitions on the holiday, based on superstition and the desire to protect oneself and family from misfortune. The ancestors believed that this day required special concentration and silence, so noise and fuss were not welcome. For example, loud laughter was prohibited, which, it was believed, could "attract the attention" of evil forces and cause great misfortune.

Strong prayers to the Apostle James Alphaeus for family well-being and protection

What else can not be done on October 25:

• to engage in hard physical labor is to condemn yourself to even harder work.;
• sweeping the floor — you can "sweep" luck out of the house;
• offending others and being offended by yourself — it robs both sides of happiness.;
• buying church candles for the house leads to diseases;
• Asking "Who's there?" if someone is knocking on the door is to let trouble into the house.;
• guessing on the cards leads to losses and failures.

What is the church holiday on October 25th?

On October 25, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the Holy Great Martyrs Prova, Tarakh and Andronikos. All three lived in Asia Minor at the end of the third century, during the brutal persecution of Christians under the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Despite their different social statuses and ages, they were united by their steadfastness in professing the Christian faith.

The origin of the martyrs was different: Tarach was an elderly, experienced soldier of Roman origin, Prov was born in the city of Side Pamphylia, and Andronikos was a young man from a noble Ephesian family. They went through numerous interrogations and brutal tortures, demonstrating extraordinary fortitude.

When asked about their names, the saints answered in the same way: "I am a Christian, and this name is more precious to me than that given by my parents." The righteous were sentenced to be torn to pieces by wild animals, but, according to legend, the animals did not touch them. After that, they were executed by the sword. Their remains were secretly buried by Christians, and in 484 the relics of the saints were transferred to the altar of a new church in the monastery of St. Euphemia in Jerusalem.

Also on this day, the memory of St. Amphilochius of Glushitsky, a Russian saint of the XV century, is honored. He began his monastic career in Ustyug the Great, but after hearing about the spiritual exploits of St. Dionysius Glushitsky, he joined his monastery. Amphilochius became a faithful disciple and companion of Dionysius, distinguished by his meekness, patience and obedience. After the death of his mentor, he became the head of the monastery and wisely managed it, continuing the traditions of asceticism.

After many labors, St. Amphilochius peacefully departed to the Lord in 1452. His memory is commemorated twice a year: on October 25 (October 12, Old style) on the day of his death and at the Cathedral of the Vologda Saints, which is celebrated in the third week after Pentecost.

The strongest prayer for the whole of October — these lines work wonders

On October 14, the Orthodox will celebrate the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos

Prayers on October 25

Believers turn to the martyrs Prov, Tarakh and Andronik with prayers for strengthening faith, giving strength in overcoming life difficulties and getting rid of doubts. They are also revered as patrons of true friendship and brotherhood, because they went through their martyrdom together, supporting each other. It is traditional to pray to St. Amphilochius of Glushitsky for the gift of peace in the soul, forgiveness of sins and intercession before the Lord.

Prayer to Provu, Tarakh and Andronik

Troparion, glas 5

"The holy martyr was transformed by the correction of heavenly power, as in the body of a mortal, bodiless enemy by the power of the Cross, having struggled for good, having invisibly conquered, and they pray to the Lord for mercy on our souls."

Kontakion, glas 2

"Thou hast revealed to us the glory of the Trinity, the good armourers and martyrs of Christ, and with a bang the Prophet Andronikos also: for thou hast rebuked all the godless tormentors, having suffered valiantly by faith."

Greatness

"We magnify you, holy passion-bearers, and honor your honorable sufferings, which you have endured for Christ."

Prayer to Amphilochius Glushitsky

Troparion, glas 8

"Having revealed the lamps of light, you wisely abandoned earthly kindness, and went into the inner desert, Amphilochie, Macarius, Tarasius and Theodosius, you practiced humility and every virtue, and gained immortality, offering yourself to Christ by fasting and vigil and other abstinence, and now you stand before the Throne of Christ in heaven. Pray, fathers of the Wisdom of God, that the world may be pacified and the souls of those who sing of you may be saved, and that forgiveness of sins may be granted to those who honor your honorable memory."

Kontakion, glas 8

"As the ever-present luminaries of the mental Sun, enlighten the universe, and enlighten the faithful souls and bodies with the rays of your miracles, ungrudgingly give healing from illness. Moreover, having come down by faith, we praise you in song, as our wise mentors and intercessors to God, and we incessantly cry out: Hail, fathers of the Wisdom of God, Amphilochie, Macarius, Tarasius and Theodosius."

Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to St. Theophan the Confessor.