Folk signs for November 1: what can and cannot be done

In Russia, signs and beliefs were given special importance. They were used to determine when to start agricultural work, what the weather would be like and whether it was worth going on the road. The national calendar was full of rituals and traditions. Izvestia tells about the signs of November 1 and the church holidays that fall on this date.

Folk signs for November 1, 2025

In Russia, St. John's Day was celebrated on November 1. By the holiday, the days became noticeably shorter, and the frosts became stronger, so in the villages it was also called the Send—off of Autumn. In the morning, the women lined the path to the house with fallen leaves so that autumn would "leave" and winter would "come."

The main tradition of Midsummer Day was a lavish feast, symbolizing the hope of winter's favor. They believed that the richer the table, the calmer and more satisfying the cold season would be. Chicken was considered an obligatory treat: it was stewed, rich soups were cooked from it, and special ceremonial chicken coop pies were baked.

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On Midsummer's Day, the ancestors closely followed the various signs. It was believed that the behavior of birds on a holiday could predict what winter would be like.

Omens for November 1st:

• Birds fly high — for a snowy winter;
• Birds fly low, so there is little precipitation.;
• It started raining — the cold weather will come late;
• A frosty night leads to a harsh winter.

What not to do on November 1st

Midsummer Day was considered a mystical time when the boundary between the worlds thinned. In order not to bring troubles and illnesses upon themselves and their family, the ancestors strictly observed a number of prohibitions. So, on a holiday, doors and gates were not left open, fearing that evil spirits would pass through them.

What else can't be done on November 1st

• drying clothes or underwear on the street — it was believed that diseases and negativity could "inflate" in them;
• Killing spiders is unfortunate;
• To turn around at someone's footsteps is to encounter an evil spirit that has taken on a human form.;
• to enter into disputes and conflicts — any negative will have serious consequences.;
• to refuse beggars leads to poverty;
• doing hard work and starting new businesses will not bring success.

What is the church holiday on November 1st?

On November 1, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. John of Rila, a great ascetic and heavenly patron of the Bulgarian people who lived in the 9th century. Having lost his parents at a young age, he became a shepherd. One day, after his master beat him for missing a cow with a calf, John tearfully prayed for help. The loss was soon found, but a swollen river prevented them from returning to the pasture. Then the young man crossed himself, put his clothes on the water and walked over it as if on dry land. After seeing this miracle, the owner generously rewarded him and set him free.

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Having distributed his possessions, John left his native land to devote his life to serving God. He took vows and spent many years in solitude, struggling in strict fasting and prayer. At first he lived in a cave, then in a hollow tree, eating only wild plants, and later beans, which, according to legend, God grew especially for him. His ascetic life was accompanied by many miracles, including healing the sick and exorcising demons. Over time, the disciples gathered around the saint, forming a monastery. The Monk John of Rila died in 946.

Prayer for November 1st

Orthodox believers pray to St. John of Rila on November 1. He is asked for repentance, strengthening in faith, help in difficult situations, as well as family happiness.

Prayer to St. John of Rila

"O Venerable Father John, our most excellent and warm intercessor, and our speedy helper everywhere in sorrow! Help me, a sinner and despondent, in this present life, and beseech the Lord God to grant me the remission of all my sins, which have been sinned from my youth in all my life by deed, word, thought, and all my feelings. And at the end of my soul, help me, the wretched one, and beseech the Lord God, the Creator of all creatures, to deliver me from aerial ordeals and eternal torment, so that I may always glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit and your merciful intercession, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the signs and traditions of Onion Day.