Folk signs for November 5: what can and cannot be done

In Russia, omens were given special importance. They were used to judge the weather, the beginning and end of agricultural work, and the ideal time for weddings and travel. The national calendar was full of rituals and beliefs. Izvestia tells about the signs for November 5 and the church holidays that fall on this date.

Folk signs for November 5, 2025

In Russia, on November 5, Yakov's Day or Yakov's Day was celebrated. On the holiday, the peasants "fed" the land, scattering crumbs from a specially baked pie over the fields. This rite was supposed to ensure a rich harvest next year. Another important concern was the harvesting of firewood: they tried to fill the woodpiles under the roof so that the winter would be warm and cozy.

A special place was occupied by "bee games" — imitation of the buzzing of bees and honey treats. It was believed that those who ate more honey and performed the "bee dance" better would receive a lot of sweet products from their hives in the coming year. On this day, the girls gave the boys festive reins, which was part of the wedding ceremonies and a symbol of future life together.

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Yakov's ancestors paid attention to weather signs. The precipitation on the holiday was especially welcomed, because rain and snow promised a bountiful harvest next year.

Other signs of the day:

• fallen snow does not melt — by the harvest year;
• clouds at sunset are bright — for prolonged inclement weather;
• Bullfinches have arrived, and large snowdrifts are expected in the coming days.;
• fine, prickly snow — for a harsh winter;
• hail — the real winter will come at the end of the month.

What not to do on November 5th

In order not to get into trouble and lose luck, our ancestors strictly observed a number of prohibitions on Jacob's Day. On the holiday, they tried not to act as guarantors of strangers, so as not to lose their own wealth.

What else can't be done on November 5th:

• to lend money — what is given on this day will never come back.;
• drinking plain water on an empty stomach promised a gray, joyless life (instead, you should have eaten a spoonful of honey and washed it down with holy water);
• for girls, giving up honey leads to problems in their personal lives;
• unmarried guys go to visit — someone else's house can take away their manhood;
• to refuse beggars leads to poverty;
• swearing, fighting and plotting revenge — all the negativity will return in double size.

What is the church holiday on November 5th?

On November 5, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the 70-year-old apostle James, the son of Joseph, the Betrothed from his first marriage and the half-brother of Christ. After the death of Jesus, he became the head of the Jerusalem Church and gained great respect among both Christians and Jews for his righteous and ascetic life. Church tradition attributes to the Apostle James the compilation of one of the ancient rites of the Divine Liturgy, and he is also the author of the conciliar epistle, which is included in the New Testament. Around the age of 62, the saint was captured at the instigation of the high priests and thrown from the roof of the temple, and then stoned to death.

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Also on November 5, believers remember the righteous James Borovichi. The saint became famous after his death. In the middle of the XV century, to the village of Borovichi (modern Novgorod region) a large ice floe floated against the current along the Msta River. There was an oak coffin on it, and in it lay the body of a young man. The locals pushed the ice floe away several times, but it invariably returned to shore. Then a young man appeared to the elders in a dream and said: "I am a Christian just like you. Don't chase me away." This is how the relics of the righteous youth were acquired. Subsequently, they performed numerous miracles and healings. In 1544, his church veneration was established.

Prayers for November 5th

Orthodox believers pray to the 70-year-old Apostle James on November 5. He is asked to strengthen faith, guide the lost on the right path and help in difficult situations. Also on this day, they pray to the righteous James of Borovichi.

Prayer to the Apostle James from 70

"O great, God-chosen and God-blessed Apostle James, brother of the Lord, great bishop of the holy city of Jerusalem, our warm intercessor and intercessor, stand before the throne of the Most Holy Trinity! Do not cast us away from your intercession, raise us up from the depths of sin, and, as you have the power to bind and resolve, resolve our evils from the depths, partake of God's love, and make partakers of the Kingdom of heaven through your prayers. O holy One, pray to Christ the Saviour, that He may vouchsafe to complete our earthly pilgrimage without blemish, that having vouchsafed eternal and blessed lives in heaven, together with you, we may unceasingly glorify the Indivisible Trinity and hymn the one Divinity of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen to that."

Prayer to the Righteous James Borovichi

"O holy, great, righteous, and most glorious wonderworker, the God-blessed James, the servant of Christ, who was wonderfully glorified in heaven and on earth by the Lord, who gave us healing and intercession, we fall down to you with faith, love, and reverence, and we pray from the depths of our souls: help us, who have greatly angered our Lord and Creator, and ask for all our help. what is needed for a temporary life and eternal salvation: fruitfulness of the earth, health of the air, health of souls and bodies, prosperity in repentance and piety, strengthening of the Orthodox faith, shaming of superstition, eradication of unbelief and fulfillment of every good petition of ours to God. Hear, O servant of God, every Christian soul who prayerfully calls upon you in sorrow and distress, hasten to help, alleviate sorrows, heal illnesses, and appear as a speedy intercessor for those who demand your intercession. Above all, at the hour of our death, do not hesitate to come to our aid and beseech the Lord to grant us a peaceful, serene end to our lives, partaking of the Holy Mysteries of Christ and filled with hope, so that with the hope of salvation we may safely pass through the terrible path of aerial ordeals and unflinchingly attain the desired kingdom, which the Lord has prepared for those who love Him. Holy one of God! Hear us and do not despise our supplication, but make us partners in eternal bliss, so that together with you, through the saved mercy of Christ our Saviour, we may sing and glorify Him with the Father and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen to that."

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the signs on the day of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God.