November 6 — Svetets, or the Grieving Mother of God: history, traditions, omens
Every year on November 6, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of one of the most famous icons of the Mother of God called "Joy to All who Grieve." In 2025, the celebration falls on Thursday. In folk tradition, this day is known as Svetets, it marked the beginning of the winter youth gatherings. Read about the history, traditions and signs of the holiday in the Izvestia article.
What is the church holiday on November 6 — the Day of the Icon of the Mother of God "Joy to All who Grieve"?
The icon "Joy of All who Grieve" became famous in 1688 after the miraculous healing of the sister of Patriarch Joachim of Moscow, Euphemia. The woman suffered from a non-healing ulcer on her side, which was getting bigger every day. The patient was preparing for death, but she did not lose hope of receiving divine help.
One day, during prayer, Euphemia heard a voice urging her to turn to the "common Healer of all." The voice ordered that the icon of the Mother of God "Joy to All who Grieve" from the Moscow Church of the Transfiguration be brought into the house and a moleben with a water blessing be performed in front of it. When all that was said was fulfilled, the patient was healed.
The fame of the miraculous image quickly spread beyond Moscow. In 1711, during the transfer of the royal residence to St. Petersburg, Peter I's sister, Grand Duchess Natalia Alekseevna, took a copy of the icon with her (according to another version, she took the original with her, leaving a list in Moscow). This list has become one of the main shrines of the new capital.
In the summer of 1888, the St. Petersburg icon "Joy to All who Mourn" revealed a new miracle. The chapel of the village of Klochki on the outskirts of St. Petersburg, where the icon was kept, was struck by lightning. A massive fire started, and the building burned down almost completely. When the fire was extinguished, it was discovered that the icon of the Virgin had not only survived, but even become brighter. At the same time, 12 copper coins from the broken offering mug remained on the shrine. So the image got a new name — "Joy to All the sorrowful" with pennies. Subsequently, this list also became famous for many miraculous healings.
The icon of the Mother of God "Joy to All who mourn" — what helps
The icon "Joy of All who Mourn" depicts the Virgin Mary in full-length in a royal robe with a crown on her head. There are also options with ordinary earth clothes and a white headscarf. The Mother of God holds the baby Jesus in her arms, although there are images where Christ is depicted in clouds at the top of the composition.
Radiance radiates from the figure of the Mother of God, surrounded by angels sent to help the suffering. In her hands may be a rosary, a scepter, a scroll or bread. People gathered around the Virgin Mary, experiencing various sufferings and relying on her intercession. This image symbolizes the protection of the oppressed, the consolation of the grieving, the salvation of the sick and desperate, as well as the atonement for the sins of the repentant.
People who find themselves in a desperate situation, such as the terminally ill, the poor, the unjustly convicted, etc., pray in front of the icon of "Joy to All who Grieve". Those who wish to find peace of mind and family happiness also turn to it.
How does the icon of the Mother of God "Joy to All the Sorrowful" help?:
- healing of diseases, preservation of health;
- the birth of healthy children;
- solving material problems;
- Consolation in sorrow;
- the guidance of the lost.
Traditions of the national holiday Svetets, or the Grieving Mother of God on November 6
In the folk tradition, the feast of the icon "Joy of All the Sorrowful" was called Svetets, or the Grieving Mother of God. From that day on, the time for evening girls' gatherings began in the villages. The girls did needlework together and talked about life. Since the meetings were held by the light of a torch, they began to be called "svettsy". The ancestors said: "Russian svetets is a joy for girls."
Gatherings were usually organized in the most spacious hut, the owner of which was an elderly woman, often a widow. The girls paid for the "rent" with money collected in a fold, or with help around the house. The hostess set up the samovar, and the participants brought home-made pastries with them.
The first half of the meeting was devoted to work — each girl received an assignment for the evening from her mother. After completing the "obligatory part", the boys were invited to the hut, and the general fun began with games, dances and songs.
What not to do on November 6 in Svetets, or on the Day of the Sorrowful Mother of God
In Russia, the Svetets holiday was associated with a number of prohibitions, the violation of which, according to beliefs, threatened with loss of well-being and diseases. During the holiday, boys and girls tried not to accept treats and gifts from people of the opposite sex, to whom they had no sympathy. It was believed that love spell magic was especially strong on November 6.
What else can not be done on November 6:
- Staying alone can lead to prolonged seclusion.;
- buying shoes — you can take on negative energy from those who have measured shoes before.;
- Starting important things is bound to fail.;
- Giving someone your belongings can lead to the destruction of a good relationship.;
- to lend or borrow money, it will be difficult to return the funds.;
- picking up fragile objects — a broken thing, especially a mirror, foreshadowed family misfortune.
Folk signs for November 6th
In Svetets, the ancestors carefully followed the natural signs in order to understand what the weather would be like in the near future.
- the crackle of a splinter or candle — frosts are coming soon;
- the candle sparks, but does not light up — by the thaw;
- Crows gather in flocks — for snowfall;
- Pigeons are cooing — it will be warm in the coming days.
Earlier, Izvestia reported on the signs and prohibitions of the national holiday Hilarion Day.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
