Folk signs for November 9th: 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 Sunday, November 9th, and which saints are revered on this day.
Folk signs for November 9, 2025
In Russia, on November 9, the Paraskeva Vow was celebrated, or Votive Day, which occupied a special place in the national calendar. The holiday fell on the eve of the memorial day of one of the most revered saints in Russia — the Great Martyr Paraskeva Friday. In the popular consciousness, the image of the Christian ascetic was closely intertwined with the features of the Slavic goddess Mokosha, who patronized women, fertility and the hearth.
In the old days, the whole day was devoted to pious labors, prayer and abstinence, preparing to celebrate the Orthodox holiday. The main tradition of this day was to make "vows" — voluntary promises to fulfill some good deed. It was believed that Saint Paraskeva especially favored those who made and fulfilled such vows, and as a reward for her diligence, she could fulfill her most cherished request or long-held dream.
Women could take a vow to weave a veil for the venerated icon of the Mother of God in one day. Wealthy people undertook obligations to donate funds for the construction of a temple, the installation of a cross of worship or the purchase of new icons. Also, on the Day of the Vow, they often went on pilgrimages, visited temples, and some took a vow of celibacy.
Great importance was attached to weather signs, observations of animals and birds, which helped predict what winter would be like. If frost fell on the morning of November 9, it foreshadowed the imminent and persistent frosts. A quiet and cloudless night the day before promised frosts the very next morning.
Other signs of the day:
- a circle around the moon will lead to worse weather: storms, strong winds, or snowfall;
- The wind often changes direction — it's going to rain or snow soon.;
- if it warmed up sharply after the cold weather, they knew that this phenomenon was deceptive and foreshadowed severe frosts.;
- wet weather leads to a warm and mild winter,
- A lot of snow has fallen — spring will come early;
- geese went out on the ice to establish stable weather;
- Crows are cawing loudly — for trouble and bad news.
What not to do on November 9th
There was also a strict set of prohibitions on the holiday, the violation of which, according to beliefs, could cause trouble and deprive hope for the help of Saint Paraskeva. They were especially afraid of not fulfilling their promises, as this was considered a grave sin that could turn away good luck for a long time. In addition, our ancestors believed that any word on this day has a special power. During the Paraskeva Vow, it was strictly forbidden to swear, gossip and conflict, otherwise it could lead to illnesses and prolonged troubles.
What else can't be done on November 9th:
- Making impossible promises was considered extremely dangerous and promised great misfortunes.;
- Wasting time, lazing and being lazy could lead to missed opportunities, and the day required meaningful work and pious deeds.;
- indulge in gluttony and drunkenness — on a holiday, one should observe moderation in eating so as not to lose the blessing of the saint.;
- Burning books and old papers is unfortunate;
- lending money leads to losses or financial losses.
What is the church holiday on November 9th?
On November 9, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of two outstanding Christian ascetics named Nestor — St. Nestor the Chronicler, who became a key figure in Russian history and culture, and Nestor Pechorsky (Neknizhny), who serves as a vivid example of how purity of heart and sincerity of faith can transcend earthly knowledge, opening the way to spiritual heights.
Nestor the Chronicler was born in the middle of the XI century. At the age of 17, he took vows at the Kiev Caves Monastery, where he became a novice of the most Reverend Theodosius. By his purity of life, prayer, and obedience, the young monk soon surpassed even the famous elders of the Caves. He went down in history as the author of the lives of the holy Princes Boris and Gleb, the tales of the first ascetics of the Caves, as well as the "Tale of Bygone Years" — the first chronicle of Ancient Russia.
The monk died at a very old age around 1114. The Church commemorates the saint several times a year: on October 11, at the Cathedral of the Holy Fathers of the Kiev Caves in the Nearby Caves and in the second week of Great Lent, when the Cathedral of All the Kiev Caves Fathers is celebrated.
The Monk Nestor Neknizhny lived in the 14th century, he was also an ascetic of the Kiev Caves Lavra, but he asceticized in Distant caves. His nickname indicates that he was not taught to read and write, but acquired spiritual wisdom through obedience, prayer, and service to the Lord. According to legend, he was so diligent in his ministry that he never dozed off during services, and his prayers were fervent and fervent.
Not knowing how to read and write, he was honored to see angels and predicted his demise. After his death, many pilgrims came to worship his relics, including the Russian Emperor Alexander I. The memory of St. Nestor is celebrated with the Cathedral of the Fathers of the Distant Caves on September 10 and in the second week of Great Lent.
Prayers on November 9th
Believers turn to St. Nestor the Chronicler, asking him for the gift of wisdom, prudence and help in their studies. Writers, journalists, historians and everyone whose work is related to the word and knowledge often resort to his intercession. Reverend Nestor Neknizhny is prayed for spiritual enlightenment, humility and peace of mind. He is also asked to intercede with the Lord.
Prayer to Nestor the Chronicler
"O Venerable Father, the Wise mentor and God-loving ascetic Nestor the Chronicler! Stand boldly before the throne of Eternal Glory, do not forget us sinners and unworthy, burdened by storms of passion, and through your unceasing intercession protect our country, yours everlastingly, and your countrymen from all evils and sorrows. Strengthen our hearts in the Orthodox faith, teach us to love our fatherland and to remain strong in brotherly love. Guide us on the paths of salvation, so that through your prayers, our intercessor, we may enter into the eternal kingdom of glory, praising the Lord and glorifying your intercession forever and ever. Amen to that."
Prayer to Nestor Neknizhny
"O holy head, Venerable Father, Most Blessed Abbot Nestor, do not forget your poor to the end, but always remember us in holy and auspicious prayers to God: remember your flock, which you have saved yourself, and do not forget to visit your children. Pray for us, holy Father, for your spiritual children, for you have Boldness to 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 the benefit of our souls, and ask for time for us to repent, so that we may pass away from earth unhindered. Heaven, may we be delivered from bitter ordeals, from the demons of the princes of the air, and from eternal torment, and may we be heirs of the heavenly kingdom with all the righteous who have pleased our Lord Jesus Christ from time immemorial.: 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 the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
