Folk signs for November 12: 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 Wednesday, November 12, and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for November 12, 2025

In Russia, Sinichkin Day was celebrated on November 12. The holiday marked the final onset of winter and the arrival of birds staying for the winter. It got its name in honor of one of the most famous and beloved birds among the people — the titmouse, which was considered God's Bird in the popular consciousness. Tradition associated this day not only with the imminent frosts, but also with the need to take care of birds.

On this day, feeders were made and hung in the villages, and chickadees, goldfinches, and bullfinches were regularly fed. At the same time, Sinichkin Day was a holiday of hunters and fishermen. Men went fishing, believing that a successful catch promised success for the whole year. If the catch was good, this event was celebrated with a merry feast right on the shore, thanking nature for her generosity.

Folk observations of nature on Sinichkin's Day made it possible to predict future changes. Special attention was paid to the behavior of birds. For example, if the tits chirped loudly in the morning, it foreshadowed clear and sunny weather. If they started actively pecking bark from trees, it promised a rainy and wet spring.

Other signs of the day:

• the snow has fallen in fine powder — real winter is coming soon;
• The wind changed direction to wet, slushy weather;
• chickens and geese hide their heads under their wings — for a cold snap;
• lots of chickadees around the house — to severe frosts;
• a chickadee flew into the yard — to happiness and prosperity;
• the hare ran across the road — to trouble.

What not to do on November 12th

There were also a number of strict prohibitions on the holiday, the violation of which, according to beliefs, could lead to failures, illnesses and family strife. For example, it was strictly forbidden to offend birds, drive them away, or ruin feeders — such actions brought poverty and quarrels into the house.

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What else can't be done on November 12th:

• being lazy and procrastinating leads to lack of money in winter;
• borrowing or borrowing money leads to financial difficulties;
• throwing away leftovers led to a loss of prosperity and well—being, the crumbs should have been fed to the birds;
• making deals with strangers leads to serious losses;
• to get married and arrange weddings — the marriage will be unhappy.

What is the church holiday on November 12th?

On November 12, the Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Martyr Zinovy, Bishop of Yege, and his sister, the Martyr Zinovy, who lived in Asia Minor in the third century. Orphaned at an early age and having received a substantial inheritance, they decided to give their fortune to those in need, devoting their lives entirely to the service of God.

For his deep faith and virtues, Zinovy was elected bishop of the Christian community in the city of Yeghea. The Lord gave him the ability to heal diseases with the power of prayer. However, during the brutal persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian, Zinovy was arrested and brought to trial. Despite threats and torture, he firmly confessed his faith and refused to sacrifice to pagan idols.

His sister Zinovia, seeing her brother's torment, was not afraid to go out to the people and also openly declared herself a Christian. She shared all the trials with her brother, showing unwavering faith and courage. After severe tortures, the martyrs were executed. Their pious life became an example for many Christians.

On the same day, Orthodox Christians celebrate a holiday in honor of the Ozyansky Icon of the Mother of God. The history of this miraculous image dates back to the end of the 16th century and is covered with legends. According to legend, the icon was miraculously found by a peasant during mowing in the village of Ozyany in the Kharkiv region.

The man accidentally cut the oblique image in half, but after picking up both parts and placing them with prayer in his house, the next morning he found the icon intact — it had fused together, leaving only a thin scar. At the place where the icon was found, a healing spring was flooded, and later a monastery was founded — Ozyanskaya Bogorodichnaya Pustyn.

Introduction to the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary: how to prepare for the holiday

Prayers on November 6th

Saints Zinovy and Zinovia are addressed with prayers for the gift of spiritual strength and courage in enduring life's trials. They also pray for reconciliation of the warring parties, healing and gaining patience in caring for the sick. It is believed that saints also contribute to well-being in household chores. In front of the Ozyansky icon of the Mother of God, people traditionally pray for healing from various ailments, especially from eye diseases and severe injuries.

Prayer to Saints Zinovy and Zinovy

Troparion, glas 4

"Your martyrs, O Lord, have received incorruptible crowns in their sufferings from You, our God, for You have your fortress; you have overthrown the tormentors, crushed the demons of feeble insolence, and through your prayers save our souls."

Kontakion, glas 8

"Witnesses of truth and preachers of piety, let us honor the two worthily in Inspired hymns, Zinovy, together with the wise Zinovy, who lived and departed and received an incorruptible crown through torment."

Prayer in front of the Ozyansky icon

"Oh, our Most Blessed Lady, Theotokos! Having arisen from the vanity of life and having gathered our thoughts together, we lift up the eyes of our souls and bodies to Your icon, Theotokos, and we cry out to You: do not forsake us, O Most Pure One, who are weak in our sins, do not allow the evil demon to drive our souls away from Your Son into the wilds of passions, but help us to command Ever mindful. <...> Just as you healed innumerable sick sufferers and comforted the sorrowful, so hear us who prostrate ourselves before Your miraculous icon and pray to You in sorrow, and grant us all petitions for good, giving health to the sick, comfort to the sorrowful, sending peace from God to those who are in enmity, and affirming faith to those who doubt. May the faith of Your people be multiplied, may Your intercession be glorified in them, and may the kingdom of Your Son be established among us; all glory, honor, and worship befits Him, together with His Beginningless Father and the Most 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 St. Avramiy of Rostov.

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