A special national holiday on November 16 is Anna Kholodnaya: history, traditions, omens

Every year on November 16, Orthodox believers honor the memory of the Holy Princess Anna Vsevolodovna, daughter of Prince Vsevolod Yaroslavich of Kiev. In the national calendar, the day was named Anna Kholodnaya, and the peasants associated it with the arrival of real frosts. In 2025, the holiday falls on a Sunday. Read about its spiritual significance, ancient customs and signs in the Izvestia article.

What is the church holiday on November 16?

Saint Anna Vsevolodovna is one of the most educated and outstanding women of pre-Mongol Russia. She was born in the second half of the 11th century into the family of Grand Duke Vsevolod Yaroslavich and a Greek princess, the daughter of Byzantine Emperor Constantine Monomakh.

The family to which the princess belonged was the bearer of both Russian statehood and Byzantine spiritual traditions, which largely determined her own path. Her father spoke five languages, patronized the church and monasticism, and Anna's brother, the future Prince Vladimir Monomakh, also went down in history as a ruler who paid special attention to faith, education, and upbringing.

Anna grew up in an environment where knowledge and piety were valued. She was betrothed to a Byzantine prince, but the political union never took place. According to one version, the groom was forcibly tonsured a monk. This personal drama only strengthened the princess' determination to devote herself to God. In 1086, Anna took vows at the St. Andrew's Monastery in Kiev, founded by her father, and became its first abbess.

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She was engaged not only in the improvement of the monastery and household issues, but also developed the library, brought books from long-distance travels. In 1089, Anna went to Constantinople, where she studied the monastic traditions of the East. From this trip, she brought with her to Russia a new Metropolitan John. Her goal was to develop spiritual education in the country.

One of her most important endeavors was the creation of the first school for girls in Russia. At St. Andrew's Monastery, the Princess organized instruction in writing, crafts, singing and the basics of Christian morality for young pupils. This institution has become unique for its time. Anna made the traditions of women's education, borrowed from Byzantium, part of the Russian cultural environment. Later, her example was followed by Sister Evpraxia, who also became a monk and supported the development of the women's community.

The legend of her gift of healing is also associated with the name of the princess. Anna helped the sick and instructed people in word and deed, she was revered by the people as an intercessor and healer. This respect remained after her death. Anna passed away on November 3, 1112, and was buried in the monastery she founded, which was later destroyed by Batu's invasion.

Traditions of the national holiday Anna Kholodnaya on November 16

In Russia, peasants perceived Anna Kholodnaya as the boundary between autumn and winter. "Anna-Kholodnitsa paves the way for winter," the ancestors said. On this day, the villages tried to complete all the household chores: cleaning, repairs, and home insulation. It was believed that the health of the whole family during the long winter months depended on how well maintained and warm the house would be.

They started heating the stoves especially early, checked the draft, carefully watched the flames and smoke — this was a kind of test for the readiness of the dwelling for frost.

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The women baked pies, pancakes and loaves with berry filling, cooked porridges and compotes. It was believed that these treats could appease St. Anna and "butter up" the winter so that it would not be harsh. Food was brought to the neighbors, shared with the poor — generosity on this day, according to legend, returned warmth and prosperity. In some regions, they performed a rite of "summoning warmth" by lighting candles at the entrance to the house to "lure" light and comfort.

The holiday was perceived as a time of purification and renewal. People tried to get rid of everything superfluous, not only in their homes, but also in their thoughts. It was customary to forgive offenses, end disputes, and put things in order in a relationship.

What not to do on the Anna Kholodnaya holiday on November 16

The prohibitions on Anna Kholodnaya concerned, first of all, the inner state of a person. Mental disturbance was considered a bad omen. On a holiday, it was forbidden to complain about life, according to beliefs, bad thoughts acquired the power of a curse. Even talking to yourself could hurt. The old people said that evil spirits, having made their way into the house through the chimney, would hear complaints and accept them as an invitation, bringing discord and troubles into the house.

Therefore, on November 16, it was recommended to remain silent, avoid despondency, anxious thoughts, so as not to attract trouble and not "freeze" love and luck for the whole winter.

What else you can't do on November 16:

• quarreling with loved ones — domestic conflicts on this day threaten long-term discord. "If you quarrel with Anna, you won't make up until spring," the ancestors said;
• intrigue, slander — evil words can attract diseases and troubles;
• starting new businesses means that any undertaking will "freeze" and will not be developed.;
• to be lazy and idle — even after completing all the tasks, it was necessary to be active: heat the stove, clean the yard, help the neighbor;
• throwing away bread and food — such extravagance can turn into a hungry winter.;
• pregnant women should work physically — the born child will be restless.

Folk signs for November 16

On Anna Kholodnaya, the peasants carefully observed nature in order to predict what the winter months would be like.:

• clear skies on November 16 — for a harsh but dry winter;
• The roar in the chimney leads to an imminent snowstorm;
• crackling firewood in the oven leads to severe frosts;
• hoarfrost on trees — to warmth and humidity in winter months;
• hissing and smoke from the stove — warming;
• bread freezes quickly outside, leading to a sharp cold snap.

Another omen concerned the future harvest. Folk wisdom said, "Anna without snow, don't wait for bread." Therefore, the peasants anxiously peered into the sky and waited for the first flakes — they were perceived as a blessing of nature.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the history and significance of the Shuisko-Smolenskaya Icon of the Mother of God.