Folk signs for November 18: 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 Tuesday, November 18, and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for November 18, 2025

In Russia, on November 18, Jonah's Day, or Ion's Day, was celebrated. This date on the national calendar was considered special for young people who dreamed of marriage. On the holiday, marriageable girls prayed fervently for the gift of a good husband, and also used ancient rituals to attract their betrothed. To do this, at dawn, small coins were scattered around their house, saying: "I scatter the change, I invite the suitors to my house."

To enchant the chosen one, they also took a bath broom or simply tied the rods into a bundle. One twig was pulled out and placed on the threshold of the house. When a loved one stepped over it, the twig had to be quickly hidden in a dry, warm place. Then he was judged on the strength of the feelings of the chosen one. If it dried quickly, it means that the "drying" took effect, and if it remained wet, the magic did not work.

Another tradition of the day is related to observing natural phenomena. They helped the peasants plan their work and prepare for the vagaries of nature in winter. Thus, the snowfall on November 18 was considered a good sign for winter crops. And the north wind indicated the imminent approach of the cold.

Other signs of the day:

• hoarfrost on trees leads to a short—term warming;
• The moon in a hazy haze leads to prolonged bad weather;
• clouds move down, leading to a sudden change in the weather.
• smoke from the chimney is spreading on the ground — for warm days;
• the snow is falling unevenly, in mounds — for a good rye harvest next year.

What not to do on November 18

Jonah's Day was associated with a number of strict prohibitions based on superstition and the desire to protect themselves from harm. Special care was taken in monetary and legal matters. For example, it was forbidden to sign important documents. It was believed that the signature could be used to harm a person. It was also necessary to avoid large purchases, as the purchased item, according to beliefs, could quickly break down or be stolen.

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What else can not be done on November 18:

• raise your voice and quarrel — conflicts on this day promise long-term strife in the family.;
• pick up money found on the road — it can be planted to cause damage.;
• leaving the house untidy — evil spirits may lurk in the mess.;
• to refuse alms and help to those in need — such an act was considered a great sin that could deprive God of mercy.

What is the church holiday on November 18?

On November 18, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of several saints, among whom St. Jonah, Archbishop of Novgorod, as well as the martyrs Galaktion and Epistimia stand out. Believers remember each of them with deep reverence for their spiritual exploits and fidelity to Christ.

Saint Jonah, John in the world, lived in the XV century. Orphaned at an early age, he found shelter with a pious Novgorod widow, who raised him like her own son and gave him a good education. From a young age, he showed enviable zeal and piety. One day, Blessed Mikhail Klopsky, meeting the boy on the street, predicted to him the future of the archbishop.

Having taken vows in the Autun Desert, John led a strict ascetic life and in 1458 was elected Archbishop of Novgorod. At his invitation, the famous hagiographer Pachomius Logothetes arrived in the city, who compiled the services and lives of the Novgorod saints. The saint also provided significant assistance in the establishment of the Solovetsky Monastery. Feeling his death approaching, he bequeathed to be buried in the monastery of Autun.

On the same day, he commemorates the martyrs Galaktion and Epistemia, who suffered for their faith in the third century in Emesa (now the city of Homs in western Syria). Their life story is an example of spiritual union and fidelity. Galaktion, born into a family of pious Christians, was betrothed to Epistimia, who was a pagan at the time. He managed to bring the chosen one to Christ and baptized her himself.

The couple settled in separate monasteries on Mount Publion, where they spent time in prayer and fasting. During the persecution of Christians under Emperor Decius, soldiers captured Galaktion. Upon learning about this, Epistimia voluntarily followed him. They endured severe torture and were executed. Their life and martyrdom became a symbol of spiritual love and fidelity to Christ.

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Prayers on November 18

They pray to St. Jonah for intercession from enemies visible and invisible, for peace and harmony in the family, as well as for the well-being and health of all household members. The Martyrs Galaktion and Epistemia are asked for the gift of sincere love, the creation of a strong family and the reunification of spouses. They also pray for the birth of children, considering them to be the patrons of family happiness and well-being.

Prayer to Jonah of Novgorod

"O most honorable and holy head and full of the grace of the Holy Spirit, dwelling of the Savior with the Father, great bishop, our warm intercessor, to Saint John, standing at the Throne of all Kings and enjoying the light of the consubstantial Trinity and cherubic angels, proclaiming the trisagion hymn, and having great and unexplored boldness towards the all-merciful Master, pray for the salvation of the flock of Christ by the people Confirm the well-being of the holy churches: bishops, adorn the monks with the splendor of holiness, strengthen the monks with the asceticism of the good current, preserve the reigning city and all cities and countries with goodness, and keep the holy immaculate faith, pacify the whole world through your intercession, deliver us from gladness and destruction, and preserve us from the attacks of foreigners, comfort the old, guide the young, Be wise to the insane, have mercy on widows, intercede for orphans, raise up infants, return captives, free those who are weak and pray to you from all adversity and trouble through your intercession: pray for us to the All-merciful and Loving Christ our God, that on the day of His Terrible Coming He may deliver us from our suffering, and grant us the joys of the saints with all the saints in forever and ever. Amen to that."

Prayer to Galaktion and Epistemia

Troparion, glas 4

"Thy martyrs, O Lord, have received incorruptible crowns from Thee, our God, in their sufferings: for Thou hast possessed thy fortress, and hast overthrown the tormentors, and crushed the demons of feeble insolence. Through those prayers, save our souls."

Kontakion, glas 4

"Martyr of the regiment of Christ, having joined in the good work, having asceticized lightfully, Galaktion of glory, with an honest companion and Epistome who sympathized with you. To the One God we pray unceasingly for all of us."

Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to St. John the Great.

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