Folk signs for November 25: what can and cannot be done
In Russia, signs and beliefs were given special importance. They were used to determine when to harvest crops, take care of livestock and house, have weddings and go on the road. The national calendar was full of various traditions and rituals. Izvestia tells about the signs for November 25 and the church holidays that fall on this date.
Folk signs for November 25, 2025
In Russia, Ivan the Merciful Day was celebrated on November 25. This holiday summed up the autumn and was considered the last day of the year when it was possible to have a wedding. The next chance to legitimize the relationship fell only in the spring — on Maslenitsa and Krasnaya Gorka.
As the cold and harsh season approached, the main topics of the day were mercy and mutual assistance. For Ivan the Merciful, the key concept was kindness embodied in deeds. People tried to give alms, help their neighbors, and do good deeds, following the saying: "For Ivan the Merciful, even a penny is mercy." There was also a good custom of giving gifts to each other — it was believed that such a thing would bring good luck and serve the owner for a long time.
The ancestors of Ivan the Merciful paid attention to various signs, hoping to find out what the coming winter would be like. If it rained or snowed on a holiday, it was understood that frosts would not come until December.
Other signs of the day:
- frost in the morning — by the frosty evening;
- clouds are floating against the wind — it's going to snow soon;
- low clouds — to frosts;
- bright fire in the oven — for dry and cold weather;
- dogs lie down by the stove — to the snowstorms;
- sparrows are making noise at the houses — to a strong wind.
What not to do on November 25
In order not to bring misfortune, financial losses and discord upon themselves and their family, the ancestors strictly observed traditional prohibitions on Ivan the Merciful Day. For example, on a holiday, one should not refuse to help those in need. It was believed that an indifferent person risked being in trouble himself.
What else can not be done on November 25:
- quarreling, getting angry, and thinking about bad things can lead to discord in the family.;
- Leaving windows and doors open can lead to happiness and well—being.;
- Make important decisions — they will lead to problems;
- buying shoes leads to failures in your personal life;
- Going on a long journey leads to trouble on the way;
- For single girls, spending all day in a female company can delay meeting their betrothed for another year.
What is the church holiday on November 25th?
On November 25, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. John the Merciful, who lived in the sixth and seventh centuries. After the death of his wife and children, he devoted himself to monastic life. Subsequently, he was elected Patriarch of Alexandria. The saint considered charity and charity to be the main business of his ministry. By his order, all the beggars (more than 7 thousand people) were counted in Alexandria, to whom food was distributed daily. Twice a week, he personally received all those in need, sorted out disputes and helped the offended, visited hospitals three times a week, supporting the spirit of patients. John never refused those who asked, even if he knew that they were trying to deceive him. He died peacefully around 616.
Also on November 25, believers remember St. Nilus the Fasterer, a disciple of John Chrysostom, who lived in the fourth century. Occupying the high post of prefect of the capital, he and his wife, by mutual consent, decided to leave the secular life and become monks. Saint Nile and his son Theodulus retired to Sinai, where he lived for 40 years in a cave he had dug with his own hands. He acquired high spiritual wisdom, and people of all classes, including the emperor, came to him for advice. His theological works, filled with clear thought and sincere feeling, are widely known in the Orthodox world.
Prayers for November 25th
Believers pray to St. John the Merciful on November 25. He is asked for help in difficult situations, family well-being and support in spiritual development. Also on this day, they pray to St. Nil the Fasterer. People who oppose sinful thoughts and inclinations turn to him.
Prayer to St. John the Merciful
"Holy Saint John of God, mercifully protecting those who are in trouble! We run to you and pray to you, as the speedy patron of all those who seek solace from God in troubles and sorrows. Do not stop praying to the Lord for all those who flow to you in faith! You, full of Christ's love and goodness, have appeared as a wonderful palace of the virtue of mercy and have acquired the name "Merciful." You were like a river, constantly flowing with generous mercies and abundantly giving water to all the thirsty. We believe that, after you have been transferred from earth to heaven, this gift of grace has increased in you and that you have become an inexhaustible vessel of all goodness. Through your intercession and intercession with God, grant "all joys" so that all who seek refuge in you may find peace and serenity: grant them solace in temporary sorrows and relief in the needs of life, instilling in them the hope of eternal rest in the Kingdom of Heaven. In your life on earth, you were the refuge of all beings in every trouble and need, offended and afflicted; not one of those who flocked to you and asked for mercy from you was deprived of your goodness. Even now, reigning with Christ God in heaven, show it to all those who worship before your venerable icon and pray for help and intercession. It was not by yourself that you showed mercy to the helpless, but you also raised the hearts of others to comfort the weak and to look down on the poor. Therefore, even now, move the hearts of the faithful to intercede for the good, to comfort the sorrowful, and to comfort the poor. May the gifts of mercy not be impoverished in them, but rather may peace and joy in the Holy Spirit dwell in them, to the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, forever and ever. Amen to that."
Troparion to St. Neil the Fasterer
"Through thy tears thou hast tilled the barren deserts, and from the depths of thy sighs thou hast borne fruit in a hundred labors, and thou hast been a lamp of the universe, shining with wonders, O Nile, our father, pray to Christ God that our souls may be saved."
Kontakion to St. Neil the Fasterer
"Blessed are you, who are full of passion from bodily resurrection, in your watchful prayer, but, having boldness to the Lord, free me from all troubles, so that I may call you: Hail, universal Father."
Earlier, Izvestia told about the signs of the national holiday Fedor Studit.
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