A special holiday on November 29 is Matveev Day: history, traditions, omens

Every year on November 29, Orthodox believers remember the apostle and Evangelist Matthew, one of the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ, the author of the first Gospel. In the national calendar, the date is known as Matveyev Day, Matvey-winter-autumn, and is considered a time of short thaws at the end of autumn. In 2025, the holiday falls on a Saturday. Read about its history, spiritual significance, ancient customs, prohibitions and omens in the Izvestia article.

What is the church holiday on November 29th?

The Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew was born in Galilee and, before meeting Christ, was a tax collector for Rome, a man who dealt with money and government fees. That is why it is believed that he is the patron saint of people whose activities are related to finance, accounting and business.

The gospels tell us that when Jesus saw Matthew at work, he called him, saying a short phrase: "Follow Me." And he immediately left his previous occupation, joining the circle of the Savior's closest disciples. His path became an example of a radical inner transformation — from prosperity and external success to service to God and people.

St. Nikon of Radonezh Memorial Day: The History of St. Nikon of Radonezh Memorial Day

St. Nikon of Radonezh Memorial Day: the history of the holiday and its significance

Matthew Levi is credited with the authorship of the first text of the New Testament, the Gospel, from which the book begins. This text is considered the oldest of the four canonical Gospels and, according to tradition, was originally written in Aramaic. Only later appeared the Gospels of Mark, then Luke and John.

After the Ascension of Christ, the apostle continued to preach, converting different nations to Christianity, and ended his life as a martyr, refusing to renounce the faith.

Traditions of the national holiday Matveev day on November 29

In Russia, at the end of November, winter was already making itself felt with frosts and snow, but short thaws were coming to Matvey. That is why the holiday got its second name — Matvey-winter-sweat. In the peasant tradition, Matveyev Day was perceived as a symbolic beginning of winter. By this date, all field work was completed, and a more peaceful, homely period began.

In the morning, the faithful went to the temple to pray to the Apostle Matthew for well-being, good luck in business and help in money matters. His intercession was requested by those who were experiencing financial difficulties, and those who aspired to honest and responsible business management.

It was believed that November 29 should not be spent completely alone. Therefore, on this day it was customary to visit or host relatives and neighbors. Our ancestors believed that those who do not stay alone on Matvey will not suffer from a lack of communication and support next year. People used to say, "Matvey is waiting for a visit." Or: "Matvey is thin if he's in a hut without people."

December 4 — The Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple: the true story of the great feast

The holiday fell during the Christmas (Philippian) fast (in 2025 it will last from November 28 to January 6). Therefore, the meals on Matvey were lenten: the housewives served dishes without fast food, observing the church rules.

Such meetings were called Matveyev gatherings, where they discussed the results of the year, household chores, and plans for the winter. The young people listened to their elders, adopting everyday experience.

What not to do on St. Matthew's Day

In the folk tradition, prohibitions are associated with Matveyev Day, which primarily concerned communication. The ancestors believed that it was on this day that the "emotional background" of winter was laid.

What else is forbidden to do on November 29th:

• spending a day in solitude — such a pastime can "seal" a person in solitude for the whole year.;
• quarreling, swearing, gossiping — harsh words, insults and gossip against Matvey, according to legend, are not forgotten for a long time and can turn into protracted conflicts.;
• starting important things or leaving them unfinished — any business that is started or abandoned in the middle will drag you down in winter;
• bragging about wealth and purchases — demonstrating success can bring on the evil eye and provoke losses;
• counting small amounts of money, pouring coins for fun — there is a risk of encountering unforeseen expenses.

Folk signs for November 29

On Matvey, the peasants observed nature, trying to determine what the winter months would be like.:

• It's warm on Matvey, the snow is melting, dripping from the roofs — the winter will be mild, with frequent thaws and slush;
• the snow falls in a dense layer — the snow cover will remain until the spring flood;
• a hard frost and dry snow creaks underfoot — for a long and cold winter;
• strong winds lead to blizzards and snowstorms in the coming winter months;
• low and heavy clouds lead to prolonged cold, high and ragged clouds lead to changeable weather.;
• rain instead of snow leads to a wet, unstable winter with frequent temperature fluctuations.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the signs and strict prohibitions of the special national holiday Kudelitsa.