A special national holiday on December 1 is Plato and Roman Winter Designators: history, traditions, omens

The first day of the calendar winter in Russia has long been a special day, popularly called Plato and Roman Winter Designators. It was believed that the weather on December 1 accurately predicted what the coming winter would be like — mild or severe. "Plato and Roman seem like winter to us," they used to say in the old days. In 2025, the national holiday falls on a Monday. Izvestia tells about the customs, signs and prohibitions of this day.

What is the church holiday on December 1st?

The holiday combines folk and church traditions. It received its name in honor of two early Christian saints, the martyrs Plato of Ancyra and Roman of Caesarea, whom the Orthodox Church honors on December 1. Both saints lived at the turn of the III–IV centuries. Despite their different backgrounds, their destinies are united by many virtues and steadfastness in faith.

The Holy Martyr Plato was born in the city of Ancyra into a pious family. From a young age, he devoted himself to preaching the Word of God among the Gentiles. His eloquence and power of faith were so great that he was compared to the ancient Greek philosopher Plato. For his activities, he was captured and brought before the court of the ruler Agrippina. He demanded to renounce Christianity, but Plato was adamant. After long tortures that did not break his spirit, the saint was beheaded.

The Holy Martyr Roman served as a deacon in Caesarea of Palestine. During the persecution, he moved to Antioch, where he supported the local Christians. During a pagan festival held in the city, he openly denounced idolatry and called on the people to turn to the true God. He was captured and severely tortured, and then sentenced to be burned. However, he was saved by a sudden downpour. Then the tormentors cut out his tongue, but the speechless saint continued to praise the Lord. He was eventually executed by hanging.

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Traditions of the national holiday Plato and Roman Winter signs on December 1

In Russia, Saints Plato and Roman were called the Winter Designators. On memorial Day, the holy martyrs prayed that the winter frost would be benevolent, as well as for improving financial well-being.

There was even a special tradition. To attract prosperity, it was necessary to take a large coin and say: "Plato and Roman, pour money into my pocket full of money." This coin could not be spent throughout the year — it was carried with them as a talisman.

It was also supposed to visit the church on the holiday and give alms to those who asked. Usually, food or small coins were presented as alms. According to popular beliefs, this promised the giver good luck and prosperity for the whole year.

Crafts and needlework were the traditional occupations at that time. A particularly important place was occupied by the manufacture of handicrafts. For example, they made toys out of baked clay or wooden dishes, which were then sold at Christmas markets or given as gifts to loved ones.

What not to do on December 1, the day of Plato and Roman Zymokazatel

There were a number of strict prohibitions on Plato and Roman Zim Designators. Our ancestors believed that certain actions on this day could cause trouble, deprive them of luck, or anger higher powers. They were most afraid of quarrels, negative thoughts and rash actions. According to legend, they could destroy the fragile harmony of the day and lead to unforeseen difficulties.

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What else can not be done:

• Holding a grudge against loved ones can lead to illness and a long quarrel.;
• plan important meetings — it is assumed that they will be fruitless.;
• Complaining and getting angry can attract the hostility of the dark forces.;
• trusting a stranger to wash dishes — otherwise, well-being and happiness will leave the family.;
• to eat from glass or ceramic dishes — on this day it was supposed to eat from wooden dishes, so as not to "cool" the connection with nature.;
• throw away or give away children's toys — you can give away the child's luck with them.

Folk signs for December 1st

The main signs of the first day of winter were related to the observation of natural phenomena. It was believed that the morning tells about the beginning of winter, the day — about its middle, and the evening — about the end. The behavior of animals was also observed. So, if crows were walking along the road, it promised warm weather. The sudden appearance of mosquitoes or midges in the house was also interpreted as a sign of impending warming.

Other signs of the day:

• the south-westerly wind is blowing — the winter will be mild, without severe frosts;
• a circle is visible around the month — there may be heavy snowfall;
• There is a glow on the sides of the month — frost is coming soon;
• It's a warm day, and spring will be early.;
• a snowstorm has started — the same weather will be on Shrovetide.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the national holiday Matveev Day.

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