Folk signs for December 1: 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 Monday, December 1, and which church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for December 1, 2025

In the national calendar, the day of December 1 is known as Plato and Roman Winter Designators. This date was a kind of boundary, which determined the nature of the entire upcoming winter. There was even a special saying: "Plato and Roman seem like winter to us." In the morning, the peasants went outside, observed natural phenomena and animal behavior. These observations helped to prepare for the long cold weather and plan winter work.

It was also customary to take care of the financial well-being of the family. After all, there were long winter months ahead. The first day of winter was perceived as the beginning of a new period when it was possible to enlist the support of higher powers. In order to have prosperity in the house, they used a special coin plot. Then this coin was carried with them as a talisman. In addition, people helped those in need and gave alms, believing that the good deed would return a hundredfold.

According to popular signs, if the weather is warm on Plato and Roman, then the whole winter will be mild, without severe frosts. And if a snowstorm started, then it was expected that the same weather would set in on Shrovetide (in 2026, it is celebrated from February 16 to February 22).

Other signs of the day:

• The wind is blowing from the southwest, leading to prolonged cloudy and snowy weather.;
• A circle or bright pillars can be seen around the month — it's going to snowfall soon.;
• Crows walk on the ground or on the road — to warming;
• mosquitoes or midges appeared in the house — to an unexpected thaw;
• The rooks joined the flocks of jackdaws for a favorable and non—harsh winter.;
• the glow on the sides of the month leads to severe frosts.

What not to do on December 1st

On the holiday, there was a set of strict prohibitions, the violation of which led to failures and troubles. Special care was taken in household and family matters. For example, there was a strict ban on washing dishes by a stranger after a family dinner. It was believed that in this way you could accidentally give the welfare of the house into the wrong hands. It was also forbidden to throw away or give away children's toys. People believed that with a child's personal belongings, you can transfer his luck, leaving him unprotected.

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What else can't be done on December 1st:

• to hold a grudge and get angry in your heart — negative emotions can attract illnesses and failures;
• plan important tasks and meetings — they will be fruitless and will not bring success.;
• eating from glass or ceramic dishes is a way to "break" a fragile family idyll.;
• to break or throw away old things is to lose well—being;
• Eating meat and dairy products is the time of the Christmas Fast.

What is the church holiday on December 1st?

On December 1, the Orthodox Church commemorates two early Christian saints, the martyrs Plato of Ancyra and Romanos of Caesarea, who lived at the turn of the third and fourth centuries. Both of them suffered during the persecution of Christians, showing indomitable will and devotion to the faith. The life path of each of them has become an example of courage and perseverance in the face of trials for believers.

The Holy Martyr Plato was born in the city of Ancyra. From a young age, he showed extraordinary mental abilities and deep faith. When he grew up, he left his native home and went to preach the Word of God. His eloquence and conviction were so great that he was compared to the ancient philosopher Plato. During one of his travels, the righteous man was captured and brought to trial before governor Agrippin, where he was required to renounce the faith. After categorically refusing, the saint was severely tortured and then beheaded.

The Holy Martyr Roman served as a deacon in the city of Caesarea in Palestine. When the persecution intensified, he moved to Antioch, where he continued to strengthen the faithful with his fervent preaching. During one of the pagan festivals, he openly spoke out against idolatry, urging those gathered to turn to the true God. For this, he was captured and tortured. Sentenced to be burned, he was miraculously saved by a downpour, but this did not stop the executioners. After all the tortures, the saint was hanged.

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Prayers on December 1st

Both saints are revered as heavenly intercessors before the Lord and turn to them with various requests. The Martyr Plato of Ancyra is often resorted to for help in strengthening faith, especially in moments of doubt and trials. Saint Romanus of Caesarea is prayed for help in life's trials and protection of shrines. It is also believed that saints help to overcome financial difficulties.

Prayer to Plato of Ancyra

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 3

"Your holy memory makes the universe happy, calling all the faithful to your most honorable temple, where now, having joyfully joined together, we sing in song and light. For this reason, Plato, let us cry out to you: deliver your holy city from the pagan invasion."

Prayer to Roman of Caesarea

"Holy Martyrs Roman and Varula! Look down from the heavenly palace on those who require your help and do not reject our petitions; <... Pray to Christ God, may He, who loves mankind and is full of mercy, preserve us from every cruel situation: from cowardice, flood, fire, sword, invasion of foreigners and internecine warfare. May He not condemn us sinners according to our iniquities, and may we not turn the good things bestowed upon us by the all-merciful God to evil, but to the glory of His holy name and to the glorification of your mighty intercession. Through your prayers, may the Lord grant us peace of mind, abstinence from harmful passions and from all defilement; and may He strengthen throughout the world His one Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, which He has acquired through His honest blood. Pray diligently, holy martyrs, may Christ God establish in His Most Holy Orthodox Church the living spirit of right faith and piety; <... May we all live in peace and piety in the present age and attain a blessed eternal life in heaven, through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom befits all glory, honor and power with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."

Earlier, Izvestia told about what they pray to St. John Chrysostom.

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