Folk signs for December 4: 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 Thursday, December 4, and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for December 4, 2025

In Russia, the feast of the Introduction was celebrated on December 4. It symbolized the final onset of winter with its carved patterns and cracking frosts. This time of the year is reflected in folk proverbs and sayings. "The introduction has come, it has brought winter," "Winter is being introduced," our ancestors said.

In the old days, the period of winter festivities and gatherings began on this day. After the morning church service, the peasants arranged sleigh rides in the newly fallen snow. Young people took to the streets to make snowballs and play snowballs. The hostesses set festive tables, which were necessarily attended by lenten treats. Sometimes a coin was baked in them — it was believed that whoever got it would be happy in the new year.

Observations of natural phenomena on December 4 made it possible to predict what the winter and harvest would be next year. If there was abundant, fluffy snow on the Introduction, it served as a good sign for farmers, which means that next year will be fertile. If the weather was frosty and clear, then we expected the same sunny and warm summer.

Other signs of the day:

• thick fog in the morning leads to a prolonged winter with frequent snowfall;
• the ice on the river has risen unevenly, with bumps — the winter will be harsh and frosty;
• Crows are cawing loudly and restlessly — for a blizzard to come.;
• stars twinkle brightly in the night sky — to severe cold weather;
• hoarfrost on the trees leads to a plentiful harvest of oats.

What not to do on December 4th

A number of strict prohibitions dating back to ancient times were also associated with the feast of the Introduction. Our ancestors feared that violating these rules could lead to family misfortunes, illnesses, financial losses, or crop failure. For example, it was strictly forbidden to dig the earth, so as not to "disturb" her winter sleep. Needlework, such as sewing and knitting, was also strictly prohibited. According to legend, these activities could "sew up" family happiness.

Introduction to the Church of the Most Holy Theotokos on December 4: what every believer needs to know

What else can't be done on December 4th:

• do laundry and cleaning, especially sweeping out the trash — you can accidentally "wash" or "sweep away" well-being and prosperity;
• to lend or borrow money, to conclude large transactions — there is a risk of being left without finances for the whole year;
• quarreling, raising your voice and holding a grudge in your heart — negative energy on this day is especially dangerous and can return like a boomerang.;
• to refuse hospitality or assistance to those in need — according to legend, the Virgin herself could hide in the guise of the petitioner, testing human kindness.

What is the church holiday on December 4th?

On December 4, the Orthodox Church celebrates the great feast of the Twelve, the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the temple. It is connected with the legend of how the righteous Joachim and Anna, fulfilling their vow to dedicate the born child to God, brought three-year-old Mary to the Jerusalem temple, where she was met by the high priest Zachariah.

According to legend, Mary ascended the high steps of the temple on her own, without the help of adults. High Priest Zachariah led the Young Woman into the Holy of Holies, the most secret place of the temple, where even the high priest himself was allowed to enter only once a year. This step symbolized the future role of the Virgin Mary as the mother of the Savior of the world.

For Christians, the feast of the Introduction has a deep theological significance. It marks the beginning of Divine providence for the salvation of mankind. The entrance of the Blessed Virgin into the temple foreshadows the imminent coming of Jesus Christ into the world and serves as a preparation for this event. That is why the holiday always falls at the beginning of the Nativity fast, bringing believers to the great celebration — the Nativity of Christ.

The divine services on the feast day are distinguished by special solemnity. The clergy dress in white or blue robes, symbolizing the purity and immaculacy of the Blessed Virgin. At matins, special canons are sung and special chants are sung praising the Mother of God.

December 4 — Introduction to the Church of the Most Holy Theotokos: how to spend the day for an Orthodox Christian

Prayers on December 4th

On the feast of the Entry into the temple, believers turn to the Mother of God with a variety of requests. They pray to her for the gift of peace in the family and the strengthening of faith, for the health of children and their prosperous upbringing. Many people ask for help in overcoming life difficulties, despondency and despair. The Mother of God is also asked to intercede with the Lord for all the suffering, orphans and widows, relying on Her maternal mercy and willingness to listen to every sincere prayer.

Prayer to the Mother of God in the Introduction to the Temple

"O Most Holy Virgin, Queen of heaven and earth, the chosen Bride of God before the ages, but at the last time she came to the lawful temple to be betrothed to the Heavenly Bridegroom! O All-pure One, You have spent all the days of your youth in the temple of the Lord, far from the temptations of this world, in constant prayer vigil and in all abstinence of mind and body. Grant us also to keep ourselves pure, chaste, and in the fear of God all our days. Help us also to repel all the temptations of the enemy, from the flesh, the world and the devil, which have been upon us since our youth, and to overcome them through prayer and fasting. Grant that we, too, who are possessed by laziness, intemperance, and pride, may be clothed with all spiritual perfection. Therefore, together with all the saints, grant that I may glorify and glorify the all-holy name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and through Your merciful intercession, now, ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."

Troparion, glas 4

"Today is the transfiguration of God's good pleasure, and the preaching of salvation for men. The Virgin clearly appears in the temple of God, and foretells Christ to all. To that end, we will cry out loudly: rejoice at the vision of Zizhditel's fulfillment."

Greatness

"We magnify You, Most Holy Virgin, God-chosen Maiden, and we honor Your entry into the temple of the Lord."

Earlier, Izvestia talked about what can and cannot be done during the Christmas fast.

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