A special national holiday on December 6 is Mitrofanov Day: history, customs, omens

In Russia, December 6 is celebrated as Mitrofan Day, a holiday in honor of St. Mitrofan, Bishop of Voronezh, one of the most influential Russian bishops of the era of Peter I. This date combines church traditions and ancient folk customs, marking the final onset of winter. In 2025, the celebration falls on a Saturday. Izvestia tells about the customs, signs and prohibitions of this day.

What is the church holiday on December 6th?

The memory of St. Mitrofan, in the schema of Macarius, is celebrated annually on December 6 (November 23, Old style). His life serves as a unique example of service to God, the Church and the Fatherland. However, Mitrofan remained in the memory of the people not only as the spiritual mentor of the reformer tsar, but also as the patron of the family hearth and the organizer of life.

The future bishop was born in 1623 into a family of pious priests, according to another version, wealthy peasants of the Vladimir province. Until the age of 40, he lived a normal life: he was married and raised a son. After the death of his wife, he decided to radically change his fate, retiring to the Zolotnikovskaya Assumption desert near Suzdal, where he took monastic vows with the name Mitrofan.

The saint's spiritual gifts quickly promoted him among the brethren. He became abbot, and was later ordained bishop of the newly formed Voronezh Diocese. Here Mitrofan proved himself to be a wise mentor, a zealous defender of the faith during the period of schism caused by the reforms of Patriarch Nikon, and a generous benefactor. He built temples with his own funds and helped the poor, as well as donated large sums for the construction of ships.

At that time Voronezh became the cradle of the Russian navy. Mitrofan strongly supported the initiatives of the young emperor, explaining their importance for the country to his flock. In turn, the tsar did not forget his supporter, Mitrofan himself was often called the royal confessor. However, the alliance of the saint and the emperor was not cloudless.

In 1700, there was a major conflict between them. Mitrofan was a champion of the purity of Orthodoxy, and Peter the Great loved to decorate his palaces with pagan statues, especially statues of Bacchus and Venus. When the king invited the bishop to the palace, he refused to enter, seeing the idols. Enraged, Peter threatened to be executed. "It is better for me to die than to depart from the holy faith," was the saint's reply.

The king, admiring his courage, ordered the statues to be removed. After Mitrofan's death on December 4, 1703, Peter I personally came to bury the bishop and carried his coffin. At the funeral, the tsar said, "I no longer have such a holy elder. May eternal memory be with him."

Already at the burial of the saint, miracles began to happen. In 1832, he was canonized. His relics, found incorruptible, still rest in Voronezh, being one of the main Orthodox shrines in Russia.

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Traditions of the national holiday Mitrofanov day on December 6th

In the national calendar, St. Mitrofan's memorial day turned into a bright and economic holiday, marking the final establishment of winter and preparations for Christmas. Since the date fell on the Christmas Fast, the festivities were moderate.

The main event of the day was the festive sleigh rides. The first trip through the fresh snow was a ritual in which the whole village participated. The young people harnessed the horses, and the elders judged the quality of the snow cover and the future harvest.

The housewives baked lean pies with cabbage, mushrooms, potatoes or berries. They were served with hot broth or kvass. Every guest who crossed the threshold of the house was invited to the table. Hospitality and generosity were especially encouraged on this day. According to beliefs, this promised prosperity and well-being to the family in the new year.

Also, in memory of the saint, who became famous for many good deeds, it was supposed to help those in need, in particular, to give alms. The people said: "If you do good for Mitrofan, it will come back to you a hundredfold."

What not to do on December 6 on Mitrofanov Day

A number of strict prohibitions were observed on the holiday, so as not to scare off luck and anger the patron saint of the day. They were especially afraid of actions that could "desecrate" the purity and peace of the holiday. For example, it was strictly forbidden to swear loudly, quarrel and swear. It was believed that negative words and emotions would attract troubles and illnesses into the house.

Mitrofanov Day: what you can not do today, spooky omens

How our ancestors scared away evil forces and attracted good luck on the holiday

What else can not be done on December 6:

• wearing new or uncomfortable shoes leads to problems on the road and life troubles.;
• going uncombed — tangled hair promises the same confusing, complicated fate.;
• Laughing out loud and having too much fun can "unleash" evil spirits and scare away luck.;
• to envy and plot — all bad thoughts will turn against the very ill-wishers.

Folk signs for December 6th

Weather signs were given great importance on Mitrofanov's day. Observing nature allowed our ancestors to make forecasts for the long winter months, as well as to judge the weather in summer. If it was snowing wet on Mitrofan's day and the north wind was blowing, it foreshadowed that the beginning of summer would be cold and rainy. And the clear, calm weather promised the same sunny and dry June.

Other signs of the day:

• frost on trees leads to severe frosts;
• cloudy and snowy weather leads to a prolonged, blizzard—like winter;
• bright sun — for thaws in December;
• wind from the west leads to heavy snowfall;
• The sparrows are chirping together — for warming.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the traditions of the national holiday Prokopiev Day.

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