Folk signs for December 5: what can and cannot be done

In Russia, signs and beliefs were given special importance. They were used to determine when to prepare for winter, get married, and go on a trip. Every day of the national calendar was full of rituals and traditions. Izvestia tells about the signs for December 5 and the church holidays that fall on this date.

Folk signs for December 5, 2025

In Russia, Prokopiev Day was celebrated on December 5. The holiday was of great importance for meeting the winter season. On this day, the men went out to "dig" — they laid and rolled the first toboggan roads, clearing the way to neighboring villages. "The Digger came, dug a snowdrift, steps on the snow, digs the road," the people said. High milestones with a bundle of straw were set up along the paths so that travelers would not lose their way in a snowstorm.

The winter fairs season traditionally opened on Prokopiev Day. In order to deliver goods without problems, the peasants checked and repaired the sledges.

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On December 5, the ancestors paid attention to various omens. It was believed that the weather on Prokop could predict what the upcoming winter would be like. If it was warm on a holiday, they understood that spring would come late.

Other signs of the day

• heavy snowfall leads to a cold and frosty winter;
• The bullfinch has begun to sing — a snowstorm is about to begin;
• reddish rings around the moon — to a sharp cold snap;
• clear weather for early spring;
• hoarfrost on the trees — for a good harvest;
• wolves approach their homes in the harsh and prolonged winter.

What not to do on December 5th

In order not to bring trouble on the family and not to lose well-being at the beginning of the winter season, the ancestors observed strict prohibitions on Prokopiev Day. On a holiday, they did not lend money, flour and salt — according to beliefs, you could "give away" your wealth with them.

What else can't be done on December 5th

• Leaving guests overnight or spending the night outside the house can take over other people's troubles and misfortunes.;
• starting important things will not bring the desired result.;
• Drinking alcohol can attract evil spirits into the house.;
• giving fresh flowers leads to the "fading" of joy and well—being in the family;
• Refusing to give alms will be followed by failures all year round;
• to look into the eyes of the interlocutor for a long time leads to a conflict with this person.

What is the church holiday on December 5th?

On December 5, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the martyr Procopius of Caesarea, who lived in the III century. He served as a reader in the Church of Caesarea, where he translated the Holy Scriptures. The saint was known as a zealous preacher and miracle worker who healed the sick through the power of prayer. During the brutal persecution of Emperor Diocletian in 303, Procopius was captured for professing the Christian faith. After being severely tortured and refusing to sacrifice to idols, he was executed.

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Also on December 5, believers remember the holy Prince Mikhail Yaroslavich of Tver (1272-1318), the grandson of Yaroslav Vsevolodovich. His reign coincided with a difficult time of the Tatar yoke and internecine struggle among the Russian princes. After the death of Grand Duke Andrei Alexandrovich, Mikhail was to take the throne of Tver. According to a false denunciation by his own nephew, Georgy Danilovich Moskvsky, he was accused of the death of Khan Uzbek's sister. The slandered Mikhail voluntarily went to the Horde, knowing that he was going to certain death, but seeking to prevent a punitive campaign on Russian lands. He was tortured and brutally murdered at the Khan's headquarters. The prince's body was transported to Tver and buried in the Transfiguration Monastery. In 1655, his relics were found incorruptible. Prince Mikhail is revered as the heavenly patron saint of Tver, an example of Christian humility and sacrificial love for the Fatherland.

Prayer for December 5th

On December 5, Orthodox believers pray to Saint Procopius of Caesarea and the Blessed Prince Mikhail of Tver. They are asked for healing from diseases, strengthening faith, and guiding the lost.

Prayer to the Martyr Procopius of Caesarea (Palestine)

"Oh, Holy Passion-bearer of Christ Procopius! Hear us sinners, who now stand before your holy icon and implore you in supplication: pray for us (names) to Jesus Christ our God and His Mother who gave birth, our Lady Theotokos, to forgive us our sins that we have committed. Ask the Lord for mercy, peace, and blessing for the benefit of your soul and body, so that we may all be delivered on the day of Judgment, and part of you may be saved, and stand at His right hand with His chosen ones to inherit the Kingdom of heaven, for all glory, honor, and worship are due to Him, together with His Beginningless Father, the Most Holy, and His Good and Life-giving Spirit. Now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."

Prayer to the Blessed Prince Mikhail Yaroslavich of Tver

"Wondrous to the suffering of the Holy and pious Grand Duke Michael! Great are your deeds and labors, for you have laid down the city of Tver for the Orthodox faith, for the Church of God, and for your fatherland. Desiring the highest, you forsook the corruptible glory of the earth, and being a zealous ascetic of Christ, you valiantly resisted the wrath of the wicked king and the reproach of his evil-minded commander. Having received unrighteous condemnation and slaughter, you have accepted the Heavenly Kingdom, and with drops of blood, like an immaculate stone, having adorned a crown on your head, now stand before the Heavenly Throne of all the Lords with the faces of an Angel and with all His saints. For this reason, flowing to the shrine of your relics, we kiss them with our heartfelt lips and tenderly cry out to you: name the heavenly commander of the highest powers, Grand Duke Michael! Pray unceasingly to Christ God for your city, for the people and for all Orthodox Christians. May the champion be strong against the enemies of Orthodoxy of the Church of Christ. May your helper also improve everything for our benefit and salvation, protect us from the temptations and misfortunes that come in this life, and do not deprive us of your intercession with Christ our God, so that we may receive forgiveness for our sins and be worthy of the Heavenly settlement with His chosen ones, for even in this the most honorable and magnificent is glorified. His name is forever. Amen to that."

Earlier, Izvestia told about the signs and traditions of the national holiday Vvedenie.