Folk signs for December 9th: 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 Tuesday, December 9th, and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for December 9, 2025
In Russia, on December 9, St. George's Day was celebrated, also called Egor the Winter or Yuri the Cold. By this date, they sought to pay off all debts and obligations, complete preparations for the cold weather: insulate huts, seal windows and doors, and put outbuildings in order. In the old days, they believed that everything unfinished would "freeze" before spring, so they tried to finish all important things before St. George's Day.
The day was also filled with special rituals related to the protection of livestock from wild animals, which, with the onset of cold weather, prowled near villages in search of prey. It was believed that with the beginning of winter, "wolf weddings" begin, and predators can get close to housing. To protect livestock and households, housewives baked special cookies in the shape of horses. These ceremonial figurines were then taken out into the field and buried in the snow, saying special prayers or incantations.
The weather signs on St. George's Day were considered particularly accurate. They were used to determine what kind of weather would set in the coming days. "Like Yuri, like Nikola," they used to say in the old days, predicting the weather on Nikola Winter (December 19). For example, the calm, quiet murmur of water in a well promised mild weather, and noisy, audible from afar, severe frosts and snowstorms.
Other signs of the day:
- the river was covered with smooth transparent ice — for sunny but frosty days;
- smoke from the chimney rises in a column — to frost, spreads on the ground — to thaw and snowfall;
- The tits fly to the houses — to the cold;
- the trees have been standing in thick frost since morning — warming is coming soon;
- there were high snowdrifts on St. George's Day — spring will be early and friendly;
- the snow falls evenly and densely, leading to a good harvest in summer.
What not to do on December 9th
In the folk tradition, St. George's Day was considered a time that required prudence and caution. For example, it was strictly forbidden to go hunting in the forest. It was believed that one could get lost, encounter forest spirits or wild animals that could drag away someone who came to their domain. At the same time, it was forbidden to frighten or drive away pets — these actions promised losses in the household.
What else can't be done on December 9th:
- sleep until noon — the whole year will be accompanied by lethargy and apathy;
- to be lazy and idle leads to poverty and lack of money;
- to borrow or lend money leads to financial difficulties;
- Going on long—distance trips was considered unsafe due to the unpredictable weather.
What is the church holiday on December 9th?
On December 9, the Orthodox Church commemorates two great saints: the Great Martyr George the Victorious and St. Stylianus of Paphlagon. Both saints are examples of courage and unshakeable faith in times of trial.
Saint George was born in the 3rd century in Cappadocia into a Christian family. Having proved himself to be a brave and talented military commander in the service of Emperor Diocletian, he faced severe persecution of Christians. Not wanting to hide his faith, George distributed property to the poor and openly declared himself a Christian. He was subjected to numerous tortures, but, according to his life, each time the Lord miraculously healed him. The strength of the confessor's spirit and fortitude became an example for many contemporaries and secured for him the nickname the Victorious.
The Monk Stylianus, who lived in Paphlagonia (modern Turkey) in the 5th century, became famous for his care of children. The saint spent many years in solitary prayer in a cave, having acquired the virtues of humility and non-possessiveness. Over time, the fame of the hermit spread throughout the area, and people with hope in their hearts reached out to his cave.
Deeply imbued with the words from the Gospel about the need to be like children in order to enter the Kingdom of heaven, the saint received a special grace to heal children. Mothers with sick babies began to come to him, and through the prayers of the monk they received healing. In the icons, Stylianus is often depicted with a baby in his arms, sometimes with a scroll on which it is written in Greek: "Children are a gift from God.
Prayers on December 9th
Saint George, who is considered the patron saint of warriors, is prayed for protection from enemies. The image of St. George defeating the serpent with a spear symbolizes the struggle against evil and sin. Therefore, he is also asked to strengthen the strength of the spirit in trials and help in overcoming everyday difficulties. St. Stylianus of Paphlagon is traditionally approached with requests for the health and well-being of children, the gift of offspring to childless couples and assistance in various family needs.
Prayer to St. George the Victorious
"Holy, glorious and all-laudable Great Martyr George! Gathered in your temple and before your holy icon, worshiping people, we beseech you, known to our intercessor, to pray with us and for us, we beseech God from His benevolence, that He may graciously hear us who ask His mercy, and not forsake all our petitions for salvation and a life in need, and grant our country victory in the resistance And pack up, prostrate, we pray to you, holy victorious one: Strengthen the Orthodox army with the grace given to you in battle, destroy the forces of the rising enemies, let them be ashamed and put to shame, and let their insolence be crushed, and let them lead us away, for we have Divine help, and show your mighty intercession to all who are in distress and distress. Beseech the Lord God, the Creator of all creatures, to deliver us from eternal torment, that we may glorify the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and confess thy intercession now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."
Prayer to Stylianus of Paphlagon
"Oh, holy chapter, Reverend Father Styliane! Having labored with good deeds on earth, you have received in heaven the crown of righteousness from Christ our God. Moreover, gazing upon your holy image, we rejoice at the most glorious end of your residence and honor your holy memory. Honoring your great boldness before the Lord, we humbly beseech you, Reverend father: therefore, with the merciful eye of your love, look upon us, your unworthy servants, and strive through your God-pleasing intercession to ask the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, that He may show great and rich mercy upon us sinners, that He may give us the spirit of righteous faith. May the Spirit of love, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit deliver us from all troubles and misfortunes, and may He send down all that is useful for the salvation of our souls. To her, holy one of God, do not put to shame our trust that we place in you according to the Lord and Theotokos, but be our helper and protector for salvation, so that we may be worthy to end our lives in repentance and receive eternal goodness in the Kingdom of Christ our God, and glorify the love of mankind of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and your holy intercession, Now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to St. John Chrysostom.
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