Folk signs for December 10: 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 Wednesday, December 10, and which church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for December 10, 2025

Romanov Day was celebrated in Russia on December 10. It marked the milestone after which the real frosts began. The day was usually devoted to minor household and household chores: putting things in order and calm communication with loved ones. Also on this day, a special ceremony was held to purify from all evil.

Early in the morning, before sunrise, the peasants went outside and faced the wind, asking to take away all sorrows, misfortunes and evil eyes. It was believed that such a ritual had a special power on a holiday. Another interesting custom was the search for discarded moose horns. Finding such a horn was considered a great success, it was hung at the entrance to a house or barn as a powerful talisman against evil spirits and to protect livestock.

Folk signs on December 10 were associated with the weather, helping to predict what winter would be like. If the dawn in the sky was scarlet or crimson, it foreshadowed the imminent strong winds. A column of smoke rising up promised severe frosts, and a thaw creeping over the ground.

Other signs of the day:

• the stars are burning brightly in the sky — to severe frosts;
• Sparrows gather in flocks — there will be snowfall;
• the cattle in the barn are worried and butting heads — for a snowstorm;
• If you dreamed of water or a spring on the night of December 10, you will receive good news.

What not to do on December 10th

On Romanov's day, there were also a number of strict prohibitions. For example, sewing, knitting, or embroidery were strictly forbidden. There was a belief that sharp needles and knitting needles could "sew up" heat or "pierce" the protective aura of the house and thereby attract quarrels and various ailments into the family.

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What else can not be done on December 10:

• quarreling, swearing and swearing — negative energy will attract troubles into the house.;
• starting new important things may not be successful.;
• Holding a grudge against loved ones can lead to illness.;
• to let strangers or obviously sick people into the house — it was believed that they could unwittingly bring poverty or illness with them.

What is the church holiday on December 10th?

On December 10 (November 27, Old Style), the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Roman of Antioch, known as Roman the Wonderworker. The saint lived in the 5th century on the territory of modern Syria and became famous for his extraordinary asceticism. He spent his whole life in a secluded cell in fasting and prayer. His food was extremely meager—bread, salt, and water.

For his spiritual feat, Roman was granted Divine grace, having received the gift of healing serious illnesses. He was most famous for the fact that, through his prayer, many couples without children were cured of infertility. Also, according to the exhortations of the saint, many lost souls returned to the true path.

Also on this day, a celebration is held in honor of one of the most revered icons in Russia — the icon of the Mother of God "The Sign". The holiday was established in memory of the miraculous intercession of the Virgin Mary for Veliky Novgorod in 1170. Then the combined forces of the Russian princes, led by the Suzdal Prince Mstislav Andreevich, besieged the city.

According to church tradition, after fervent prayer, Archbishop John of Novgorod heard a voice ordering the icon to be taken out of the Saviour's Church. When one of the enemy's arrows struck the holy image, the face of the Virgin turned towards the city. This miracle, or omen, brought terror and confusion to the besiegers, inspiring the Novgorodians to victory. Since then, the icon "The Sign" has become a symbol of the heavenly protection and intercession of Novgorod.

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Prayers on December 10th

Roman the Wonderworker is traditionally approached by married couples who dream of giving children. However, his prayerful help is not limited to this request alone. They also pray to Him for healing from various ailments, especially those considered difficult to treat. In front of the icon of the Virgin "The Sign" they pray for the cessation of hostility and civil strife, help in troubles and the granting of well-being in the family.

Prayer to Roman the Wonderworker

"O holy head, Venerable Father, Most Blessed Abbot Roman, do not forget your poor to the end, but always remember us in holy and auspicious prayers to God: remember your flock, which you have saved yourself, and do not forget to visit your children. Pray for us, holy Father, for your spiritual children, for you have Boldness to the Heavenly King: do not be silent for us to the Lord, and do not despise us who honor you with faith and love: remember us unworthy at the Throne of the Almighty, and do not stop praying for us to Christ God, for you have been given the grace to pray for us. <...> Do not depart from us in spirit, preserving us from the arrows of the enemy and all the charms of demons and the machinations of the devil. <...> We bow down to you and pray to you: pray for us to Almighty God, for the benefit of our souls, and grant us time to repent, so that we may pass from earth to heaven unhindered, from the bitter ordeals of the demons of the air and from eternal torment, so that we may be delivered And may the heiress of the heavenly kingdom be with all the righteous who have pleased our Lord Jesus Christ from the beginning.: To Him belongs all glory, honor, and worship, together with His Beginningless Father, and with His All-holy, Good, and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."

Prayer in front of the "Sign" icon

"O Most Holy and Most Blessed Mother of our Sweetest Lord Jesus Christ! We bow down and worship You before Your holy miraculous icon, remembering the wonderful sign of Your intercession, which was revealed to the great city of Novugrad during the days of the invasion of this city. We humbly beseech Thee, O All-powerful Intercessor of our race: as thou didst hasten our father's help in ancient times, so now vouchsafe us, the weak and sinful, Thy Maternal intercession and guidance. Save and preserve, O Lady, under the shelter of Your mercy, the Holy Church, Your city, our entire Orthodox country, and all of us who fall down to You. <...> Have mercy on us, overcome by our many sins, stretch out Your God-receiving hand to Christ the Lord and intercede for us before His goodness, asking for our forgiveness of our sins. <...> Yes, Saviour, through Your all-powerful prayers to Him, we will inherit the bliss of paradise and, with all the saints, we will sing the Most Honorable and Magnificent Name of the Venerated Trinity, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and Your great mercy to us forever and ever. Amen to that."

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

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