A special holiday on January 1 is Ilya Muromets Day: history, traditions, omens, what not to do
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- A special holiday on January 1 is Ilya Muromets Day: history, traditions, omens, what not to do
Every year on January 1, the Russian calendar celebrates a holiday dedicated to the memory of St. Ilya of Murom. In 2026, the celebration falls on a Thursday. It combines the veneration of this national hero-defender with religious and folk traditions. What is the story behind this holiday, what traditions, signs and prohibitions exist, who and how they congratulate on this day, read the Izvestia article.
What is the national holiday on January 1st
Ilya Muromets is one of the most famous heroes of the ancient Russian epic epic. According to legend, he was born in the village of Karacharovo near Murom and belonged to a peasant family.
The epic "The Healing of Ilya Muromets" says that from infancy he was infirm — for the first 33 years, three months and three days he suffered from paralysis and lay on the stove. However, Muromets was healed after meeting with the holy elders who looked into his house during his travels. After recovering, he decided to devote his life to defending his homeland, helping those in need, and fighting for justice.
It is assumed that the prototype of the hero was St. Elijah of the Caves Chebotok, the wonderworker of Murom, who lived in the XII century under Prince Vladimir Monomakh. Legend has it that before taking the veil, he was a warrior providing protection for the state. It is believed that Ilia Pechersky died during the capture of Kiev by Prince Rurik Rostislavich. In 1643, he was canonized under the name "Venerable Elijah Muromets."
Traditions of the national holiday of Ilya Muromets — January 1
In Russia, it was customary to attend church, pray to St. Ilya of the Caves for fortitude, and ask for the health and protection of loved ones. At home, it is customary to gather as a family, discuss New Year's Eve plans, and organize fairs and festive events with merry festivities on the streets.
In addition, in Russia, peasants arranged fortune-telling. They would go to the crossroads, stick the devils on the ground with a cross and put their ears to it. The sound of a moving sledge with a load was considered a good sign — it promised a good harvest.
What not to do on January 1 — Ilya Muromets Day
On this day, people adhere to a number of prohibitions, because they believe in the ability of proper actions to promote good luck and prosperity. Ilya Muromets symbolizes strength and protection, so the day should not pass idly, but it is forbidden to engage in hard work.
Other prohibitions of the day:
— take out the trash — to take out good luck and well-being;
— to swear, to sort things out — to conflicts;
— paying off debts leads to poverty;
— sewing buttons will bring back problems.
Ilya Muromets Day — folk signs on January 1
The weather on Ilya Muromets Day was considered a reliable predictor of the future harvest. The believers carefully observed the natural phenomena. If the weather was warm, then the harvest should be good, and a strong wind promises an abundance of nuts in autumn.
Other signs of the day:
— starry night — to a rich harvest of berries, peas and lentils;
— frost and snow on New Year's Eve — for a good harvest of bread;
— lunar New Year's Eve — to a good harvest of legumes;
— a red sunset leads to a good harvest of early wheat and peas.
Earlier, Izvestia reported on the history and traditions of the national holiday Barbarian Day.
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