Folk signs for December 20: 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 Saturday, December 20, and which church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for December 20, 2025

In Russia, Abrosimov Day was celebrated on December 20, which was associated with preparations for the main winter holidays — Christmas and New Year. In the old days, this day was traditionally used for home improvement and inventory creation. The men hunted cattle and made preparations for meat products — salted lard, smoked fish and meat — so that everything was ready for the festive table.

The women cleaned the house, sorted pickles and vegetables in the cellars, checked the stocks of flour and cereals. Curtains and rugs were often changed, festive clothes were washed and cleaned. The girls, according to custom, devoted their evenings to needlework, preparing their dowry. It was believed that each new stitch brings you closer to a happy marriage.

By observing the weather and animal behavior, our ancestors made forecasts for the winter and the future harvest. So, the clear and frosty weather promised an equally clear but harsh winter. Snow with rain or snowfall served as signs of a rainy and cool summer. And the clear stars in the night sky spoke of the approaching cold weather.

Other signs of the day:

• the sun in a hazy haze leads to snowstorms and drifts;
• lightning in the sky — to the blizzard;
• snow falls in flakes — for a mild and snowy winter;
• A southerly wind is blowing, leading to a rapid warming;
• bullfinches chirp loudly in the morning — to cool down and windy weather;
• The firewood in the stove burns with a bang, leading to severe cold weather.

What not to do on December 20th

On Abrosimov Day, there were a number of strict prohibitions, the violation of which, according to popular belief, could cause trouble, illness or financial difficulties. For example, noisy festivities, songs and dances were strictly prohibited, as they could anger the spirits and deprive the family of peace for a long time. They also tried not to wear bright, eye-catching clothes, especially red, so as not to attract the attention of envious people.

St. Nicholas the Wonderworker's Day: the history and significance of the holiday for believers

What else can't be done on December 20th:

• quarreling, swearing, raising your voice — the day demands peace and quiet in the house;
• to be sad and despondent — otherwise the sadness will drag on for forty days.;
• to lend or borrow money leads to a long—term shortage of funds;
• Going on a long journey can be dangerous;
• washing and hanging wet laundry on the street is considered to "attract" bad luck.

What is the church holiday on December 20th?

On December 20 (December 7, Old Style), the Orthodox Church commemorates two outstanding saints: Ambrose of Milan, one of the great teachers of the Western Church and the patron saint of Milan, and St. Nil Stolobensky— a Russian monk and ascetic, in whose honor the Nilo-Stolobenskaya Monastery on Seliger was founded at the end of the 16th century.

Saint Ambrose was born in the 4th century into a noble Roman family in Trier. He received a law degree and made a successful career, becoming governor of Milan (now Milan). In 374, he was elected to the episcopal see. After taking holy orders, Ambrose devoted himself entirely to his ministry, becoming famous as a zealous defender of the Church and a fighter against heresy. He wrote many theological works and hymns, and he also introduced antiphonal singing, known as the Ambrosian chant.

St. Nil Stolobensky lived at the turn of the XV–XVI centuries. After taking vows in one of the Novgorod monasteries, he lived for about 13 years as a hermit in a remote forest near the Cheremkhi River (Seremkhi), and then retired to the deserted Stolobny island on Lake Seliger. There he spent 27 years in complete solitude, in prayer and strict fasting. His feat of acquisition attracted people who sought spiritual advice to him. In 1555, the famous Nilo-Stolobenskaya Desert was founded on this site, which became one of the spiritual centers of Russia.

Memorial Day of Nil Stolobensky: traditions, prohibitions and the national calendar

Prayers on December 20th

Believers turn to these saints with various prayers. St. Ambrose is asked to strengthen his faith, grant wisdom, help in his studies, and protect him from false teachings. St. Nil Stolobensky is traditionally prayed for the taming of passions and sinful thoughts. They also turn to him for help in healing diseases, bringing lost souls to reason, and protecting them from any adversity.

Prayer to Ambrose of Milan

"O most glorious wonderworker, who art a speedy helper in tribulation, and who art diligent in prayer to God for peace, Holy Father Ambrose! We believe that our boldness is great for our Salvation, standing before His throne on high, and for this we humbly bow down to Him: pray to Him, O God-pleasing One, that He may grant the Russian people a prosperous and peaceful life, that He may deliver them from enemies visible and invisible, <...> and from all evil; to us all <...> may all that is necessary for our temporal and eternal life be bestowed, especially the remission of sins, peace of mind, silence of the heart, and health to our souls and bodies. <...> Hear us, who are the only ones who ask you: be a warm prayer book and intercessor to the Lord for our spiritual shepherds and fathers (names), whose infirmities Our clothes are worn and they are sickly about us, until the Christ is reborn in us... May he lead us, his unworthy servants, through their nourishment and prayers, through your intercession and intercession, to the haven of an endless life, where cherubim and seraphim, all holy with the Mother of God and with you, our patron saint, unceasingly glorify the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."

Prayer to Neil Stolobensky

"O Venerable and Blessed One, to the pastor and superior, Father Nile! Therefore, as you have boldness for the Lord Christ and for His Most Pure Mother, the Most Holy Theotokos, be a prayer book and helper and intercessor for us, your unworthy servants, who live in this holy monastery, whose head you are for the chosen company of this brotherhood, and for those who come with faith to your holy might. May we help and intercede on behalf of our holy defender, so that through your prayers we may remain in this place and come with faith to the shrine of your relics and in every place call upon you for help, may we be safe from demons and evil men, sending glory and thanksgiving to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever centuries. Amen to that."

Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to Nicholas the Wonderworker.

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