A special holiday on January 5 is Feudal Day: history, traditions, omens
Every year on January 5, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of 10 martyrs of Crete and Equal-to-the-Apostles Naum of Ohrid. In 2025, this day falls on a Sunday. In the national calendar, the date is known as Feodulov Day, or Winter Fedul. Read about the meaning of the church holiday, folk traditions, prohibitions and omens in the Izvestia article.
What is the church holiday on January 5th?
Saint Theodulus lived in Thessalonica in the 3rd century and served at the church as a reader. According to legend, one night he had a vision, after which he discovered a ring with the image of a Cross. It was believed that through the saint's prayers, this sign became a source of spiritual power: Theodulus converted pagans to Christianity and healed people of serious ailments.
During the persecution of Christians, initiated by the decree of the emperor, Theodulus did not abandon the open preaching of the Gospel. For this, he was arrested and brought to trial before the city governor. Neither threats nor persuasions could make the saint renounce his faith in Christ.
Theodulus was imprisoned, but he continued to preach there, converting many prisoners to Christianity. Upon learning of this, the ruler summoned him to court again and tried to persuade him to renounce, showing those who had already sacrificed to pagan gods. The saint remained adamant.
By order of the governor, Feodulus was sentenced to death. According to legend, he gladly accepted martyrdom, professing faith in Christ. The next day, the saint and other Christians were executed by drowning, with stones tied to them. However, their bodies were soon washed ashore without shackles. The martyrs were buried according to the Christian custom.
Feodule Day traditions January 5th
In the folk tradition, January 5 was called Feodule Day, or Winter Feodule. It was believed that on this date it was necessary to complete all household and household preparations for the Nativity of Christ. The following days were supposed to be devoted to prayer and inner purification.
In Russia, special attention was paid to domestic animals and birds. They tried to feed them well, thoroughly clean the barn and poultry houses, and also protect them from "evil forces." Cattle were not allowed outside unnecessarily, allowing them to go out only at dawn and before sunset.
Housewives and their children baked cookies and gingerbread in the shape of pets and birds. The sweets were wrapped in a towel until they cooled completely, and in the evening they were treated to them at the family table with milk or hot tea. Some of the treats could be given to neighbors or fed to birds.
What not to do on January 5 on Feudal Day
On Feudal Day, there were a number of strict prohibitions related to caring for the health and well-being of the family. It was considered undesirable to use sharp objects to avoid injury and misfortune. It was not recommended to hem or sew new clothes, as well as to carry out medical interventions.
What else can not be done on January 5th:
— wearing old clothes can cause illnesses and troubles to stick to them.;
— use sharp objects (knives, axes, scissors) — if you get hurt, you may leave a scar;
— telling others about your dreams won't make your wishes come true.
Folk signs for January 5th
Feudal Day was traditionally associated with weather observations, which were used to judge the coming year. Frost and bright sun, according to legend, foreshadowed a warm November. The snowfall promised a frosty December, and a strong east wind — early spring and hot summer.
Other signs of the day:
— it's snowing — November will be warm;
— strong wind leads to a rich harvest;
— a horse snores — a storm will come;
— tits chirp loudly — in bad weather;
— fog — spring will come early.
Earlier, Izvestia reported on the history, traditions and signs of the national holiday of St. Nicholas the Winter.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
