Folk signs for December 25: 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 Thursday, December 25, and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for December 25, 2025
In Russia, Spiridon's Day, also known as Spiridon Solstice, was celebrated on December 25. The holiday fell on the winter solstice and symbolized a turning point in the annual cycle, when the sun began to turn for summer. This event filled people with optimism and faith that even the darkest and coldest days would be left behind.
Special rituals were held in the villages to help the sun gain strength. The main tradition was to greet the dawn. The peasants got up before sunrise and climbed a hill or hillock to be the first to "say hello" to the returning luminary. It was believed that this rite brings good luck for the whole coming year. The housewives baked a special round loaf resembling the sun. It was placed on a table or on a window, "exposing" it to the sun, so that warmth and prosperity would come to the house.
The folk signs of the day were closely related to the weather forecast for the coming months, which was necessary for planning agricultural work. By the way the morning turned out, they usually judged the nature of the coming summer and spring. For example, a clear, sunny morning on the Solstice foreshadowed a warm summer and a rich harvest of bread.
Other signs of the day:
- The sky is strewn with bright stars — for prolonged cold weather;
- clouds are moving low and fast — expect severe frosts.;
- fog is creeping over the ground, leading to a thaw in the coming days;
- Sparrows are dragging down and feathers into their nests — severe frosts are coming soon;
- the sun is shining clearly in the morning — to the frosty but sunny weather on Christmas Day;
- cloudy, mild morning with no wind — spring will be early.
What not to do on December 25th
St. Spyridon's Day in Russia was considered a special boundary between darkness and light. Our ancestors believed that special care should be taken at this time. They were especially afraid of actions that could upset the delicate balance of nature and provoke conflicts. For example, quarrels and abusive words were strictly prohibited. It was believed that anyone who swears at the Solstice risks living in strife for the next year.
What else can not be done on December 25:
- to do hard physical work is to attract fatigue and illness for the whole next year.;
- sewing, knitting and embroidery — there was a belief that this way you can "sew up" luck and entangle the threads of fate.;
- to go on a long journey unless absolutely necessary — there may be insurmountable obstacles along the way.;
- lying and making empty promises — dishonesty distances a person from the help of the saints and attracts failures.;
- to lend bread or salt to someone - with these symbols of well—being, prosperity will leave the house.
What is the church holiday on December 25th?
On December 25 (December 12, Old Style), the Orthodox Church commemorates two saints, St. Spyridon of Trimifunt and St. Ferapont of Monza. And although the saints lived at different times and on different lands, both of them are examples of how through simple but sincere service to God and others, one can acquire grace and preserve the memory of one's spiritual exploits for centuries.
Saint Spyridon of Trimifunt was born around 270 on the island of Cyprus. From a young age, he tended sheep, and later had a family and children. Widowed early, he devoted himself to serving God and people. For his virtue, he was elected bishop of the city of Trimifunt. But even with a high rank, he continued to lead a modest lifestyle, having received the gift of miracle-working from the Lord.
Church traditions preserve the memory of his miracles, including healing from ailments, getting rid of drought, and even raising the dead. The saint died around the year 348 during prayer. His relics are located on the Greek island of Corfu and are one of the main Christian shrines.
On the same day, the church honors the memory of St. Ferapont of Monzensky (Galich), one of the revered Russian saints. Information about his early years of life has practically not been preserved. It is known that he began his spiritual path in the capital, perhaps as a fool, imitating St. Basil the Blessed. Later he took monastic vows at the Kostroma Vozdvizhensky Monastery, where he lived for 13 years. Then he spent two years in the Annunciation Monastery.
According to legend, Ferapont appeared in a dream to two monks and ordered them to establish a monastery on the banks of the Monza River, near the town of Soligalich. When the monastery was built, the saint came to it and asked to become a simple novice. Until the end of his life, he helped the monastery, protecting it from detractors and finding funds for its maintenance. The saint died at the end of 1597, and his incorruptible relics were found 20 years after his death.
Prayers on December 25th
Saint Spyridon is considered a special helper in everyday affairs and material difficulties. They pray to him for finding a job, solving financial problems, intercession in court disputes, as well as for help in matters related to the purchase and sale of housing. St. Ferapont of Monzensky is known as a miracle worker and healer. They ask him for healing of physical and mental ailments, protection from enemies and evil forces.
Prayer to Spyridon the Triumphant
"Oh, to the Most Blessed Saint Spyridon! Implore the mercy of God, Who loves mankind, that He may not condemn us according to our iniquity, but may He deal with us according to His mercy. Ask us, servants of God (names), from Christ and our God for a peaceful and serene life, mental and physical health. Deliver us from all troubles of mind and body, from all longings and diabolical slanders. Remember us at the throne of the Almighty and beseech the Lord, may He grant us forgiveness for many of our sins, and may He grant us a comfortable and peaceful life. May the Lord grant us an unashamed and peaceful end and eternal bliss in the future, so that we may unceasingly send glory and thanksgiving to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."
Prayer to Ferapont of Monzensky
"O Venerable Father, great intercessor, speedy hearer, servant of God, and wonderworker Feraponte! <...> We beseech you, O Venerable Father: deliver us from fire and sword, from the invasion of foreigners and internecine warfare, from corrupting winds, from sudden death, and from all the enemies that come upon us.. Hear us sinners, accept our prayer and supplication. <...> O Venerable Father, quicken and raise up our souls, which have been slain by evil deeds, words and thoughts. And just as you have healed many who come to your holy sepulchre with faith, through all kinds of sorrows and illnesses, heal us also from mental and physical ailments. Deliver us from the depths of our sins and guide us to the path of repentance, redeeming us from visible and invisible enemies through your merciful intercession. Help us in this life and in the exodus of our souls and in the life to come, forever and ever. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to St. Nikon of Pechersk.
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Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
