Folk signs for January 9th: what can and cannot be done
In Russia, omens have been given special importance since ancient times. They helped to judge the weather, plan agricultural work and understand what to expect in the future. Every day of the national calendar was full of rituals and superstitions. Izvestia tells about the folk signs of Thursday, January 9, and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for January 9, 2026
On January 9, Stepan Day was celebrated, named after St. Stephen the First Martyr. Caroling continued that day. The girls "buried" their sadness: they set up a special bowl in the courtyard and took turns pouring water into it, "washing away" the longing from their hearts.
Weather signs on this day were especially important for predicting the future harvest. If there was heavy snowfall, wet and inclement weather was expected in the coming days, but summer was predicted to be fruitful for berries and mushrooms.
Other signs of the day:
- Jackdaws and crows are screaming a lot — it's going to snow soon;
- Chickadees chirp in the morning — there will be frosts by night;
- Crows nest in the snow — for warmth;
- Crows gather in the treetops — the cold weather will last a long time;
- goose tucks its paws — it will get colder;
- the horse lies down on the ground — soon it will be warm.
What not to do on January 9th
There were strict prohibitions on this day: it was forbidden to chop firewood before sunset, girls to stand barefoot on the floor without prayer, to sew, to weave, and men to take knives unnecessarily. It was believed that violating these rules could deprive beauty, memory, or masculine strength.
What else can't be done on January 9th:
- chasing away carolers leads to trouble for the whole year;
- Throwing away leftovers is a disaster, even the crumbs should have been served to the birds.;
- engaging in hard physical labor unnecessarily leads to illness and unhappiness;
- cleaning the house — along with the garbage, you can sweep away prosperity;
- Fishing can bring disaster with it.;
- to get married or to announce an engagement — the marriage will be unsuccessful.
What is the church holiday on January 9th?
In the first century, when Christianity was just beginning to spread, the apostles needed help in caring for the growing community of followers of Christ. There were many sick people, orphans, and widows among the believers who needed support. Seven assistants who were ordained deacons were elected for this purpose.
Among them stood out the young Stephen, who was chosen archdeacon, the first of the deacons. His ability to convince people and inspire them with words was reinforced by miraculous signs, which made the sermon especially convincing.
Stephen's popularity aroused the envy of the Pharisees. They accused him of blasphemy and insulting the law of Moses, and the deacon was brought to trial. Stephen boldly defended his faith, pointing out that the accusers themselves were resisting the laws of God.
For his firmness and devotion to the faith, he was sentenced to death and stoned. Before his death, the saint prayed for the forgiveness of his executioners. This event took place in the year of Our Lord 34. The relics of Stephen have been preserved to this day, one of the particles is located in the Trinity-Sergius Lavra in the Moscow region.
Prayers on January 9th
Saint Stephen the First Martyr is considered a special patron saint in spiritual protection, education of faith and strengthening of the church community. They pray to Him for the enlightenment of unbelieving loved ones, protection from schisms, the support of missionaries and catechists, as well as for help in overcoming life's trials and spiritual sorrows.
Prayer to the First Martyr and Archdeacon Stephen for the protection of missionaries and catechists
"O Holy First Martyr, the Apostle Archdeacon Stephen! Bend the knee of our soul and heart, we beseech you: lift up your hands to the Lord and encourage the whole human race to intercede and intercede for Your Son, the Most Holy Virgin Mother, and for us (the names of the rivers), who are always angered by sin and laziness, pray to our Good Savior, may He grant us grace to help us to repentance in time of need, And through your intercession and the intercession of His Most Holy Mother, on a terrible and righteous day, may he not set our sins before us, but through His generosity, having been implored by you, may our soul speak: I am your salvation forever and ever. Amen to that."
Prayer to the First Martyr and Archdeacon Stephen for the admonition of unbelieving relatives and people who have fallen into sects to protect the church from schisms
"You were the first to become a deacon, the first to become a martyr, Holy Stephen, the apostle, for you were filled with faith and power in teaching and great in fame, and you appeared to no one possible against the grace of wisdom and spirit, to whom you spoke, but your face was seen in the assembly, like the face of an angel. When you were filled with the Holy Spirit, you saw heaven open and the glory of God, and the Son of man, our Lord Jesus Christ, standing at the right hand of God the Father. Just as we stone the stiff-necked and murderous Jews before the Blessed Virgin, His Mother, who prays for you, kneel down, and cry out with a great voice.: Lord, do not give them this sin! And so you joyfully committed your spirit to the Lord Jesus. Therefore, for the sake of your prayer book and intercessor, we beseech you to bend the knees of our soul and our hearts, lift up your hands to the Lord, and encourage the whole human race to intercede and intercede for your Son, the Most Holy Virgin Mother, and for us, who are always angered by sin and laziness, pray to our Good Savior, may He grant us grace in Through your timely help to repentance and through your intercession and intercession for His Most Holy Mother, may he, the terrible and righteous One, not set our sins before us, but through His generosity, having been implored by you, may our souls speak: I am your salvation 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»
