Folk signs for January 7th: what can and cannot be done

In Russia, signs and beliefs were given special importance. They helped determine when to sow and harvest crops, when to prepare for winter, get married and go on a trip. Every day of the national calendar was full of rituals and superstitions. Izvestia tells about the signs for January 7 and the church holidays that fall on this date.

Folk signs for January 7, 2026

Christmas is celebrated on this day. The celebration begins on the eve of Christmas Eve, which is also the last day of the Christmas Fast. On this day, believers hold divine services in churches, take part in an all-night vigil, and then gather at home with their loved ones to celebrate.

As the fast ended on Christmas Day, meat and dairy products appeared on the tables. The dinner traditionally consisted of 12 dishes, symbolizing the 12 apostles. The meal usually took place by the light of a fireplace or candles. After dinner, according to tradition, the faithful went to caroling. Young girls and boys sang songs. In modern Russia, this tradition is being replaced by trips to the temple and quiet prayers.

On January 7, Yuletide began in Russia — the holidays between Christmas and Epiphany, which falls on January 19. During this period, believers visited relatives, took care of the lonely elderly, orphans, the sick and the needy. Festivities, fairs and performances were also held in the villages. Also, young people, contrary to the condemnations from the church, guessed and arranged rituals to attract crops and prophetic dreams.

In Russia, people closely monitored the weather on January 6 and 7, as they looked for hints of how their future lives would turn out. For example, a snowstorm on January 7 promised an early and warm spring, and a thaw, in turn, foreshadowed the cold spring months.

Other signs for January 7th:

— sunny weather — towards frost in the second half of January;

— hoarfrost on the trees — for a good grain harvest;

— snowfall in the morning — to a profitable and successful year;

— bright stars in the sky — for an abundance of berries in the coming season;

— south wind — for a hot and fruitful year;

— the west wind leads to an abundance of milk and fish;

— the east wind leads to an abundance of fruits.

What not to do on January 7th

In addition to the signs, there were a number of prohibitions, which in Russia they also tried to adhere to in order not to bring trouble on themselves, relatives and friends. So, on January 7, it was forbidden to do any work, including cleaning, laundry or repairs. Violating the ban could lead to the fact that the whole year would be filled with unnecessary troubles.

Other bans for January 7th:

— hunting and fishing are a source of unhappiness and illness;

— conflicts and profanity lead to the withdrawal of a person from the environment;

— gossiping and bragging can lead to troubles and hardships for a year.;

— lending money and making bad thoughts leads to problems in the future.

An important holiday for Orthodox Christians - Christmas: traditions, strict prohibitions, omens

In 2025, the Orthodox celebration falls on Tuesday, January 7

What is the church holiday on January 7th?

The main Christian holiday, Christmas, falls on this date. It is celebrated on the night of January 6-7. On this day, the Son of God was born.

The Nativity of Christ is described in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. According to legend, the Roman Emperor Octavian Augustus conducted a population census, in which Israel was supposed to participate. Joseph and a pregnant Mary went to Bethlehem to register in Joseph's hometown. Due to overcrowded hotels, the holy family had to spend the night in the cave where Mary gave birth to Jesus. After wrapping the baby in swaddling clothes, she put him in a manger.

In the surrounding fields, shepherds became the first witnesses of Christmas. An angel appeared to them, announcing the birth of the Savior, and the shepherds hurried to worship the baby. Later, the star of Bethlehem appeared in the sky, which led the magi from the East, who brought gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. Upon hearing about the birth of the Messiah, King Herod ordered the killing of all the babies in Bethlehem, but Joseph, warned by an angel, managed to escape with his family to Egypt.

Prayers for January 7th

On the days of church holidays, it is customary to read the troparia of these celebrations.

Troparion

"Your Nativity, O Christ our God, has raised up the light of reason in the world, for in it those who serve the stars will learn to bow to You, the Sun of Truth, and to lead You from the heights of the East. Lord, glory to You."

Kontakion

After eating, the kontakion of the feast is read. Also, if everyone knows the melody, then the troparion and kontakion are sung.

"The Virgin gives birth to the Most Essential things today, and the earth brings a den to the Unapproachable. Angels and shepherds praise, but the magi travel with a star: for us, the Boy was born Young, Eternal God."

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the signs and prohibitions for January 6, which falls on Christmas Eve.