Folk signs for January 8th: what can and cannot be done

In Russia, signs and beliefs have always been given special importance. They were used to determine not only the time for agricultural work, but also the day for holidays, rest and communication with loved ones. Izvestia tells about folk signs on January 8 and the church holidays that fall on this day.

Folk signs for January 8, 2026

On January 8, the people celebrate Midwives' Day, or Babi Kashi, one of the most ancient women's holidays in Russia, which is currently connected with the Cathedral of the Most Holy Theotokos. Midwives were especially respected at that time. It was believed that the health of a newborn child and the well-being of an entire family depended on their care and experience.

It was also believed in Russia that a strong spiritual and kinship bond was established between the midwife and the child she adopted, which persisted throughout her life.

In some provinces, on this day, women who had given birth during the past year, together with their midwives, went to church for a thanksgiving prayer service. After that, each woman invited the grandmothers home and treated them to millet porridge. In other localities, it was customary for parents to come to the midwife themselves and bring her gifts. In response, the hostess treated them to porridge.

On this day, the women visited the temple and prayed. In some regions, they consecrated bread or porridge, after which they divided it among family members. The people also had weather and household signs associated with the holiday, which predicted the coming year and harvest. So, clear and frosty weather foreshadowed a good harvest.

Other signs for January 8th:

— snowstorm or blizzard — for a cold summer;

— sticky snow — for the approaching thaw;

— red sky after sunset — for severe frosts;

— chirping tits — for night frosts;

— a fun feast is for family well—being;

— a lavishly set table leads to financial prosperity.

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What not to do on January 8th

On this day, a number of prohibitions were also observed in Russia. The people believed that their violation could have a negative impact on life and well-being in the future. For example, it was believed that outsiders should not be invited to a house with a newborn baby in order to avoid the "evil eye." And pregnant women were forbidden to work and do needlework, so as not to harm the child.

Other bans for January 8th:

— offending women leads to illnesses and troubles;

— refusing pregnant women leads to loss of luck or means of livelihood;

— waking up late leads to loss of wealth;

— leaving the house in clothes with holes leads to financial losses;

— conflict leads to the loss of friends:

— taking out the trash leads to loss of luck.

What is the church holiday on January 8th?

On January 8, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Cathedral of the Most Holy Theotokos, the day of veneration of the Mother of God. The feast is dedicated to the glorification of the Virgin Mary and the saints who were with her — Joseph the Betrothed, St. James, the brother of the Lord, and King David, the earthly ancestor of Christ.

The celebration symbolizes the gratitude of the Mother of God for the birth of the Savior. Its connection with Midwives' Day only strengthens the holiday's connection with mother and children. The Mother of God with the Christ Child, surrounded by shepherds, magi, angels and saints, were also depicted on icons dedicated to Midwives' Day.

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Prayers for January 8th

In Russia, special divine services and prayer services were held in churches on this day in front of the icons of the Blessed Virgin Mary "Help in Childbirth" and "Blessed Womb". They were addressed with prayers for the health of children, an easy pregnancy and a safe birth.

Troparion

Most Pure Mother of God, Theotokos, Your honest Cathedral is decorated with various kindnesses, gifts are brought to You, Lady, by many worldly people, tear our sinful bonds By your mercy, and save our souls.

Kontakion

You who were born without a mother before the day of the day, will be incarnated on earth without a father today from You. Meanwhile, the star proclaims the good news of the Magi, while the Angels and their shepherds sing // Your ineffable Nativity, Gracious One.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the signs and prohibitions on January 7 — Christmas Day.

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