A special holiday on January 30 is Anton Perezimnik: history, traditions, omens
Every year on January 30, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of one of the founders of monasticism, St. Anthony the Great. In 2026, the celebration falls on a Friday. In the folk tradition, it is called Anton Perezimnik. Read about the history, traditions and signs of the holiday in the Izvestia article.
What is the church holiday on January 30th?
On January 30, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Anthony the Great. He was born in Egypt around the year 250 into a noble family and was raised in the Christian faith from his youth. At the age of 18, the future ascetic was orphaned and left with his sister in his care.
The turning point in the saint's life came when, in the temple, he heard the words of the Gospel addressed to him personally: "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven, and follow Me." After that, Anthony distributed his rich inheritance, entrusted his sister to the care of pious women, and retired to the desert to serve God.
The hermit's life was not easy — Anthony constantly struggled with hunger, thirst and numerous temptations. More than once, he was overcome by longing for the mundane, but the saint humbled his mind with prayer and fasting.
After 20 years of seclusion, students began to gather around Anthony, who wanted to live under his guidance. The desert became lively, and numerous monasteries of monks appeared in the mountains. However, the saint himself, burdened by the crowd, according to a revelation from above, withdrew deep into the desert, to the Red Sea. There he settled on a high mountain, cultivated a small field, and only occasionally visited the brethren.
Once, as an elder, Anthony received a revelation that there was an ascetic in the desert who served the Lord longer than he did. He went on a search and after some time discovered a cave in which St. Paul of Thebes had been living for about 90 years. The saints met as old friends, and before parting, Paul, informing them that he would soon die, asked Anthony to bring him the mantle of St. Athanasius for burial.
The saint set out on a journey to fulfill the ascetic's will. But when Anthony returned, he found St. Paul already dead and, according to legend, saw his soul ascend to heaven. Two lions helped to dig a grave, where Anthony buried the hermit. St. Anthony himself died at the age of 106, around the year 356.
Traditions of the national holiday Anton Perezimnik on January 30
In the national calendar, the day of memory of Anthony the Great was named Anton Perezimnik, or Antonina-half. It was believed that on January 30, half the way to spring had already been completed. There was a proverb: "Antonina has come — the winter is half over." However, the warm weather on this day was not trusted, expecting that winter would still show its character.
The main ritual of the holiday was baking oatmeal balls, symbolizing the sun. This simple but hearty dish was generously flavored with cow's butter, eggs and milk. Buns were served to all household members, neighbors, and even casual travelers. It was believed that this helps bring spring closer, and also brings happiness and health to the house.
Some of the pastries were necessarily taken to the church, where not only Anthony the Great was commemorated on this day, but also other saints with the same name — Anthony Chernozersky and Anthony Dymsky. They prayed to the saints for strengthening of the spirit, peace in the family and healing from diseases.
Following the so-called Sorcerers' Day (January 28), Anton Perezimnik's holiday was also considered a time of increased danger. The ancestors believed that witches and warlocks continued to roam the world, casting spells on people and livestock. A special ceremony was held to protect the house. The one who got up first in the morning went out on the porch and walked with his heels forward to the nearest intersection. Then, a line was drawn with a sharp sickle along the footprints left in the snow, symbolically cutting off the otherworldly guests from the way to housing.
What not to do on January 30 on Anton Perezimnik's day
Anton Perezimnik's ancestors adhered to a number of strict prohibitions in order to avoid a clash with dark forces. During the holiday, they avoided talking to strangers and did not accept any gifts from them, fearing that they might be talked into.
What else can't be done on January 30th
- saying hurtful words and swearing — negativity can return to the offender in the form of diseases.;
- Being lazy and procrastinating can lead to a loss of luck for the whole coming year.;
- bragging about success and prosperity can "scare away" well—being from home;
- sewing, knitting and weaving — there is a risk of "sewing" trouble on yourself;
- cooking pea dishes leads to diseases;
- men should leave the house for a long time — there was a belief that in the absence of the owner, evil spirits could enter the dwelling.
Folk signs for January 30th
Anton Perezimnik's day was a key day for making forecasts for the coming spring and harvest. Special attention was paid to the Moon. It was believed that if it rarely peeks out from behind the clouds at night, it promises a rich harvest. If the night sky is clear and the moon is shining brightly, then the harvest, on the contrary, will be scarce.
Other signs of the day:
- cloudy night leads to poor germination of spring crops;
- a moon with round, sloping horns — for clear and frosty weather;
- cloudy day — indicated the approach of a snowstorm;
- It's snowing — winter will drag on;
- the trees are covered with frost — for sunny days;
- squirrels hide in hollows, and chickadees chirp loudly — for a cold snap soon.
Earlier, Izvestia reported on the history and traditions of Nina's Day.
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