February 2 is a special national holiday — Yefimov Day: history, traditions, omens

On February 2, the national calendar celebrates Yefimov Day, a holiday that is also called Yefimiy Winter or Blizzard due to the frequent snowstorms at the end of winter. In Russia, this date has always been an important milestone on the border of the seasons. It marked the time of wedding chores, household rituals and observations of nature, which predicted the weather and the future harvest. In 2026, the celebration falls on a Monday. Izvestia tells about the customs, signs and prohibitions of this day.

What is the church holiday on February 2nd?

The holiday got its name after St. Euthymius the Great, whose memory is celebrated on February 2 (January 20, Old style). The Church venerates him as one of the pillars of monasticism, a miracle worker and a zealous defender of the Christian faith, along with Anthony the Great, Macarius the Great and Pachomius the Great.

Euthymius lived at the turn of the IV-V centuries in Armenia. He was born into a pious family, but having lost his father early, he was raised by his uncle. At an early age, the young man became a monk. Later, striving for solitary prayer, he retired to Palestine, where he settled as a hermit in the Faran Lavra.

The fame of his spiritual exploits and strict life quickly spread around the area. Over time, a monastic community gathered around Euthymius. He became a spiritual mentor for the Christians who came to him. He also healed the sick, actively fought against heresies and converted many Arabs to Christianity, including the military commander Aspevet, who became Bishop Peter in baptism.

After a vision in which the Lord commanded not to turn away from those seeking salvation, Euthymius founded the famous lavra near Jerusalem, consecrated in 429 by Patriarch Juvenal. The monk peacefully passed away to the Lord at the age of 97, predicting the day of his death.

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Traditions of the national holiday Yefimov day on February 2

In the folk tradition, the names "Yefimiy Winter" and "Yefimiy Blizzard" were fixed for the day of memory of Euthymius the Great, since severe frosts and snowstorms usually occurred during this period. However, despite the bad weather, the day was considered favorable for household and family affairs.

On Yefimov's day, the housewives baked fresh bread and cleaned the house: they washed the floors, got rid of old, broken things and unnecessary junk. According to beliefs, the purification of space attracted prosperity to the house and made room for everything new and good. Another important tradition was visiting the baths. It was believed that this procedure helps to "wash away" all ailments and meet the approaching spring healthy and full of energy.

In the old days, Yefimov's Day was also one of the last for weddings before Lent, when weddings are not performed. Therefore, the wedding date was traditionally set for February 2. Families were actively preparing for the celebrations, and young people could confess their feelings and sympathies.

What not to do on February 2 on Efimov Day

As in other days of the national calendar, there were certain prohibitions on Yefim. Our ancestors believed that violating these rules could lead to financial losses, illness, or family quarrels. They were especially wary of actions that could "anger" the forces of nature. For example, it was forbidden to complain about the wind and snowstorm — the elements could "take offense" and cause real damage to the household.

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What else can't be done on February 2nd:

• succumb to despondency and laziness — it was believed that sadness and idleness on this day attract difficulties.;
• sorting out cereals or pouring grain from one container into another leads to quarrels and misunderstandings in the family.;
• Using sharp objects is a risk of injury.;
• to pick up the coins found from the ground — a year will pass in poverty and need.

Folk signs for February 2

Weather signs were given great importance on Yefimov Day. They gave hints about the weather in the coming spring and summer, helping to plan agricultural work. They also predicted the timing of the future harvest. So, the morning snowfall foreshadowed early loaves, and the evening snowfall foreshadowed late ones.

Other signs of the day:

• cloudy morning leads to a cold, lingering spring;
• A clear sunny day at noon leads to a rainy summer,
• if a cat is scratching the floor with its paws and chickens are twirling their tails, it's worth waiting for a heavy snowstorm.;
• losing a mitten or glove on this day is a bad omen, promising a period of need.;
• cutting yourself or injuring yourself in the kitchen may portend the illness of someone close to you.

Earlier, Izvestia told about the traditions and signs of the national holiday Makariev Day.

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