February 14 is a special holiday — Trifonov Day: history, traditions, omens

Every year on February 14, Orthodox believers honor the memory of Saint Tryphon, the patron saint of lovers, married couples and hunters. In the national calendar, the holiday is called Trifonov Day. In 2026, it falls on a Saturday. Read about its history, traditions, signs and strict prohibitions in the Izvestia article.

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Saint Tryphon was born in the 3rd century into a simple peasant family. He did not receive an education, grazed geese as a child, and lived an ordinary rural life. However, according to legend, by the special grace of God, from a young age he possessed a special gift — with the help of prayer he was able to heal diseases and exorcise evil spirits.

Among the many healing stories attributed to the saint, one stands out in particular. During the reign of Gordian III, his daughter was possessed by an unclean spirit. The emperor sought help in vain, until the demon confessed that only the boy Tryphon could exorcise him.

The young man was brought to Rome. As soon as he approached the sick woman, the spirit left the girl, and she was healed. Gordian, amazed by what was happening, asked to see the demon. According to Tryphon, the unclean one appeared in the form of a black dog with fiery eyes. When asked by the saint how he dared to enter into God's creation, he replied that he had no power over Christians and tormented only those who voluntarily followed sinful passions. These words led many to abandon idolatry. The emperor dismissed Tryphon with honors and gifts, but on the way home he distributed them to the poor and returned to his usual village work.

During the reign of Emperor Decius, who intensified the persecution of Christians, Trypho and his associate Respicius were arrested, transported to Nicaea and thrown into prison. During the interrogation, both refused to sacrifice to pagan gods, for which they were subjected to severe torture.

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For several hours of agony, they did not make a sound. The hagiography says that in the midst of the torture, an angel with two crowns appeared to them, and even the executioners were seized with fear. The next day, the torture continued, but it did not lead to Trifon's renunciation of the Christian faith. Before his execution, the saint, according to legend, prayed for all who would remember his name, and asked for "abundant and imperishable gifts" for them.

It is believed that the Lord accepted Tryphon's soul even before the executioner's sword struck — the young man died before the sentence was executed. The martyr confirmed his fidelity to Christ not by miracles, but by his willingness to suffer and die for the faith, after which, as they say in his life, he received the "crown of the Kingdom of God."

In Russia, the saint began to be revered already in the XIV century. In the time of John Kalita, a church in the name of Tryphon operated in the village of Naprudnoye near Moscow, and the belief grew among the people that the saint drives away pests of fields and gardens.

Later, the legend of the falconer Trifon Patrikeev was associated with his name. According to legend, while hunting, he lost his beloved royal falcon Ivan the Terrible, searched for the bird for three days, prayed to his heavenly patron and vowed to build a temple if successful.

On the third day, he saw in a dream a saint on a white horse with a falcon on his arm. The saint pointed out the place where the missing bird was sitting. She was indeed found, the boyar escaped punishment and fulfilled his vow by building a church on this site, which became the basis of the Trifonov Temple in Naprudny. Since then, Russian icons have often depicted the martyr in this way — on a white horse, with a falcon at arm's length.

Traditions of the national holiday Trifonov day on February 14th

In the national calendar, the holiday dedicated to the memory of the saint had different names — Trifonov Day, Trifon, Trifon Myshegon. They reflected both respect for the martyr and faith in his help in everyday matters, from family relationships to protection from mice that could destroy grain stocks.

Saint Tryphon was considered the patron saint of lovers and married couples, so they tried to spend February 14 with their relatives, without fuss, with joy and gratitude for those who were nearby, paid special attention to their partners, made small but sincere gifts, and said kind words.

The unmarried girls prayed to Saint Tryphon for a meeting with their betrothed, for whom "one can go to the ends of the earth and not regret." Prayer was more often read at home, in silence and solitude.

Trifonov Day was considered a good day for engagements and weddings. According to beliefs, the union concluded at this time will be strong: the saint will "support" the young and help them overcome the first difficulties of living together.

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Special household customs were also associated with the holiday. On Tryphon Day, special candles were made in families, which were then carried to the temple for Candlemas to be consecrated. They were considered a family amulet and were lit in difficult moments, during illnesses, during storms and intense emotions.

On the table for Trifonov's day, the housewives always baked pies with sweet fillings, with berries or jam. Such pastries were not just a delicacy, but a wish that the life of those who would try the treat would be "sweet", without unnecessary quarrels and resentments.

On Tryphon Myshegon, rites of "breeding" mice were often held in villages. Rural healers went around every barn and barn, read conspiracies, and took out some old things from houses in order to "lead away" rodents and dark forces.

What not to do on the holiday of Trifonov Day

The ancestors believed that on Tryphon Day one should be careful in words, deeds and in handling money.

It was forbidden to quarrel on this day, especially for spouses and lovers. It was believed that the misunderstanding that began on February 14 could worsen, lead to a breakup of relations and deprive a person of happiness in love for a long time.

What else you can't do on February 14th:

• buying sharp objects (knives, forks, awls) — they can "attract" misfortune and "cut" a relationship;
• stepping over a broom, broom or poker can lead to diseases;
• leaving money in a prominent place is a risk of "luring" losses and losing part of the property.;
• stroking stray cats — according to beliefs, a spouse or lover can start to "look to the left";
• being sad, complaining about life — you can "delay" problems.;
• Spending a day all alone can take a long time.;
• stumbling and dropping things on the move, especially for unmarried girls, leads to unrequited love.

Folk signs for February 14th

On February 14, the peasants carefully observed the signs of nature, which they used to judge what spring would be like and what to expect in the coming weeks.

• the day is calm, clear and sunny — spring will be early and warm;
• It's snowing on February 14, leading to heavy rains in the spring that will wash out roads and make travel difficult.;
• fog in the evening — the next morning will be mild and warm;
• On the night of Tryphon, the sky is strewn with stars — winter will drag on, spring will come later than the calendar dates.

The ancestors also had signs related to the choice of a life partner. According to who the young girl would meet on the street first on Trifonov Day, it was judged whether a fateful acquaintance would happen and what qualities the future partner would possess.:

• a woman with a child was the first to meet — a good sign, the betrothed is "somewhere nearby", you can expect a serious acquaintance soon.;
• the dog was the first to catch my eye — the future companion will be reliable, loyal and "at home";
• the cat was the first to meet — it's worth taking a closer look at the boyfriend, not rushing with promises.

If glass was accidentally broken on February 14, it was considered a good omen. According to beliefs, old squabbles and disagreements can go away with the fragments.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the signs and strict prohibitions of a special Nikita Pozharnik holiday.