A special national holiday on March 24 is Yefimov Day: history, traditions, omens

Every year on March 24, Orthodox believers honor the memory of St. Euthymius, Archbishop of Novgorod. In the national calendar, the holiday is called Yefimov Day. In Russia, it was associated with the return of birds, the first crowing of the cuckoo, birch sap and preparation for spring work. In 2026, the date falls on a Tuesday. Read about its history, traditions, signs and strict prohibitions in the Izvestia article.

What is the church holiday on March 24th?

Saint Euthymius, one of the most famous Novgorod hierarchs of the XV century, was born in Veliky Novgorod into a pious Christian family. According to church tradition, his parents remained childless for a long time and fervently prayed to God and the Blessed Virgin Mary for the birth of an heir. Their requests were heard — the couple had a son, who was baptized John. In the temple in front of the image of the Mother of God, the mother and father vowed to dedicate it to God.

The boy's childhood was devoted to the study of the Holy Scriptures. From an early age, he gravitated towards the spiritual life and at the age of fifteen decided to take monastic vows at the Vyazhitsky Monastery of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Despite his young age, Euthymius stood out for his strict obedience, inner composure and maturity of judgment. The life says that the young monk possessed "the mind of a long-term husband."

Archbishop Simeon of Novgorod soon found out about the young ascetic and brought him closer to himself, appointing him the steward of the bishop's house. This position required not only personal piety, but also great trust, practical intelligence, and the ability to manage the church's household. After the death of Archbishop Euthymius, he retired to the Khutyn monastery, and then was appointed abbot of the monastery of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos on Fox Mountain.

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In 1429, Euthymius was elected Archbishop of Novgorod. He remained at the department for almost three decades, until his death in 1458. In this post, the saint built and renovated churches, took care of the spiritual life of the Christian community, and paid great attention to the organization of the diocese. At the same time, he did not give up his personal monastic feat, prayed a lot, observed fasting, led a strict life, maintained concentration and inner self-demand.

The saint was engaged not only in organizing the internal church life, he also participated in significant political affairs in Northwestern Russia. In the 15th century, when relations between the large Russian lands remained tense, he often acted not only as a spiritual mentor, but also as a mediator in peace affairs, and helped bring Novgorod, Pskov, and Moscow closer together.

Traditions of the national holiday Yefimov Day on March 24th

Efimov's Day in Russia was considered a holiday of birds that returned from warmer climes at the end of March. For the peasants, it was an important sign of the seasonal transition — winter is finally receding, and there will be no more severe cold.

The believers began the morning with a visit to the temple. They prayed to Saint Euthymius for sinners who had embarked on the path of correction, as well as for those who were involved in the construction and restoration of churches.

On the holiday, housewives put their gardens and yards in order, cleaned them of last year's foliage and debris, and put paths and outbuildings in order. The men inspected the inventory before the next sowing season, trying to check if everything was ready for the new agricultural season.

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During this period, the sap movement began in the birches, and families went to the forest for the first spring drink. It was appreciated not only as a seasonal treat, but also as a means to help restore strength after the winter. It was attributed restorative properties and was considered useful for stomach and joint pain.

The end of March was perceived by the ancestors as a time of transition, when the darkness had already receded, but the light was still gaining strength. They believed that during this period, a person especially needed protection from evil spirits, both physically and spiritually. Therefore, on Yefimov Day, it was customary to invite healers who read spells against diseases, put up charms against witches, designed to protect the house and family from "evil influences."

What not to do on the feast of Yefimov Day

On Yefim's Day in Russia, there were a number of prohibitions, the violation of which, according to beliefs, could lead to health problems. The ancestors paid special attention to their inner state, trying to live calmly on March 24, without harsh words and heavy conversations. For example, family quarrels should not be started on a holiday, such a conflict could turn into a disease for the one who started it.

What else can not be done on March 24

• petting kittens — there is a risk of being left without money;
• throwing away old things — wealth leaves the house with them.;
• throwing away chicken, duck or turkey giblets can take your health out of the house.

Folk signs for March 24

On Yefimov Day, the peasants carefully observed nature, especially birds, in order to determine the weather for the coming weeks, as well as to understand whether the year would be fruitful.

• Crows are cawing loudly — for bad weather soon;
• swans appeared on reservoirs — to steady heat;
• a warm, clear day — summer promises to be mild and prosperous;
• the caught carp do not have caviar — there will be no high water in May.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the signs and strict prohibitions of the Day of the Lark.