A special national holiday on March 26 is Nikiforov Day: history, traditions, omens

Every year on March 26, the Orthodox Church commemorates the transfer of the relics of St. Nikephoros, Patriarch of Constantinople, who lived at the turn of the eighth and ninth centuries and went down in history as one of the most consistent defenders of icon veneration. In the national calendar, the holiday is called Nikiforov Day. In 2026, the date falls on Thursday. About its history, traditions, signs and strict prohibitions — in the material of Izvestia.

What is the church holiday on March 26th?

Saint Nikephoros was born in Constantinople around the year 758 in the family of Theodore and Evdokia. His parents went through the persecution of the iconoclastic era. My father suffered for his loyalty to Orthodoxy under Emperor Constantine V Copronymos, and my mother shared exile with her husband and later ended her life as a monk.

Having received a brilliant secular education, Nikephoros studied the Holy Scriptures and spiritual books especially diligently. According to church tradition, under Emperor Leo IV the Khazar, he occupied a high court position and became a royal adviser. However, being at court did not change his inner mindset. Even in the metropolitan environment, he maintained a strict, almost monastic lifestyle and openly adhered to Orthodox teaching.

In 787, during the reign of Constantine VI, he participated in the VII Ecumenical Council in Nicaea and, on behalf of the emperor, advocated the veneration of holy icons. This was a turning point in Byzantine church history — the Council condemned iconoclasm, and Nikephoros proved himself not just as a court official, but as an educated and staunch supporter of Orthodoxy.

After the Council, Nikephoros remained in public service for some time, but he became increasingly burdened by it. In the end, he left the courtyard and retired to the Bosphorus, where he lived in seclusion, combining scientific work with fasting, prayer and silence.

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The holiday is also called "little Easter".

After the death of Patriarch Tarasius in 806, Nikephoros was invited to the See of Constantinople. He took monastic vows and holy orders, and on April 12, 806, on Easter, he was elevated to the patriarchal throne.

When Emperor Leo V of Armenia came to power, resuming the policy of iconoclasm, the patriarch's position became sharply complicated. Nikephoros refused to support the ban on the veneration of shrines, for which he was deposed and sent into exile.

First he was exiled to a monastery in Chrysopolis, then to a monastery on the island of Proconnis in the Sea of Marmara. Nikephoros spent about thirteen years in exile and died in 828. Until his last days, he remained a spiritual authority and did not renounce his beliefs.

The transfer of the saint's relics, which the church commemorates on March 26, took place in 847, nineteen years after the burial. They were found incorruptible and triumphantly transferred to Constantinople, to St. Sophia Cathedral.

Saint Nikephoros was an outstanding church figure of his time, a theologian, historian and canonist, and he left behind a notable spiritual legacy — works of a historical, dogmatic and canonical nature.

Traditions of the national holiday Nikiforov day on March 26

In Russia, by March 26, spring was already noticeably changing the habitual way of life of peasants, the snow was settling, and the roads were getting wet. Therefore, Nikiforov Day was closely associated with water, it was perceived as a symbol of renewal and purification.

On the eve of the holiday, the housewives tried to put the house in order, wipe off the dust, and sort out the accumulated debris over the winter. Such cleaning had not only an economic, but also a ritual meaning. The ancestors believed that along with the dirt, everything bad, heavy and painful leaves the dwelling. The floors were always washed on the holiday itself. There was a belief that if you did this on Nikifor, the household would be healthy all year round.

The main tradition of Nikiforov's Day in Russia was the sauna. It was believed that steam and water help to relieve fatigue after winter, strengthen the body, get rid of ailments and meet spring in good health.

On March 26, it was useful not only to steam, but also to be near water in general. Therefore, men went to the river or lake for fishing. It was perceived as a good sign for the entire agricultural season.

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The Bright Resurrection of Christ symbolizes the victory of Jesus over death.

On Nikiforov's day, the housewives prepared a meager but generous meal, trying to please their relatives and guests. At the common table, the household planned the future, discussed new ideas, and made important decisions.

In addition, the holiday was considered a suitable time to purchase cattle. According to beliefs, such an animal took root better and brought more benefits to the household.

But the ancestors were afraid of the forest on this day. In the old days, it was said that at this time bears finally come out of hibernation and leave their dens. A hungry animal was perceived as a real threat, so a person should not unnecessarily "disturb" the thicket.

What not to do on Nikiforov Day

In Russia, on March 26, there were a number of prohibitions, the violation of which, according to beliefs, could deprive a person of prosperity and happiness. The ancestors tried to be especially careful in financial matters. So, on Nikiforov's day, it was forbidden to give or borrow – a person risked losing luck and living in need all year round.

• scolding and hitting animals — such aggression can lead to illness;
• wearing black clothes — gloomy wardrobe colors can bring sadness and make life "funereal";
• for young people, cutting their hair means there is a risk of "cutting off" their luck and spoiling their fate;
• doing needlework, sewing, knitting — you can "shorten" your life.

Folk signs for March 26

On Nikiforov Day, the peasants closely watched nature to determine what the summer would be like.:

• warm and clear day — summer will be favorable;
• geese have arrived — for a rich harvest in autumn;
• in the morning, the ground is covered with fog — for a rainy summer;
• Finches are returning from warm countries — to a cold snap soon.

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