A special Russian holiday on September 8 — Natalia Ovsyanitsa: traditions and omens

According to the national calendar, Natalia Ovsyanitsa is celebrated on September 8. The holiday is closely connected with the completion of the oat harvest and the beginning of preparations for winter. In the old days, at this time it was customary to thank nature for the harvest and ask for well-being for the coming year. In 2025, the celebration falls on a Monday. Izvestia tells about the traditions and signs of this day.

The history of the national holiday on September 8th

The name of the holiday comes from the names of the early Christian saints, the Martyr Natalia and her husband Adrian, whom the church commemorates in early autumn. They lived at the beginning of the fourth century in Nicomedia, on the shores of the Sea of Marmara, and suffered during the persecution of Christians. At the same time, Natalia was a Christian, and Adrian was a pagan.

After getting to know the followers of Christ better, Adrian was amazed by their steadfastness and courage in the face of torture. Impressed by this, he declared himself a Christian, for which he was immediately captured and imprisoned.

Natalia did not leave her husband. She was there during all the trials, encouraging and helping him endure the torments. After Adrian's execution, Natalia, although she was young, never remarried. She devoted the rest of her life to serving God and helping others, continuing to pray for her beloved husband.

The story of the martyrs has become a source of inspiration for many Christians as an example of incredible devotion, love and faith. Icons depicting saints can be found in many churches. Believers all over the world offer prayers to the righteous for the strengthening of faith and family well-being.

Natalia and Adrian were also revered in Russia. Usually, the oat harvest was completed in the villages on their memorial day, therefore, in the folk tradition, the holiday was named Natalia Ovyanitsa.

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As noted by Natalia Ovsyanitsa in Russia

Ecclesiastical and ancient Slavic traditions are closely intertwined in the national celebration. According to custom, the first sheaf of oats was kept until the following year, believing that it would bring good luck and a rich harvest. And the ears were used to make amulets that were supposed to protect against the evil eye and evil spirits.

The housewives made jelly from the grain of the new harvest, baked oatmeal pancakes, cookies and other pastries, treating neighbors and loved ones to it. It was believed that pancakes baked by a girl or a woman named Natalia should bring good luck and health to everyone who tries them. And girls born on this day were often called Natalia in honor of their heavenly patroness.

Also during this period, rowan berries were harvested, which were valued for their healing properties. Berries were used to make preparations for the winter: jams, marmalades, tinctures, and pie fillings. They were also used as teas and medicinal decoctions for colds.

It was a good omen to decorate the house with mountain ash twigs. Our ancestors believed that this simple amulet would protect the house from evil and help maintain harmonious family relationships.

What can and cannot be done on Natalia Ovsyanitsa

For Natalia Ovsyanitsa, it is important not to forget about those who need help, showing them compassion and mercy. It was a great sin to refuse support. In addition, there is a belief that if you drive a beggar out of the yard, you will soon experience severe need yourself.

It is also forbidden to swear and speak ill of other people. This promises various troubles and troubles. Since the day is associated with the harvest, idleness was also forbidden on the holiday — idleness promised future crop failures and material losses.

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What else can not be done:

• complaining about fate or getting discouraged will only attract new misfortunes.;
• quarreling with loved ones, especially spouses — the people believed that swearing and insults on this day offend the memory of the patrons of family harmony, Saints Natalia and Adrian;
• walking barefoot on the ground — otherwise you can get sick and spend a long time in bed.;
• chopping or breaking a mountain ash tree — by damaging a tree unnecessarily, a person loses luck and protection from evil spirits.

Folk signs of September 8th

Folk signs for Natalia Ovyanitsa are related to the weather and the future harvest. For example, if it is cold on September 8, then winter will be early and harsh. If the day is warm and sunny, then autumn will be long and mild.

Other signs of the day:

• fog in the morning — towards a warm autumn;
• strong wind — for the rainy season;
• migratory birds are gathering in flocks — the first frosts will hit soon;
• The tops of the birches have begun to turn yellow — winter will come early this year.;
• there are a lot of berries on the mountain ash — the winter will be frosty.

Earlier, Izvestia told about the history and traditions of the national holiday Tit Listopadnik.