September 11 — Beheading of John the Baptist: history, traditions, omens

The beheading of John the Baptist is one of the most significant Orthodox holidays, established in memory of the martyrdom of the holy prophet. It is celebrated annually on September 11. On this day, believers observe strict fasting, attend divine services, pray and remember the feat of the Forerunner. In 2025, the date falls on Thursday. What is the story behind this holiday and what traditions are associated with it, read the Izvestia article.

Beheading of John the Baptist: the History of the September 11 Church Holiday

John the Baptist was the last prophet of the Old Testament and the forerunner of the Savior. He preached repentance and baptized people in the Jordan, preparing the way for the coming of Christ. According to legend, it was John who baptized Jesus, attesting to His Divine destiny.

After meeting with Christ, John continued to preach in Israel. He openly condemned King Herod Antipas, who had married Herodias, his brother's wife. This aroused the queen's hatred, and she decided to take revenge on the prophet.

Once, during a feast on the occasion of Herod's birthday, the daughter of Herodias, Salome, performed a dance that pleased the king so much that he promised to fulfill her every wish. Salome, following her mother's instructions, asked for the head of John the Baptist.

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Although the king regretted his word, he could not break his oath and ordered the prophet's head to be brought to him on a platter. John's head was cut off, and Herodias, having obtained the remains of the saint, buried them in an unclean place. The wife of the royal housekeeper Khuza saw this. She took out the prophet's head, put it in a vessel and buried it on the Mount of Olives. Later, the venerable head of John the Baptist was found and revered as one of the greatest shrines.

The spiritual meaning of the feast is the Beheading of John the Baptist

The beheading of John the Baptist is a reminder to every believer of the power of truth and loyalty to God. The prophet was not afraid of power and threats, continuing to denounce sin, for which he suffered a martyr's death.

The Church considers this day a time of strict abstinence and repentance. According to the charter, strict fasting is established: meat, fish, dairy products are prohibited, and sometimes believers observe complete abstinence from food until the end of worship. Even if the holiday falls on a Sunday, no indulgences in fasting are allowed. This highlights the special seriousness and mournful nature of the day.

What not to do on the feast of the Beheading of John the Baptist on September 11

The beheading of John the Baptist is an important holiday. In addition to observing the restrictions associated with fasting, believers are not recommended to arrange cheerful holidays and noisy feasts. It is better to devote the day to prayer, spiritual reflection and communication with loved ones.

Among the people, the church holiday has been overgrown with various superstitions. On the day of the Beheading of John the Baptist, the ancestors tried not to eat cabbage and other round foods, as they were associated with the severed head of the prophet.

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What else can not be done on September 11:

• picking up sharp objects (knives, axes, scythes) — in memory of the instrument of execution;

• using red in clothes and everyday life is a symbol of blood;

• Have fun and celebrate — the day is dedicated to prayer and repentance.

Violation of these rules, according to beliefs, could attract misfortune or illness.

Folk signs and beliefs

The feast of the Beheading of John the Baptist coincides with the beginning of autumn, so our ancestors had many signs associated with it. It was believed that if the cranes flew south, the cold weather would come soon, and if the swans were on their way, it meant that winter would be early. When the starlings begin to sing, Indian summer begins. Rain on this day foreshadowed a wet and lingering autumn, and morning fog was considered a good sign for the future mushroom harvest.

• Birds are singing loudly — summer and autumn will still be at war.;

• Swans fly away — to the snow;

• The cranes have already flown south — the winter will be early and harsh.;

• If you see a goose in the sky, it's going to rain soon.;

• Thunder is rumbling — autumn will be warm;

• lots of rooks — the sunny weather will last a long time.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the history and traditions of the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin.