Beheading of John the Baptist: what not to do on September 11

Orthodox believers on September 11 remember one of the most significant church days — the Beheading of the head of St. John the Baptist. The holiday was established in memory of the prophet and his martyrdom. In 2025, it falls on Thursday. John the Baptist occupies a special place in Christianity: after the Mother of God, he is the most revered saint, and the number of holidays in his honor exceeds the number of celebrations dedicated to other saints. About the meaning of the date, its traditions and signs — in the material of Izvestia.

Beheading of John the Baptist: the meaning of the holiday

John the Baptist is revered especially highly in the Orthodox Church: seven feasts have been established in his honor — more than in memory of any other saint. In the Gospel of Matthew (chapter 11), Christ calls him the greatest of those born of wives. The word "forerunner" means "going ahead", "predecessor". It was he who announced the coming of the Savior to the world.

According to legend, John was born into the family of the priest Zachariah, who belonged to the family of Aaron, and Elizabeth, who came from the house of David. For a long time, the couple did not have children, until the angel Gabriel announced to Zachariah the future birth of a son. For disbelief in the words of the heavenly messenger, Zachariah was temporarily speechless, and his voice returned to him only after the birth of a child, who was given the name John — "God is merciful."

It is believed that the baby was miraculously saved during the massacre of the children of Bethlehem on Herod's orders.

The Sermon and Baptism of the Savior

Little is known about John's life before the age of 30. Later, he began to preach in the desert by the Jordan, calling the people to repentance and ablution in water, which became the prototype of Christian baptism. His lifestyle was harsh: simple camel's hair clothes, a diet of honey and locusts, and constant prayer.

The event of the Baptism of the Lord occupies a special place in history. When Jesus came to John to be baptized, the prophet was confused at first, but submitted to the will of Christ. During this sacrament, the Holy Spirit descended upon the Savior.

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John openly denounced sins, not even sparing King Herod Antipas, who lived with his brother's wife. For this, the prophet was imprisoned. However, the ruler did not dare to execute him. The fate of the Forerunner was determined by a feast: Herodias' daughter, Salome, performed a dance and, on her mother's advice, asked for John's head. The saint was executed, and she was presented to the girl on a platter.

According to legend, the Baptist's head was not immediately buried: Herodias kept it in the palace until one of the maids secretly buried the shrine. Later, the relic was lost and found several times. John himself was buried in the area of modern Nablus, where his relics were revered back in the IV century.

Folk signs and customs of September 11

The memory of the prophet is revered in both the Orthodox, Catholic and Lutheran traditions. For Catholics, the date falls on August 29. In Islam, John is known as Yahya ibn Zakariya and is also revered as a prophet.

They turn to the saint with prayers for health, getting rid of addictions, spiritual strengthening and the gift of children. He is asked for protection from temptation, peace of mind, and the well-being of his family.

There are many beliefs associated with Beheading day. It was believed that praying to John helped with headaches, and those born on September 11 would be hardworking and resilient. According to popular observations, cranes flying high foreshadowed a harsh winter, thunder on this day — a warm autumn, and lingering starlings — Indian summer.

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The saint is asked for protection and strengthening of faith

Since the beheading took place during a feast, excesses in food and drink are strictly prohibited on this day. Believers observe strict fasting, excluding meat, fish, dairy products and alcohol. Honey is traditionally allowed on the table, because the prophet ate it. It is also not customary to work with sharp objects: knives, axes, needles or knitting needles. Even bread and vegetables were recommended not to cut, but to break.

For Orthodox Christians, this is a time of prayer, repentance, and reflection on spiritual fortitude. The saint is asked for a strong marriage, protection of the family and conversion to the faith of those who have not yet been baptized.