Folk signs for September 12: what can and cannot be done

In Russia, omens were given special importance. They judged the weather, chose the time for certain field work, and even guessed for the future. Every day of the national calendar was full of rituals and superstitions. Izvestia tells about the signs for September 12 and shares prayers for the day.

Folk signs for September 12, 2025

In Russia, the feast of Alexander Sytnik was celebrated on September 12. The name of the celebration is due to the fact that on the eve of the Beheading of John the Baptist, believers observed a strict fast in memory of the prophet. Therefore, on September 12, it was customary to arrange lavish feasts in the villages. The main festive dish on each table was a hearty pie, which was served to guests and neighbors.

On the holiday, the ceremony of "curling the field" was performed — the stalks of barley were woven with oats and flax, and special spells were read over the resulting "scythe". It was believed that this would help to grow rich next year.

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

After the Mother of God, he is revered more than other saints.

Alexander Sytnik's ancestors paid attention to various omens, hoping to predict the weather for the coming months.

Omens for September 12th:

• chickens have started to molt — winter will be warm;
• You can see a lot of stars at night — next year will be fertile;
• Bees seal the hive — winter will come early;
• red sun — warm weather will linger;
• heavy starfall leads to disasters and epidemics;
• a lot of mountain ash — autumn will be rainy;
• birds circle high and long for a warm and dry autumn.;
• cobwebs on plants — autumn will be warm.

What not to do on September 12th

On Alexander Sytnik's day, the ancestors adhered to certain prohibitions, hoping in this way to avoid problems, diseases and unnecessary expenses. Quarrels, gossip, and swearing were avoided on the holiday. It was believed that all the manifested negativity would return to the person in double size.

What else can not be done on September 12

• Washing your hair is believed to lead to baldness and deterioration of hair.;
• buying clothes — new things will quickly become unusable;
• Borrowing salt leads to financial problems;
• Putting up a fence can attract trouble to the house or lead to theft.;
• Playing cards leads to failures;
• counting money before noon leads to minor financial losses and setbacks;
• bringing a kitten into the house is unfortunate (while a puppy, on the contrary, is considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity).

Church holidays on September 12th

On September 12, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Day of the Transfer of the relics of St. Alexander Nevsky from Vladimir to St. Petersburg. This happened by decree of Emperor Peter I, who founded a monastery in honor of the saint in the new capital of Russia. In 1724, the relics were solemnly transferred to the Alexander Nevsky Lavra. This event became an important moment in the history of the city. In modern St. Petersburg, September 12 is celebrated as a citywide and ecclesiastical holiday.

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In 2025, the event falls on a Tuesday.

Also on September 12, Orthodox believers honor the memory of the holy Prince Daniel of Moscow, who lived in the 13th century. He was the fourth son of Alexander Nevsky and the founder of the Moscow Principality. The prince became famous for his pious life and peacefulness. After his death, he was buried in the Danilovsky Monastery, founded by his order. In 1652, after a miraculous vision, Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich ordered the saint's tomb to be opened and his incorruptible relics were found. In memory of this, a church holiday was established on September 12.

Prayers for September 12th

Orthodox believers can pray to the Blessed Princes Alexander Nevsky and Daniel of Moscow on September 12. Most often, they are asked for healing from diseases, strengthening in faith and admonishing the lost. Saint Alexander Nevsky is also considered the patron saint of military personnel, so they turn to him for protection from enemies and injuries.

Prayer to the Blessed Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky

"Oh, Holy Prince Alexandra! Look mercifully upon us, unworthy servants of God (names), and grant us a quiet and serene life, and arrange for us a steady march to the eternal Kingdom through your intercession, may the Lord God preserve us by His grace in peace, health, longevity and all prosperity in the coming summer, may we always glorify and bless God in the Holy Trinity Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."

Prayer to the Blessed Prince Daniel of Moscow

"The praise of the Church of Christ is high, the wall of the city of Moscow is invincible, the divine affirmation of the Russian empire, Venerable Prince Daniel! We fervently beseech you, flowing to the shrine of your relics: look down upon us, who sing praises to your memory and with faith take refuge under the shelter of your prayers. Pour out your warm intercession for the Salvation of all, for may He establish our country in peace, may his cities and towns and this monastery preserve goodness, spreading piety and love among your people, and eradicating malice, civil strife and moral corruption. Grant to all of us all that is good for temporary life and eternal salvation through your prayers, so that we may glorify Christ our God, who is wondrous in our saints, forever and ever. Amen to that."

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the signs of the Ivan Lenten national holiday.