Folk signs for October 20: what can and cannot be done
In Russia, omens have been given special importance since ancient times. They were used to judge the weather, when to sow and harvest, and what to expect in the future. Therefore, every day of the national calendar was full of rituals and superstitions. Izvestia tells about the popular signs of Monday, October 20, and which church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for October 20, 2025
In Russia, on October 20, the Sergei Winter holiday was celebrated. For our ancestors, it was an important milestone marking the arrival of the real winter cold. This is reflected in numerous sayings: "Sergei begins the winter," "Sergius is a zazimnik," or "Sergius is the boss of the winter." It was believed that it was from this day that winter firmly came into its own, and any frosts were no longer unexpected.
The peasants sought to complete the last preparatory work before the long cold season: they insulated barns, houses and made stocks of firewood. Also on this day, they went to the reservoirs and released barrels of pickles into the water. This was supposed to be done before the rivers and lakes were covered with ice.
The first thing in the morning they went to feed and water the livestock, only after that they sat down to breakfast themselves. There was a belief that observing this tradition guarantees the health of animals throughout the winter. Chicken dishes were always served on the table on St. Sergius Day, since by the middle of October the bird was already gaining sufficient weight. Some of the chicken was being prepared for sale.
Also, on October 20, our ancestors carefully observed natural phenomena. They were used to determine the nature of the coming winter. So, if the day turned out to be clear and warm, then the good weather will last for another three weeks. A pale moon, which is visible in the sky day or night, is considered a sure sign of an early cold snap.
Other signs of the day:
- low clouds lead to cold and rain;
- clouds float from south to north — to good weather, on the contrary — to bad;
- there is fog during the day — next week will be cloudy;
- smoke from the chimney is spreading across the ground — for wet days and drizzle;
- The hay in the haystack is damp — the rains are coming soon;
- The cat curls up into a ball and hides its nose in the tail — there will be frosts;
- The hare began to turn white — winter is just around the corner;
- there are a lot of cones on the pines — for a rich harvest of wheat and oats next year.
What not to do on October 20th
On St. Sergius the Winter's Day, there were a number of strict prohibitions. In the old days, it was believed that violating these rules could bring upon a person and his family poverty, illness, and financial difficulties. For example, it was strictly forbidden to bake bread, as this could lead to voids in the bins in winter. They also avoided borrowing, fearing that problems and strife would come into the house with other people's money.
What else can not be done on October 20:
- to take gifts from strangers — through them troubles, illnesses and sorrows of the giver are transmitted, besides, through these objects it is possible to bring damage.;
- complaining about difficulties in life — it is believed that the words spoken on this day will materialize and may bring new trouble.;
- Making large purchases is believed to result in the loss of something more valuable, such as health.;
- to sort things out with relatives — the quarrel will drag on and can spoil the relationship between loved ones for a long time.;
- to have a wedding — the ancestors believed that a marriage concluded for Sergius the Winter would be cold and joyless, like the coming winter.
What is the church holiday on October 20th?
On October 20, the Orthodox Church commemorates two saints named Sergius: St. Sergius of the Caves, who labored in the famous Kiev Pechersk Lavra in the 13th century, and St. Sergius of Nurom (Vologda), a disciple of St. Sergius of Radonezh. Although they had been separated for centuries, both of them chose the path of monastic asceticism, becoming an example of the deepest humility and service to God.
St. Sergius of the Caves lived in the Nearby (Anthony's) caves of the Kiev Caves Monastery. His main virtue, for which he was glorified by the church, was his absolute renunciation of his own will and complete obedience to his spiritual mentor. During the saint's lifetime, he was nicknamed "The Obedient" for this. His memory is celebrated several times a year: on October 20, October 11 — in the Cathedral of the Kiev Caves Venerable Fathers and in the second week of Great Lent — in the Cathedral of All Kiev Caves Saints.
St. Sergius of Nurom lived at the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries. He was of Greek origin, but one day, after hearing about the spiritual exploits of Sergius of Radonezh, he went to Russia to become his novice. After receiving the blessing, Sergius retired for a solitary prayer to the Nurma River in the Vologda lands. His life in the wilderness was fraught with severe trials, including demonic temptations and robber attacks, from which he was saved by prayer.
Over time, other monks began to settle around the hermit, which marked the beginning of the Spaso-Nurom monastery. The church veneration of St. Sergius began in 1546, and miraculous healings took place at his relics more than once.
Prayers on October 20th
Believers turn to St. Sergius of Pechersk and St. Sergius of Nurom with a variety of requests. Prayers are offered to them for the gift of humility and obedience, especially in situations where pride prevents them from accepting the will of God. They also pray for the healing of both physical and mental ailments and intercession before the Lord. Sergei Nuromsky is also asked for help in his studies, asking for guidance for children who find it difficult to gain knowledge.
Prayer to Sergius of Nurom
Troparion, glas 8
"Having been filled with spiritual desire, O aboundest one, you have watered your soul with the flow of your tears, and you have wounded your heart from the depths with sighs, and with vigorous prayers, and with the all-night vigil before the Lord Christ, you have brought forth fruit of many virtues to yourself. And for this reason, as a saint of God, you have shown yourself brightly to the world, shining with miracles, Our Father Sergius, in a warm prayer book to God, always pray for us so that our souls may be saved."
Kontakion, glas 8
"Like a most luminous star, having descended from the Holy Mountain, you have enlightened the whole world with the goodness of your miracles, for you have taken up the cross of Christ and followed Him in desert bitterness, and having exhausted your flesh in prayer and fasting, in vigils and suffering, Christ also bestowed upon you the gift of miracles, and when you pray for us, visit our children Let us call our own: hail, Sergius, our father, a desert dweller."
Prayer to Sergius of the Caves
Troparion, glas 3
"Having imitated the obedience of Christ, and for His name's sake, in all obedience, patiently, even unto death, Sergius of all honor, work hard, but now accept the reward of your obedience diligently from the Lord, always pray to Him for us who sing to you."
Kontakion, glas 1
"A true novice and equally honorable to the saints, our all-blessed Father Sergius, come, beloved, let us bless your zeal, for you pray unceasingly for all of us."
Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray for on the memorial day of St. Thomas the Apostle.
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