A special national holiday on November 2 is Artemyev Day: history, traditions, omens

Every year on November 2, Orthodox believers honor the memory of the Great Martyr Artemy of Antioch, who lived in the IV century, whose image became a symbol of military valor and spiritual fortitude. In the national calendar, the holiday is called Artemyev Day. In 2025, it falls on a Sunday. Read about its history, traditions, signs and strict prohibitions in the Izvestia article.

What is the church holiday on November 2nd?

The Great Martyr Artemius of Antioch was an outstanding commander under the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great and his successor Constantius. For his brilliant service, he was rewarded with the high post of governor of Egypt, where he actively contributed to the strengthening of Christianity.

However, with the ascension to the throne of Julian the Apostate, who decided to return to paganism, a bloody wave of persecution of Christians began. In Antioch, Artemy witnessed the brutal torture of two bishops and was not afraid to publicly denounce the emperor's actions.

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The saint was arrested and subjected to sophisticated tortures. According to legend, Christ appeared to him in prison, strengthening his willingness to suffer for his faith. Artemy refused to worship the pagan gods, for which he was eventually executed. The body of the great martyr was secretly interred, and after a while his relics were transferred to Constantinople, where they became an object of veneration.

Before his death, Artemius predicted the death of Julian, and the prophecy soon came true — during a military campaign against Persia, the emperor was ambushed and mortally wounded.

Traditions of the national holiday Artemyev day on November 2

In Russia, Artemyev Day was traditionally associated with the completion of the autumn cycle of work and preparation for winter. Other names of the holiday are Artemiy, Memorial Day of the Dead, and Ataman's Day.

On the holiday, it was customary to do things aimed at protecting the home and preserving prosperity. The peasants patched fences, knocked down doors, and checked locks, giving this work not only a practical but also a mystical meaning. It was believed that such worries not only protect the household from the cold, but also "lock up" luck in the house, not allowing happiness and prosperity to leave the family.

In the villages, the morning began with a visit to the temple. Since Saint Artemy was a warrior, on the day of his memory it was customary to offer prayers for those who guard the Fatherland. They were also thanked for their devoted service, honored as defenders of peace, and presented with symbolic gifts.

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Another important tradition of Artemyev's Day is pickling and pickling cabbage. It was believed that the blanks made on November 2 would not spoil and would ensure the family's satiety until spring. The vegetable was also supposed to be served on the table as a festive treat — the housewives cooked cabbage soup, borscht, cabbage rolls and pies from it. These dishes symbolized abundance and comfort.

What not to do on Artemyev Day

On Artemis Day, the ancestors tried to observe several strict prohibitions. Any manifestation of aggression was forbidden on the holiday, it was not necessary to quarrel, argue, offend other people, raise your voice. Violation of this rule promised loss of harmony and well-being.

What else you can't do on November 2:

• Leaving windows or entrance doors open can cause evil spirits to enter the house.;
• to woo or marry — such unions will be fragile and unhappy (if the wedding cannot be postponed, you need to put a small stone in the shoes of the young);
• to look at the flying birds — they can take away well-being, leaving a person in poverty.

Omens for November 2

On Artemyev Day, the peasants carefully observed nature in order to make a weather forecast for the coming months.:

• snow falls on dry land, leading to a rapid warming;
• hoarfrost on the trees — the crops won't grow next year;
• jackdaws are holding a noisy bird market — warm weather is expected in the coming days;
• On the night of Artemy, wolves howl near the village — for a frosty, hard winter.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the traditions and signs of a special folk holiday, Luka Golodny.