Folk signs for November 7: 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 Friday, November 7, and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for November 7, 2025

In Russia, on November 7, the holiday of Grandfathers' Lamentations was celebrated. Its name is closely associated with autumn natural phenomena and folk beliefs. The weather was often stormy at this time: it was raining or sleeting. Precipitation was popularly perceived as tears of nature, mourning the passing of warmth, as well as deceased ancestors.

Villages traditionally held commemorations of their "grandfathers", their forefathers, hoping for their blessing and support. Crying for the departed and visiting cemeteries were an obligatory part of the ritual. Funeral food was brought to the graves, church candles were lit and prayers were said for the deceased. It was also customary to give alms, believing that good deeds help the souls of the ancestors to find peace.

Grandfather's cries were an important part of the autumn cycle, when nature and man were preparing for the arrival of winter. In this regard, great importance was attached to weather signs, which were used to judge the onset of frost. If the weather was dry on the holiday, then frosts and snowstorms were expected in the near future. And the cloudy weather foreshadowed frequent snowfalls in winter.

Other signs of the day:

• There are a lot of leaves left on the trees — the winter will be long and harsh.;
• dimly shining stars — for rainy days;
• fog is spreading on the ground — prolonged rains or sleet are ahead.;
• a lot of snow has fallen — this is a good sign that portends fertility next year.;
• the sun is shining brightly — spring will be early and warm.

What not to do on November 7th

There were also a number of strict prohibitions on the holiday, the violation of which, according to beliefs, could cause various troubles, illnesses and financial losses. Most of all, our ancestors were afraid of disturbing the souls of the deceased with inappropriate behavior, so they tried to spend the day in peace and piety. It was strictly forbidden to swear, arrange noisy festivities and remember the dead with an unkind word.

Important traditions and customs on Orthodox Paraskeva Friday

What else can not be done on November 7:

• to lend money — it is believed that along with money, prosperity and well-being will leave the house.;
• Deceiving loved ones is believed to be a lie, even if expressed inadvertently, can have negative consequences.;
• crying into a pillow leads to restless sleep and heavy dreams;
• to marry or propose — the union will be unhappy and will only bring quarrels and tears.

What is the church holiday on November 7th?

On November 7, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the holy Martyrs Marcian and Martyrius, who lived in Constantinople in the fourth century. They served in the Cathedral of St. Sophia under Patriarch Paul the Confessor: Marcian was a reader, and Martyrius was a subdeacon. At that time, the Arian heresy was widespread, denying the consubstantiality of God the Father and God the Son. The heretics managed to slander and expel the patriarch, and the heretic Macedonius illegally occupied his see.

The new apostate patriarch tried to win Marcian and Martyrius over to his side by promising them all sorts of benefits and high church positions. However, the saints remained firm in their faith. When persuasion failed, the Arians turned to threats, intimidating the martyrs with torture and death. Despite this, Marcian and Martyrius chose to accept death. They were executed by beheading with a sword around 355, meeting death with a prayer on their lips.

The bodies of the martyrs were buried with honors by Orthodox Christians. Later, on the instructions of St. John Chrysostom, their holy relics were transferred to a specially built church. According to church tradition, believers received healing from many ailments at this shrine.

On the same day, the church commemorates Saint Tabitha, who lived in the 1st century in the city of Joppa. She was a disciple of Christ, known for her mercy and good deeds. The righteous woman died suddenly from an illness. This became known to the Apostle Peter, who was nearby. He arrived in Joppa and, kneeling before the deceased, said: "Tawifa, get up!" Through his prayer, she was resurrected, which became a testimony to the power of God and contributed to the further spread of Christianity.

Introduction to the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary: how to prepare for the holiday

Prayers on November 7th

The martyrs Marcian and Martyrius are asked to strengthen their faith in the Orthodox Faith, to give them courage in the face of unfair accusations and slander, and to help them make difficult decisions. They are also prayed for perseverance in resisting temptations and heretical teachings. Saint Tabitha is asked for the gift of diligence and mercy, for help in needlework, healing the sick and consolation in sorrows.

Prayer to Marcian and Martyrius

Troparion, glas 4

"Thy martyrs, O Lord, have received incorruptible crowns from Thee, our God, in their sufferings: for Thou hast possessed thy fortress, and hast overthrown the tormentors, and crushed the demons of feeble insolence. Through those prayers, save our souls."

Kontakion, glas 4

"Having achieved good deeds from the younger generation, Marcians deposed the apostate Arius with the wise Martyrius, who preserved the Orthodox faith harmlessly, and Paul, the wise teacher, gained life with him, as the Trinity champions the most."

Prayer to Tabitha of Joppa

"O glorious disciple of Christ, bright star of Joppa, holy righteous Tabitho! To you, who are now in heaven, we flow with faith in prayer, but you, who have been merciful in your life, do not deprive us, the humble, of your mercy. Bring your fervent supplications to the Savior of all, Christ God, may He grant us, the cold, love, the faithless with little faith, the lazy with zealous diligence, the proud with quiet humility, holy obedience to the nuns, reason and mercy to the rulers, health and relief to the sick, help and intercession to the poor, God's hope to the despondent, peace and salvation to the monasteries, to the people in haste is good, consolation to all in sorrow. Above all, pray to our Lord, the Apostle Peter, who raised you up, so that, after the common Resurrection of all, we may be worthy to stand at His right hand in the Church and with you glorify the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen to that."

Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray for on the feast of the icon of "Joy to All the Sorrowful."