Folk signs for November 22: 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 Saturday, November 22, and which church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for November 22, 2025

In the national calendar of the Slavs, Matryona Zimnaya Day was celebrated on November 22. The holiday symbolized the final transition from autumn to winter and was an important milestone completing preparations for prolonged cold weather. It was believed that frosts were gaining full force from this date. The people said: "Winter sweats on Matryona, and the peasant grabs his fur coat."

In the old days, Matryona had a number of important household rituals. The housewives sorted through family belongings, took out winter clothes — felt boots and sheepskin coats. Everything that turned out to be superfluous was supposed to be given to those in need. However, before that, things were necessarily washed, believing that along with unwashed clothes, you can accidentally give away your family well-being.

Also on this day, natural phenomena were closely monitored in order to predict the weather for the winter months and the coming spring. These observations helped the peasants plan their household chores and daily lives. For example, heavy frost on the trees in the morning foreshadowed severe frosts. On the contrary, the fog creeping over the ground promised warmth.

Other signs of the day:

• clear weather throughout the day leads to sunny and frosty weather;
• geese are standing quietly on the ice — to the warming soon;
• the duck stays on the water and does not fly away — good weather will last a long time.;
• snowfall in cloudy weather — May will be rainy;
• a dream on the night of Matryona comes true before noon the next day.

What not to do on November 22

Many prohibitions based on beliefs and superstitions were associated with Matryona Zimnaya Day. Our ancestors believed that violating these rules could lead to trouble, illness, and financial loss. Therefore, we tried to control our words and emotions so as not to disrupt the fragile harmony of this day. They were especially afraid of actions that could cut off luck or sweep well-being out of the house. First of all, it concerned cleaning the house, cutting hair and nails.

Day of the Icon of the Virgin "Skoroposlushnitsa": what can and cannot be done on November 22

What else can not be done on November 22:

• plan important meetings and negotiations — they will not bring the desired result.;
• Cutting your hair and nails can waste your vitality.;
• cleaning the house leads to loss of well—being;
• quarreling and having empty conversations can lead to discord in the family.;
• to drink alcohol — a drunk person risks getting into trouble.

What is the church holiday on November 22

The Orthodox Church celebrates two significant holidays on November 22. On this day, the faithful remember the Venerable Matrona of Constantinople and honor one of the most revered icons of the Mother of God, the "Skoroposlushnitsa." Both of these images have deep spiritual significance for believers and are associated with examples of great asceticism and miraculous help.

The Venerable Matrona of Constantinople lived in the 5th century. Born in Asia Minor, she was married to a wealthy man, Dometian, and moved with him to Constantinople. While visiting the temple, Matrona became acquainted with pious elders, whose example awakened in her a fervent desire for monastic life. She secretly left home to devote herself to the service of God.

Showing incredible determination, Matrona cut her hair and, changing into men's clothes, entered the monastery under the name of Babila. Her feat continued until it was revealed to the abbot in a vision that the monk was a woman. After the revelation, her purity of thought was recognized, and she was transferred to a convent in Emesa. Over time, Matrona became abbess, and her virtues and gift of healing became widely known.

On the same day, the Orthodox world honors the icon of the Mother of God "Skoroposlushnitsa." This ancient image, located on Mount Athos, became famous for numerous miracles. The name of the icon speaks for itself: The Most Holy Theotokos, through this image, gives ambulance and comfort to all believers who turn to her with faith and sincere prayer.

Icon of the Mother of God "Skoroposlushnitsa" Day: where it is located

What is the history of the appearance of the icon of the Mother of God "Skoroposlushnitsa"

Prayers on November 22

Venerable Matrona of Constantinople is addressed with prayers for strengthening in faith and spirit, especially in times of life's trials. In front of the icon of the Mother of God "Skoroposlushnitsa" they pray for the resolution of various problems, for spiritual epiphany and healing from diseases. Many people come to the icon with requests for personal happiness, the birth of children, and the reconciliation of spouses. The Mother of God is also asked for help in situations that require quick decision-making.

Prayer to Matrona of Constantinople

Troparion, glas 8

"Having wisely hidden the evil ways of the enemy, Matrona, having truly walked towards life with a mindless will and having died wisely in a steady course, you have received spiritual grace from Christ, and you pour out water to those who flow with love into your glorious memory, imaginary praise, and pray to Christ God that our souls may be saved."

Kontakion, glas 2

"For the love of the Lord, Reverend Matrona, you hated the desire for peace, enlightening your spirit with fasting, but through your prayers you destroyed the evil ones, for you have overcome the beasts."

Prayer in front of the "Skoroposlushnitsa" icon

"O Most Holy Virgin, Mother of the Most High Lord, the Quick-abiding Intercessor of all who seek refuge in You with faith! Look down from the height of Your heavenly majesty upon me, who am not worthy, who fall down before Your icon, hear soon the humble prayer of me, a sinner, and bring it to Your Son: Beseech Him, that He may enlighten my gloomy soul with the light of His Divine grace and cleanse my mind from vain thoughts, soothe my suffering heart and heal its wounds, and bring it to reason May He forgive me for my good deeds and strengthen me to work with fear, may He forgive all the evil I have done, may He deliver me from eternal torment and not deprive me of His heavenly Kingdom. O Most Blessed Mother of God! You have been pleased to be baptized in Your image, a Quick-hearer, commanding all to flow to You with faith: do not despise me, for I am sorrowful, and do not let me perish in the abyss of my sins. By God, all my hope and hope of salvation are in You, and I entrust myself to Your protection and intercession forever. Amen to that."

Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray for on the feast of the icon of the Mother of God "The Ascension of the Baby."

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.