Folk signs for November 29: what can and cannot be done

In Russia, signs and beliefs were given special importance. They were used to determine when to sow and harvest, when to prepare for winter, get married and go on a trip. Every day of the national calendar was full of rituals and superstitions. Izvestia tells about the signs for November 28 and the church holidays that fall on this date.

Folk signs for November 29, 2025

In Russia, Matveyev Day was celebrated on November 29. By this time, winter had usually already come into its own, but it was on Matvey that short thaws often occurred, for which the holiday received its second name — Matvey-winter-sweat. It symbolized the beginning of the winter season, when all the field work was completed and life was moving into a calm, homely rhythm.

Matveev Day was considered an unsuitable time for solitude. People used to say, "Matvey is thin if there are no people in the hut," so on November 29 it was customary to visit relatives and neighbors or host them. These meetings were called "Matveyev gatherings." During a leisurely conversation, the results of the year were summed up, plans for the winter were shared, and the older generation passed on their life experience to the youth.

The Memorial Day of the Evangelist Matthew is November 29: how to pray properly

November 29th: how to pray to the Apostle Matthew on the Evangelist's Memorial Day

On November 29, the ancestors paid attention to various signs, hoping to find out what the winter would be like. If the snow melted during the holiday, it was understood that the season would be mild.

Other signs of the day:

• the snow falls in a dense layer — the snow cover will remain until spring.;
• frost and creaking snow — for a long and harsh winter;
• strong wind leads to blizzards and snowstorms;
• low heavy clouds lead to prolonged frosts;
• rain instead of snow leads to a wet and unstable winter;
• clear weather leads to an early cold snap.

What not to do on November 29th

A number of strict prohibitions were associated with Matveyev's Day, aimed at preserving harmony in communication and well-being in the home. Violation of these rules, according to beliefs, could lead to loneliness, financial losses and family strife. On the holiday, the ancestors tried not to stay alone, so as not to be isolated for a whole year.

What else can't be done on November 29th:

• quarreling, swearing and gossiping lead to protracted conflicts.;
• to start and stop important things — they can drag on for the whole winter.;
• bragging about wealth leads to financial losses;
• counting small amounts of money and transferring coins leads to unexpected and useless expenses.
• whistling in the house — cockroaches may appear in the house;
• talking across the threshold leads to a serious quarrel with the other person.

What is the church holiday on November 29th?

On November 29, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the Apostle and Evangelist Matthew. Before his vocation, he was a publican, that is, a tax collector for the Roman Empire. When he heard the voice of Jesus, he left his position without hesitation and followed the Savior, becoming one of the twelve closest disciples. Before leaving to preach in distant lands, the apostle, at the request of the Jerusalem Christians, wrote the Gospel, which became the first in the canon of books of the New Testament. It expounds in particular detail the teachings of Christ as a Prophet, King, and High Priest.

Orthodox traditions of the Christmas Fast: customs and prohibitions of 2025

Subsequently, Matthew preached in Syria, Media, Persia, and Parthia. He ended his career in Ethiopia. There, the apostle managed to convert many local pagans to Christianity, but the ruler Fulvian accused the saint of witchcraft and ordered his execution. During the torture and after Matthew's death, several miracles occurred: neither fire nor water touched the apostle's body. Fulvian, who witnessed these signs, repented and was himself baptized with the name Matthew, continuing the work of educating his people.

Prayer for November 29th

Orthodox believers pray to the Apostle Matthew on November 29. He is approached by people whose activities are related to finance, as well as writers, journalists, copywriters and other "pen workers". In addition, the apostle is asked to strengthen faith, restore justice, protect from enemies and heal from diseases.

Prayer to the Apostle and Evangelist Matthew

"O most glorious Apostle Matthew, who gave up his soul for Christ and fertilized His pasture with your blood! Hear your children's prayers and sighs, which are now offered with a contrite heart. For we will be clouded by iniquities, and for that we will be covered with troubles like clouds, but we will hardly be able to live a good life, and we will not be able to resist the predatory wolf, who are boldly trying to plunder the inheritance of God. Oh, the strong one! Bear with our infirmities, do not separate yourself from us in spirit, so that we may not be separated in the end from the love of God, but protect us with your strong intercession, so that the Lord may have mercy on us all for the sake of your prayers, may He destroy the handwriting of our immeasurable sins, and may He grant with all the Saints His blessed Kingdom and the marriage of His Lamb, Whose honor and glory And thanksgiving and worship, forever and ever. Amen to that."

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the signs of the national holiday Guriev Day.