Folk signs for December 3: 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 Wednesday, December 3, and which church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for December 3, 2025

In Russia, Proclus Day, or Proclus Day, was celebrated on December 3. He was associated with the tradition of exorcising evil spirits. In the old days, it was believed that with the onset of cold weather, all evil spirits — from brownies to forest spirits — hide from the cold underground or in human habitations. To protect themselves and their homes, the peasants read special spells, and also made the sign of the cross over all possible entrances to the house: windows, doors and chimneys.

In addition to protecting against the dark forces, the day was directly related to the beginning of the winter journey. After the autumn mud, the roads finally froze and were covered with snow, which made it possible to travel by sleigh. The people said: "Don't expect anything from the road before Proclus." Those who were about to travel prayed to Saint Proclus, asking him for good luck and protection on the way. The sleigh runners and harness were also checked before the trip.

Great attention was also paid to weather signs. Observations of nature on Proclus Day were considered the most accurate. For example, if it started snowing in the morning, it foreshadowed that the day would be clear and not too cold. And the loud crackling of logs in the stove promised bitter frosts in the coming days.

Other signs of the day:

• cirrus clouds appeared in the sky — expect a blizzard or a blizzard;
• If it snowed on December 3, it will be rainy on the same date in June.;
• bullfinch is singing loudly and sonorously — to the snowfall with the wind;
• A magpie is hiding under the eaves of the roof — for an imminent blizzard;
• the cattle in the barn are behaving restlessly, leading to a deterioration in the weather;
• Sparrows chirp together and gather in flocks at the shelter — for snowfall.

What not to do on December 3rd

Like many days in the national calendar, Proclus Day had strict prohibitions designed to protect people from misfortunes and failures. Our ancestors believed that violating these rules could cause problems on the road, family discord, or attract the attention of evil spirits. They were especially wary of conflicts and manifestations of negative emotions. There were also cases that could scare away luck and lead to financial losses.

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What else can't be done on December 3rd:

• Going on a long journey without prayer is believed to be full of troubles and unforeseen circumstances.;
• to arrange noisy parties and gatherings — excessive fun on this day, according to superstition, could turn into subsequent sadness or quarrels.;
• Starting lawsuits, disputes, and important financial matters is highly likely to result in loss or failure.;
• ignoring family matters and communication with loved ones — the day was considered important for strengthening family ties, neglect of this could lead to discord.;
• going to bed too late — there was a belief that a "bayechnik", an evil spirit that torments people with terrible dreams, could come to the awake after midnight.

What is the church holiday on December 3rd?

On December 3, the Orthodox Church commemorates two significant saints: St. Proclus, Archbishop of Constantinople, and St. Gregory the Decapolite. Both of them lived in different historical periods, but they made an invaluable contribution to the formation and protection of the Christian faith.

Saint Proclus lived in the 5th century and was a disciple of the great father of the Church, Saint John Chrysostom, from whom he learned not only a deep knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, but also the art of pastoral speech. Having been elected to the see of Constantinople, he proved himself to be a wise archpastor and defender of Orthodoxy.

One of the most famous events of his life is connected with the strongest earthquake that shook the empire. According to legend, when the inhabitants of Constantinople, led by St. Proclus, were praying for salvation, a boy was lifted into heaven by an invisible force, where he heard angelic singing. When he returned, he conveyed the words of prayer, which the people immediately began to sing. After that, the earthquake stopped. This prayer, known as the "Trisagion," has become firmly established in Orthodox worship.

St. Gregory the Decapolite lived several centuries later, in the eighth and ninth centuries, during the period of the iconoclastic heresy in Byzantium. Born into a pious family in the city of Irenopolis, he devoted himself to God from his youth. He spent many years in a secluded cave, where he courageously resisted demonic temptations. According to his life, for his purity he was honored with a visit from an Angel, who handed him a flaming sword for spiritual struggle.

When iconoclasm, which denies the veneration of holy icons, became the official policy of the country, St. Gregory left solitude and became an ardent defender of Orthodoxy. His sermon inspired many, including St. Joseph the Hymnist. The monk died in Constantinople around the year 842, shortly after the restoration of icon worship.

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Prayers on December 3rd

The faithful turn to St. Proclus with prayers for success in traveling and matters related to the road. He is asked to be protected from dangers on the way, unexpected obstacles and to grant a safe return. They pray to St. Gregory the Decapolite for the gift of strength in faith, especially in times of doubt and trials. He is also asked to get rid of temptations and obsessive sinful thoughts.

Prayer to Saint Proclus

Troparion, glas 4

"Having been established by the divine principle of wisdom and the fear of the Lord, you ascended to the discipleship of Chrysostom through your sacred ascents, and you are worthy of that episcopal throne by virtue of your goodness, imagining it to yourself as an apostolic rule, not living for yourself, but for Christ and your flock. By this, you have apostolically entered into the incorruptible life, Hierarch Proclus, pray to Christ God for our souls to be saved."

Kontakion, glas 4

"Today, the most honorable of all cities is worthily triumphant in your honorable repose, Father of fathers, Wise Father."

Prayer to Gregory the Decapolite

Troparion, glas 3

"You were the image of abstinence, having enlightened everything with the Divine Spirit, you completed the course of orthodoxy, you enlightened the world with your teaching, and you rebuked the meanings of the wicked, Father Reverend Gregory, pray to Christ God to grant us great mercy."

Troparion, glas 4

"O God of our fathers, work with us always according to Your meekness, do not withhold Your mercy from us, but through their prayers guide our life in peace."

Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to the holy prophet Obadiah.

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