Folk signs for December 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 Sunday, December 7, and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for December 7, 2025
In Russia, the feast of Katerina Sannitsa was celebrated on December 7. The celebration symbolized an important economic milestone — the transition to winter mode of transport. It was believed that it was by this time that a reliable snow cover was established, capable of withstanding heavy carts and sleds. Traditionally, at this time, the sledding season was opened in the villages, which gave the name to the holiday.
According to an ancient custom, the newlyweds who got married in the fall were the first to go for a sleigh ride. Their sleighs were richly decorated with carvings, painted with bright colors and tied with ribbons. They were followed by a noisy motorcade of relatives and friends. Unmarried girls actively guessed at their betrothed. There was also a rite to protect against corruption and the evil eye. To do this, when leaving the house, it was necessary to step on a sheepskin coat turned out with the fur, which, according to legend, protected from the evil eye.
Folk signs on December 7 were related to the weather for the coming months and the future harvest. So, a clear, cloudless sky foreshadowed a frosty and prolonged winter with heavy snowstorms. If it was slushy and warm, then it would be a long time before the cold weather set in. A large snow cover on Katerina Sannitsa day promised a good harvest next year, while the lack of snow foreshadowed famine and drought.
Other signs of the day:
- small, dim stars in the sky — for snowfall soon;
- bright circles are visible around the moon — to severe frosts;
- Sparrows chirp loudly and in unison — for warming;
- cows are worried in the barn — to a sharp cold snap;
- the cat is fast asleep, curled up in a ball — to the cold;
- smoke from the chimney is spreading along the ground — to the snowy weather.
What not to do on December 7th
Katerina Sannitsa Day, despite its festive atmosphere, was fraught with a number of strict prohibitions. Our ancestors believed that violating these rules could get into trouble and anger the patroness of the day, St. Catherine. For example, swearing, swearing, and fighting were strictly forbidden on this day. According to beliefs, the manifestation of negative emotions could turn into illnesses and lead to a long-term disorder in the family.
What else can not be done on December 7:
- Planning long—distance trips and important transactions is considered an unsuitable day for beginnings.;
- to engage in hard physical labor — the work will not bring the expected fruits.;
- married women wear new shoes — according to legend, this can lead to infidelity of the spouse.;
- sweeping the floors in the house — along with the garbage, you can "sweep out" family well-being;
- staying up late at a party — in the old days, it was believed that returning home late promised a meeting with evil spirits and trouble.
What is the church holiday on December 7th?
On December 7, the Orthodox Church commemorates two saints whose veneration is deeply rooted in the Russian spiritual tradition — the Great Martyr Catherine of Alexandria and the Martyr Mercury of Smolensk. Their destinies are an example of indestructible faith, and their names embody protection, enlightenment and intercession.
The Great Martyr Catherine lived in Alexandria at the end of the III – beginning of the IV century. She came from a noble family, received a brilliant education, having mastered philosophy, rhetoric, languages and knowledge in the field of medicine. The conversion to Christianity was a turning point in her life. According to the hagiography, one day Jesus Christ himself appeared to her in a dream, handed her a ring and called her his bride. This event determined her future path.
During the persecution of Christians under Emperor Maximin, Catherine openly opposed the pagan cult. The ruler tried to force her to renounce her faith by arranging a dispute with fifty philosophers. However, Catherine convincingly refuted all the arguments of the pagan sages, and many of them themselves came to believe in Christ. After that, the saint was severely tortured and put to death. According to legend, the angels carried her body to the top of Mount Sinai, where the famous monastery named after her was later founded. The relics of the saint remain in it to this day.
The martyr Mercury lived in the 13th century, when Russia was invaded by Batu. He was a soldier and moved to Smolensk in his youth, entering the princely service. According to church legend, in 1239, when the khan's troops approached the city, Mercury, praying in front of the icon of the Mother of God, heard a voice from the miraculous image commanding him to protect the city. Having received the blessing, he went to the enemy's camp, defeating a horde of Tatars and putting the enemy to flight. After his death, his body was buried in the Assumption Cathedral of Smolensk, where the saint is revered as the heavenly defender of the city.
Prayers on December 7th
Saint Catherine of Alexandria is considered the patroness of students and scientists. They pray to her for enlightenment of the mind, help in studies and successful exams. She is also asked for the gift of a good groom, a happy marriage and family well-being. The Martyr Mercury of Smolensk is addressed with a prayer for the protection of the Fatherland from enemies, for peace and the preservation of his native land.
Prayer to Catherine of Alexandria
"O Holy Great-Martyr Catherine, chosen vessel of purity, pillar of Orthodoxy, our reliable intercessor! <...> We beseech you: come down from above, hearken to the voice of our supplication, look upon the distress of your servants, enlighten the darkness of our mind, create us to be wise above, and not earthly. Through your prayers, hasten us to overcome the carnal lusts, predilections for the world, and the machinations of evil spirits who are wickedly fighting against us: may we be free from their hostile attacks and from their aerial tortures through your intercession in the days of this life. Oh, wise maiden! Grant us everything that makes petitions useful: for you may ask much of your beloved bridegroom, Christ our God. We know how much the prayer of the righteous can do, hastened by the benevolence of the merciful God, to Him be glory, honor, and thanksgiving always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."
Prayer to Mercury of Smolensk
"Oh, Holy Martyr Mercury, the wondrous defender of our city of Smolensk! Accept this song of thanksgiving from us, do not forsake the city, in it you shed your holy blood and were crowned with the crown of victory. But pray to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and our Lady Theotokos, who has boldness towards her, for the preservation of our city and our whole country in blessed, indestructible peace, to all people and to the world in the faith and grace of Christ, in the Orthodox Church, and through your prayers save our souls. Oh, glorious and radiant warrior of the Queen of Heaven! May your help and intercession be with us in your pure and holy supplications, always and always at the hour of our death and at the Last Judgment of Christ, so that you and I, our holy Mercury, may be worthy to sing praises to the terrible and wonderful name of the Lord of Hosts and the Most Pure Mother of God forever and ever. Amen to that.".
Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to St. Nikon of Radonezh.
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Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
