A special holiday on December 10 is Romanov Day, or the Omen: history, customs, omens

In Russia, Romanov Day, or the Day of the Sign, was celebrated on December 10. This date was considered an important milestone in the national calendar, when they expected big changes in life and predicted the weather for the winter months. In 2025, the celebration falls on a Wednesday. Izvestia tells about the customs, signs and prohibitions of this day.

What is the church holiday on December 10th?

According to the church calendar, the feast of the Icon of the Mother of God "The Sign" is celebrated on December 10 (November 27, old style). Believers remember the miraculous salvation of the Novgorodians when in 1170 Veliky Novgorod was besieged by the troops of Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky of Suzdal. At that time, the country was divided into many appanage principalities, which were mired in internecine strife.

According to legend, during prayer, Archbishop John of Novgorod heard a voice ordering the icon of the Virgin to be taken out of the temple and placed on the city wall. During the siege, one of the arrows struck the image, after which the face of the Virgin turned to the city, and tears flowed from Her eyes. This sign, which gave the icon its name, brought confusion to the ranks of the besiegers and helped the Novgorodians to win. Since then, the shrine has been considered the patroness of the city.

On the same day, the church honors the memory of St. Roman of Antioch, better known as Roman the Wonderworker. The saint lived in the 5th century and became famous for the gift of miracle-working, healing even the most serious illnesses. He spent his entire life as a hermit in a cell, spending his time in fasting and prayer. He gained special reverence as an assistant in getting rid of various ailments, including infertility.

Roman the Wonderworker is especially revered by women who want to find motherhood. They also pray to him for the resolution of difficult life situations, protection from enemies and ill-wishers.

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Traditions of the Romanov national holiday on December 10th

In the popular consciousness, this day marked the end of the first decade of winter. Our ancestors expected something special from him, hoping to see signs of fate pointing to the future. There was also a special rite designed to purify from all evil. Early in the morning, before sunrise, it was necessary to go outside and, facing the wind, ask it to "blow out" all the troubles and sorrows. In the old days, it was believed that such a ritual, performed on the Sign of Roman the Wonderworker, had a double power.

Another ancient tradition of the holiday was the search for moose horns. Usually, animals shed their horns in November and December. The peasants went to the forests in the hope of getting a valuable trophy. Finding the horn was considered a great success. It was hung at the entrance to the dwelling or in the barn as a powerful amulet, which, according to beliefs, could ward off evil spirits and protect cattle from diseases and death.

The day was usually devoted to small household and household chores: tidying up, cooking, calm communication with loved ones and making plans for the year. The activities of this day are reflected in the proverbs and sayings: "For a novel, the soul is at rest, and the body is at light work." This meant that time should be devoted primarily to prayer and spiritual purification. And although physical labor was not forbidden, they tried to postpone hard work.

It was also important to do good deeds, such as giving alms or providing all possible assistance to those in need. Our ancestors believed that the good done on this day would return a hundredfold.

What not to do on December 10 on Romanov Day

There were also a number of strict prohibitions on the holiday, the violation of which, according to beliefs, led to troubles and misfortunes. In particular, it was not recommended to go fishing. It was believed that on this date, all the fish hide as deep as possible and the catch will be scarce. In addition, people believed that anyone who went fishing for Roman risked severe cold, illness, or even freezing.

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What else can not be done on December 10:

• to start new important things — they will not be crowned with success;
• Sewing is how you can "sew up" your luck.,
• to borrow or lend money leads to losses;
• Letting strangers, beggars, or sick people into the house will bring poverty and disease with them.;
• indulge in gluttony — the day falls into the period of the Christmas fast.

Folk signs for December 10

The beginning of winter was an important frontier for farmers to observe nature. After all, according to beliefs, the weather in December depended on what the winter and the future harvest would be like. Romanov Day, or the Omen, was considered one of these landmark dates. Folk wisdom said: "Look for a sign to mark the winter." So, bright stars on December 10 portend frosts, and a dull sky, on the contrary, promises a thaw.

Other signs of the day:

• hoarfrost on the branches — for a prolonged winter and cold March;
• red sky at dawn — to a strong wind;
• The forest is noisy — warm weather is coming soon;
• Sparrows chirp together — towards warming;
• cows are worried and snorting — to a cold snap;
• whichever wind is blowing will prevail until Shrovetide.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the national holiday Klim Kholodny.

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