Folk signs for December 12: 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 December 12 and the church holidays that fall on this date.

Folk signs for December 12, 2025

In Russia, the day of Paramon the Winter Designator was celebrated on December 12. It was believed that nature "opens" winter on the holiday, so by this date they tried to complete their preparations for the cold. The women baked lean pies — a symbol of home well-being and family peace, because the holiday falls on the Christmas fast. The men were clearing snow from the roofs, saying, "Paramon has come — the snow is off the roof." They did this only with a broom or a broom, so as not to accidentally "throw" luck out of the house with a shovel.

On Paramon, villagers tried to borrow something from their neighbors: a handful of cereals, salt, or flour. It was believed that this would bring prosperity. Another custom was associated with the sauna: to make the steam room curative, a nail was driven into its western wall.

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On December 12, the ancestors paid attention to various omens. The weather on Paramona was considered prophetic for the entire winter and even the following summer. If a snowstorm was raging outside the window in the morning, they understood that the bad weather would last at least until Christmas Eve (December 19).

Other signs of the day:

• red sky in the morning — for a clear December;
• bright stars at night — to severe cold weather;
• severe frost — for hot and dry summers;
• A foggy circle around the sun leads to a snowstorm;
• The forest is noisy — by the thaw;
• foggy and cloudy weather — before snowfall.

What not to do on December 12th

Strict prohibitions were in effect on the day of the Winter Designator's Paramon, designed to protect the well-being of the home and the health of the family. Violation of these rules, according to beliefs, could cause financial losses, discord and illness. Laziness was avoided on the holiday. According to legend, on December 12, winter itself visits the houses and punishes idlers with difficulties and disorder.

What else can't be done on December 12th

• to move and change their place of residence — a person may lose peace in a new place.;
• making rash purchases leads to financial difficulties;
• taking out the trash from the house — you can "take out" the well-being of the family;
• sharing plans and dreams — they won't come true or unexpected obstacles will arise.;
• sweeping the house with different brooms leads to quarrels between relatives;
• cutting the hair of children under 12 years of age can "cut off" the child's mind and cause illness.

What is the church holiday on December 12th?

On December 12, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the martyr Paramon of Bithynia. He lived in the 3rd century in Bithynia (Asia Minor) during the brutal persecution of Christians under Emperor Decius. Once, on the orders of Governor Aquian, 370 believers were imprisoned. Paramon, upon learning about the incident, openly defended his brothers and sisters in the faith, calling for an end to the unjust persecution. He was also arrested for this. The saint was offered to save his life in exchange for renouncing Christ and sacrificing to idols, but Paramon showed indomitable firmness. As a result, he suffered a martyr's death along with those he defended.

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Also on December 12, believers remember St. Acacius of Sinai, who lived around the fifth century. The story of this saint is known from the "Ladder" of St. John of the Ladder. Akaky was a novice to a stern and hot-tempered elder who subjected him to constant humiliation and even beatings. Despite the harsh treatment, the young man carried his cross meekly and humbly. He lived in obedience for nine years and died.

After his death, the elder told one of the great fathers that his disciple had died. But he did not believe it and, coming to the coffin, asked loudly: "Brother Akaki, are you dead?" And the answer came from the tomb: "He is not dead, Father, for it is impossible for anyone who has committed himself to obedience to die." This miracle so shocked the cruel elder that he spent the rest of his life in repentance next to the grave of his humble disciple.

Prayers for December 12th

On December 12, Orthodox believers pray to the Martyr Paramon of Bithynia and St. Acacius of Sinai. They are asked to improve their health, give them peace of mind in moments of excitement, guide them on the right path and help them overcome harmful passions.

Troparion to the Martyr Paramon of Bithynia

"Thy martyr, O Lord, Paramon, in his suffering, has received an incorruptible crown from Thee, our God; for thou hast thy strength, overthrow the tormentors, and crush the demons of feeble insolence. Save our souls through your prayers."

Kontakion to the Martyr Paramon of Bithynia

"Thou hast appeared as a bright star, O glorious one of the world, proclaiming the suns of Christ, through thy dawns, O passion-bearing Paramone, and thou hast extinguished all charm, but give us light, praying unceasingly for all of us."

Prayer to St. Acacius of Sinai

"O holy head, Venerable Father, most blessed Abba Akaki, do not forget your poor to the end, but always remember us in holy and auspicious prayers to God: remember your flock, which you have saved yourself, and do not forget to visit your children. Pray for us, holy Father, for your spiritual children, for you have Boldness to the Heavenly King: do not be silent for us to the Lord, and do not despise us who honor you with faith and love: remember us unworthy at the Throne of the Almighty, and do not stop praying for us to Christ God, for you have been given the grace to pray for us. We don't think you're dead.: For though you have passed away from us in body, but you are still alive after death, do not depart from us in spirit, preserving us from the arrows of the enemy and all the charms of demons and the machinations of the devil, our good shepherd. For even though your relics of cancer are always visible before our eyes, your holy soul, with angelic hosts, fleshless faces, and heavenly powers, stands at the throne of the Almighty, rejoicing worthily, leading you in truth and being alive after death, we fall down and pray to you: pray for us to Almighty God, for For the benefit of our souls, and grant us time for repentance, so that we may safely pass from earth to heaven, and may we be delivered from bitter ordeals, demons of the air, and eternal torment, and may we be heiresses of the heavenly Kingdom with all the righteous who have pleased our Lord Jesus Christ from the beginning.: To Him belongs all glory, honor, and worship, together with His Beginningless Father, and with His All-holy, Good, and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."

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