A special national holiday on December 18 is Savva Day: history, traditions, omens

In the national calendar, the date of December 18 is known as Savva Day. The holiday is dedicated to the memory of one of the most revered early Christian ascetics, St. Sava the Consecrated, who left a deep mark on the history of Christian monasticism. In Russia, this day was considered a milestone when the establishment of the winter way was completed and the first Epiphany frosts began. In 2025, the celebration falls on a Thursday. Izvestia tells about the customs, signs and prohibitions of this day.

What is the church holiday on December 18th?

Saint Sava was born in 439 into a pious Christian family in Cappadocia (the territory of modern Turkey). Already at the age of eight, under the care of his uncle, he chose the path of serving God and became a novice at the monastery of St. Flaviana. There he quickly learned to read and write and immersed himself deeply in the study of the Holy Scriptures.

At the age of 17, the young man, contrary to the persuasions of his parents, took monastic vows. He spent the next ten years in seclusion, devoting himself to strict fasting and incessant prayer. St. Euthymius the Great became his spiritual mentor.

After the death of his teacher, Savva retired to a cave in the Jordan desert. Soon, disciples began to flock to him, wishing to share his ascetic life. By a sign from heaven — the appearance of a pillar of fire — a church was built in the cave, which marked the beginning of the famous Great Lavra, which became the center of Palestinian monasticism.

In total, during his long life, St. Sava founded seven monasteries in Palestine. He also created the Jerusalem Liturgical Code (Typicon), which still forms the basis of the statutory worship in Christianity.

In addition, the saint became famous for the gift of miracle—working - healing the sick and exorcising demons. Other miracles are associated with his name. According to the hagiography, during a period of drought, a spring gushed through his prayer, and later it began to rain heavily, which saved the inhabitants from starvation. The monk died on December 18 (December 5, Old style), 532, at a very old age.

What is absolutely forbidden to do on December 17 according to popular beliefs

Traditions of the national holiday Savvin Day — December 18

In Russia, the saint's memorial day was organically woven into the national calendar, receiving the name "Savva Day" or "Savva with bacon." The latter name is associated with the saying "Savva ate bacon, wiped himself, locked himself in, said, "I haven't seen it." It reflected the main recommendation of the day — to wait out the severe frost at home, in warmth and comfort, without once again leaving the threshold.

Savva Day was also part of the cycle of winter celebrations, which began on St. Barbara's Day (December 17) and ended on St. Nicholas Day (December 19). The people said: "Varvara is paving, Savva is sharpening the nails, and Nikola is nailing," which indicated a gradual increase in the cold. Since this period was one of the coldest of the year, the peasants tried to refrain from long and long trips.

The men stayed at home, mending harnesses, tools, and teaching their sons how to take care of horses. These animals were especially revered, as their ability to move in winter directly depended on their health. The owner was strictly forbidden to offend or swear at the horses, so as not to invite trouble on the winter road.

The women devoted the day to household chores — cleaning, cooking, and needlework. Lenten dishes were served on the table, as the holiday fell on the Christmas fast. Porridges made from millet and oats were especially popular, symbolizing prosperity in the family. Savvin's day was also considered favorable for matchmaking. It was believed that if a young man received consent on December 18, then the marriage would be strong and happy.

What not to do on December 18 — on Savva Day

Like many national holidays, Savva Day was associated with a number of prohibitions designed to protect people during this harsh period. Our ancestors believed that breaking the rules could lead to misfortune, illness, or business failures. For example, there was a superstition that on this day "evil spirits are walking on the street", which can cling to a traveler, cause damage or illness. Therefore, they were afraid to go outside after dark.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Eve: when in 2026, as celebrated in Russia

What else can not be done on December 18:

• Starting new important things is bound to fail or bring nothing but trouble.;
• to visit or receive guests yourself, especially strangers — bad energy can get into the house.;
• quarreling, swearing, and swearing can attract trouble, especially for someone who is on the road.;
• to stay alone and indulge in despondency — negative thoughts can materialize.;
• lying and making impossible promises promises big trouble in the future.

Folk signs for December 18

Another important tradition on Savva Day was observing nature. According to them, the weather forecast for the winter was made and the future harvest was judged. So, if the firewood in the stove burned with a steady bright red flame and crackled loudly, this foreshadowed severe frosts. And if the smoke from the chimney was spreading along the ground, they expected snowfall and an early warming.

Other signs of the day:

• It's a frosty sunny day, and the winter will be warm and snowy.;
• bullfinches began to sing — to heavy snowfall and blizzard;
• silence in the forest leads to increased frost;
• squirrels come down from the trees — for the thaw;
• strong wind on December 18 leads to a cold and windy summer.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on folk traditions and signs on Barbarian Day.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.