A special holiday on January 4 is Nastasya's day: history, traditions, omens, what not to do

Every year on January 4, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the Great Martyr Anastasia Uzoreshitelnitsa. In 2026, the date falls on Sunday, and in the national calendar it is known as Nastasya Day. In Russia, he was associated with caring for motherhood, procreation and "release from bondage." On this day, women embroidered protective towels, mothers and ancestors were revered in families, and measured preparations for Christmas began. What is the story behind this date, what traditions, signs and prohibitions exist, read in the Izvestia material.

What is the church holiday on January 4th?

Anastasia was born in Rome into a family where her mother secretly professed Christianity and her father was a pagan. When the girl grew up, her father married her to the pagan Pomplius, but Anastasia managed to keep her virginity under the pretext of illness. Later, she secretly left home, disguised as a beggar, to help Christians in need. She visited prisoners, brought them food, treated the sick, and often ransomed people from prisons, possessing the gift of healing.

When the maid told Pomplius about her actions, he began to severely punish Anastasia and locked her in the house. At this time, the girl's spiritual mentor Chrysogonus secretly sent her a letter advising her to be patient and predicted the imminent death of Pomplius. Soon the man actually drowned, having gone with the embassy to Persia. After her husband's death, Anastasia distributed property to the poor and continued to help the suffering.

During the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian, the saint was arrested. She was tortured, starved, and tried to drown along with other prisoners, but Anastasia could not be killed. In the end, the emperor ordered all the prisoners to be executed, and Chrysogonus brought to him. Anastasia followed the teacher, watched his execution, and continued to help people by mastering her medical skills. For her work in helping prisoners and sufferers, she received the nickname Uzoreshitel. As a result, the saint was executed, and in the 5th century her relics were transferred to Constantinople, where a temple was built in her honor.

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Traditions of Anastasia Uzoreshitelnitsa Day on January 4th

In Russia, Nastasya's day was closely associated with the feminine principle and procreation. Pregnant women embroidered amulet towels for a safe birth. The girls learned embroidery, and the mothers took out birth towels with fertility symbols from their chests. The embroiderers were called patternmakers, and the craft itself was patterned, which directly echoed the name of the saint.

On this day, they also cooked lean porridge. Pregnant women were treated to it, believing that such food protects against diseases and gives strength. The family remembered their ancestors, praised the family, and showed special respect to their mothers.

What not to do on Nastasia's day on January 4th

Nastasya's day in Russia was considered particularly delicate and required caution in actions and words. According to popular beliefs, on this date, any careless actions could disrupt the internal order of the family and affect health, especially women's health. It was believed that the day was connected with "bonds" — physical and vital, so people tried to behave calmly, avoid harsh words, quarrels and hasty decisions.

Other prohibitions of the day:

— you can not scold pets — so as not to bring trouble to the house and family;
— you can not pierce your ears — it was considered dangerous to your health;
— you can not sew — any needle work could attract diseases and troubles.;
— you can not walk around the house barefoot, you should definitely wear socks or slippers to preserve your health.

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Nastasya's Day — folk signs on January 4th

Nastasya's Day in Russia was considered a time for observing the weather and family well-being. Special importance was attached to the fate of women and the future of the family. Those born on January 4 were endowed with a calm and stable character: they were considered patient, reasonable and internally strong people, able to overcome difficulties and remain faithful to their family and home. According to beliefs, such people are able to "get rid of bonds" — to find a way out of difficult life situations and achieve their goals without sharp conflicts.

Other signs of the day:

— clouds moving against the wind — to snow soon;
— clear and frosty weather — by dry October;
— an overcast day leads to a prolonged autumn;
— calm wind — for a prosperous year for family and home.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the history and traditions of the national holiday Barbarian Day.