Folk signs for January 12th: what can and cannot be done

In Russia, folk signs have played an important role since ancient times. They helped predict the weather, plan household chores, and form an idea of the future. Every day of the national calendar was filled with rituals and superstitions. Izvestia tells about traditions and omens on January 12, as well as about the church holidays that are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for January 12, 2026

According to the national calendar, Anisin Day is celebrated on January 12. Our ancestors had many folk traditions associated with this day, primarily concerning the weather and animal behavior. Thus, it was believed that the south wind on the saint's memorial day foreshadowed a warm summer and a rich harvest.

Other signs of the day on January 12th:

• The west wind leads to a large number of fish in the rivers;
• the absence of stars in the sky leads to changes in the weather;
• a lavish feast — for a generous year;
• a clear day means a rapid warming.

What not to do on January 12th

On Anisin's day, there were also a number of prohibitions that the Slavs adhered to. For example, it was forbidden to salt food, because it was believed that this could lead to unhappiness.

What else can't be done on January 12th:

• Picking up lost things leads to illness;
• lending money leads to financial need;
• Complaining about life leads to a worse life;
• Accepting gifts from strangers is unfortunate.

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What is the holiday on January 12th?

Saint Anisia of Thessalonica lived in the 3rd–4th centuries in the Greek city of Thessalonica during the reign of Maximian. She was born into a wealthy Christian family. According to legend, the girl possessed an unearthly beauty. Her parents hoped for a successful marriage for their daughter, but from an early age she devoted herself to charity, helping those in need, caring for the sick and visiting prisoners in prisons.

After the death of her parents, Anisya distributed all her wealth to the poor, freed slaves and continued to help people, believing in the idea that it is difficult for the rich to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. She herself lived in a modest house, spending her time in fasting and prayer.

At that time, persecution was organized against Christians. Emperor Maximian issued an edict that allowed anyone to kill followers of Jesus Christ with impunity. One pagan warrior, impressed by Anisya's beauty, tried to take her to the sun festival, but was refused. Then the man tried to pull the veil off her head by force — in response to this intention, the girl exclaimed: "May my Lord Jesus Christ forbid you!" After the warrior pierced the girl with a sword.

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Prayers on January 12th

On Anisia Day, the Orthodox Church remembers the martyr Anisia of Thessalonica, who suffered for her faith in Christ during the years of persecution. On this day, believers pray for spiritual steadfastness, protection from evil and strengthening in faith. It is believed that prayerful appeal to the saint helps to keep pure thoughts, gain patience in trials and receive support in difficult life circumstances.

Also on January 12, it is customary to pray to the righteous Joseph the Betrothed, King David and Jacob, the brother of the Lord. These prayers are read with requests for family well-being, protection of the home, help in everyday needs and the gift of peace. The day is suitable for quiet, focused prayer, gratitude, and reflection on humility, mercy, and faithfulness to the Christian path.

Prayer to the Martyr Anisiya of Thessalonica

"Thy lamb, Jesus, Anisia, calls with a great voice: To thee, my bridegroom, I love, and those who seek thee I suffer, and I am crucified and buried by thy baptism, and I suffer for thy sake, that I may reign in thee, and die for thee, and live with thee; but for an immaculate sacrifice accept me. the love that burned You. Through your prayers, for you are merciful, save our souls."

Prayer to the righteous Joseph the Betrothed, David the King, and Jacob, the brother of the Lord

"Oh, holy righteous Joseph! When you were still on earth, you had great boldness towards the Son of God, who was pleased to name you His Father, as His Mother's betrothed, and to obey you. We believe that you are now being installed from the faces of the righteous into the heavenly abodes, and that you will be heard in all your petitions to God and our Savior. Moreover, having recourse to your protection and intercession, we humbly beseech you: just as you yourself were delivered from the storm of confused thoughts, so deliver us also from the waves of embarrassment and passions that overwhelm us; just as you protected the All-Immaculate Virgin from human slander, protect us also from all vain slander; just as you protected us from all harm and bitterness. Incarnate Lord, through your intercession, preserve His Orthodox Church and all of us from all bitterness and harm. Weigh, O holy one of God, as the Son of God also has need of bodily needs in His flesh today, and you have served them: for this we beseech you, and help our temporary needs through your intercession, giving us all the good things we need in this life. We beseech you most earnestly, intercede for the remission of our sins, and grant us from your betrothed Son, the Only Begotten Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, and make us worthy to inherit the kingdom of heaven through your intercession, so that when we dwell with you in the villages above, we may glorify the One Tri-hypostatic God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and ever. Amen to that."

Earlier, Izvestia told what they were praying to St. Nikon of Pechersk.

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