Folk signs for January 25: 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 January 25 and the church holidays that fall on this date.

Folk signs for January 25, 2026

In Russia, Tatiana's Day, or Babi Kut, was celebrated on January 25. On the holiday, the eldest woman in the family baked a loaf, symbolizing the sun. According to its shape, they guessed about the future of the family: smooth and lush bread promised a quiet year, a hill in the center — good luck and increased prosperity, and cracked or unpeeled — foreshadowed trouble. Each household member, and especially the birthday girls named Tatiana, was supposed to eat a piece.

Tatiana's day was rich in women's rituals. Marriageable girls, in order to attract suitors, rinsed rugs in the river early in the morning, demonstrating their household skills. It was believed that if a guy stepped on it, the girl would get married soon. Also, the future brides tried to throw a handmade "love" broom into the house of the chosen one. They believed that if no one found her, her lover would reciprocate.

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We tell about traditions and folk omens on this holiday

On Tatiana's day, the ancestors paid attention to various weather signs, trying to predict what spring and summer would be like. If a warm wind blew on a holiday, they knew that the summer would be dry and lean.

Other signs of the day

• bright sun — for the early return of migratory birds;
• frosty, clear weather — summer will be warm and favorable;
• a snowstorm and strong winds lead to a future drought;
• heavy snowfall — for a rainy summer;
• large snowdrifts lead to a rich harvest of bread.

What not to do on January 25

There were a number of prohibitions associated with Tatiana's Day, the violation of which, according to popular beliefs, could lead to quarrels, failures and even deprive good luck in learning. On the holiday, they did not refuse help and hospitality, fearing that this could lead to setbacks and troubles.

What else can not be done on January 25

• quarreling, swearing, and swearing can lead to family discord for the whole year.;
• leaving a house in disarray leads to chaos in life;
• cleaning, sewing, and laundry can lead to family quarrels;
• washing your hair — you can "wash off" knowledge and mind in this way.;
• Talking about academic success can "jinx" your achievements.;
• Spending a day alone and despondent leads to a series of failures;
• to throw away garbage — along with it, you can "throw away" knowledge.

What is the church holiday on January 25th?

On January 25, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the holy Martyr Tatiana of Rome, who lived in the III century. She was born into a noble family. Her father, a secret Christian, raised his daughter in deep faith and piety. Upon reaching adulthood, Tatiana rejected worldly goods and married life, fully devoting herself to serving God and the church. For her virtues, she was appointed a deaconess — she carried out the ministry of mercy: she cared for the sick, helped prisoners and the poor.

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During the persecution under Emperor Alexander Severus, Tatiana was captured and presented to the court of Governor Ulpian. She was severely tortured, demanding that she renounce Christ and sacrifice to idols, but she remained steadfast. Through the prayers of the saint, pagan statues were destroyed, and the lion, which was supposed to tear the girl apart, submitted to her will. The eight executioners, struck by the power of Tatiana's faith, believed in Christ themselves and were martyred. After further tortures, the saint was beheaded with a sword.

Prayer for January 25th

On January 25, Orthodox believers pray to the Martyr Tatiana of Rome, asking her for strengthening in faith, getting rid of diseases and help in difficult life situations. In addition, the saint is considered the patroness of students, especially students. Therefore, she is often asked to successfully pass exams and master the material.

Prayer to the Holy Martyr Tatiana of Rome

"Oh, Holy Martyr Tatiana, bride of your Sweetest Bridegroom, Christ! To the Lamb of the Lamb of God, the dove of chastity, who clothed her fragrant body with royal sufferings, joined her heavenly face, rejoicing now in eternal glory, a servant of the Church of God from the days of her youth, who kept chastity and loved the Lord above all good things! To you we pray and to you we ask: hearken to our heartfelt petitions and do not reject our prayers, grant purity of body and soul, inspire love for Divine truths, lead us to the path of virtue, ask God for angelic protection for us, heal our wounds and ulcers, protect youth, grant painless and comfortable old age, in mortal Help us in the hour, remember our sorrows and grant us joy, visit us who are in the prison of sin, lead us to repentance quickly, kindle the flame of prayer, do not forsake us, so that we may glorify your sufferings, we send up praise to the Lord, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen to that."

Prayer to the Holy Martyr Tatiana of Rome for her studies

"Most Holy and merciful Tatiana, bowing before your bright mind and righteous life, I humbly ask for your help and intercession in any teaching of life. Do not leave me in despair of ignorance, show me the right ways and help me find the right answers to any question. May I not perish in the darkness of ignorance and not shame myself with the shame of ignorance, but with victory I will gain new knowledge in my life. Amen to that."

Earlier, Izvestia told about the folk signs of the Fedoseyev Day holiday.