A special national holiday on January 27 is Nina's Day: history, traditions, omens

On January 27, Orthodox Christians honor the memory of St. Nina, Equal-to-the-Apostles, enlightener of Georgia. In the national calendar, this date is known as Nina's Day. It was believed that on a holiday it was necessary to show mercy to loved ones, to avoid conflicts and quarrels. In 2026, the celebration falls on a Tuesday. Izvestia tells about the customs, signs and prohibitions of this day.

What is the church holiday on January 27th?

Saint Nina was born around 280 in the city of Colastra in Cappadocia into a Christian family. Her father was a relative of the Great Martyr George the Victorious, and her mother was the sister of Patriarch Juvenal of Jerusalem. Until the age of 14, the girl lived in Jerusalem, later she arrived in Iberia (the ancient name of Georgia).

In Iberia, Nina preached the Gospel to the pagan highlanders. According to legend, she was blessed by the Mother of God herself for this mission. The Blessed Virgin appeared to her in a dream and handed her a cross made of a vine, saying that it would protect the preacher throughout her journey.

The saint supported her missionary work with deep prayer and works of mercy. Her name is associated with the healing of Queen Nana from a serious illness, after which, believing in one God, the Iberian king Mirian III converted to Christianity. Under him, the construction of the first Christian church began in the country, which was erected on the site where the Lord's Chiton was kept.

Saint Nina became famous for other miracles. Once, during a pagan sacrifice, she caused a violent storm by prayer, which hurled the idols from a high mountain. As a result, many of those present converted to Christianity. Later, her sermons led the whole of Georgia to Christ.

The saint died around 335, and her relics rest in the Bodbe Convent in Kakheti. For her apostolic labors, the church recognized Nina as equal-to-the-Apostles. Only a few saints were awarded this title, for example, Prince Vladimir the Baptist of Russia.

In iconography, Nina is often depicted with a cross made of a vine, a symbol of her mission and connection with the Georgian land. In Georgia itself, the saint is revered as the heavenly patroness and enlightener of the country. On the days of her memory (January 27 and June 1), solemn services are held in all Orthodox churches.

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The Church calls for the abandonment of fortune-telling and superstition on the saint's memorial day.

Traditions of the national holiday Nina's Day on January 27

The saint was also revered in Russia. In the folk tradition, the day of her memory was called Nina's Day. The holiday was dedicated to strengthening family ties and peace in the family, asking for forgiveness from loved ones for willingly or unwittingly caused offenses.

It was believed that insults stored on this day brought misfortune and illness. Therefore, people tried to avoid quarrels, show kindness and care for their loved ones, and sit down at a common table to celebrate the holiday in harmony. They also devoted time to quiet household chores — women were engaged in needlework, and men were repairing utensils.

Another tradition of the day was related to the care of livestock and poultry. The peasants believed that the well-being of the farm directly depended on the attitude towards "our lesser brothers." The people said: "If you feed someone, you feed yourself next to them," "If you don't give a cow a drink, you won't get enough milk."

The owners carried out a thorough cleaning in the stables and poultry houses: they changed the bedding, cleaned the feeders, and plugged the cracks from the winter wind. The animals were fed more than usual, treated with treats and talked kindly to them, thanking them for their help. They also showed mercy to stray animals, feeding them at home.

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What not to do on January 27th on Nina's Day

In the old days, Nina's Day was surrounded by a number of prohibitions. Our ancestors believed that violating these rules could bring diseases to livestock, loss of well-being, or family discord. They were especially afraid of anger and laziness, which were considered the main sins of the day. Any negative, according to legend, returned to the quarreling three times, and laziness promised failure in business.

What else can not be done on January 27:

• insulting or driving away cattle, especially cows, the main breadwinner of the peasants — according to beliefs, this led to starvation and loss of prosperity.;
• raising your voice or shouting — it was believed that evil spirits could come to shout.;
• cut your hair so as not to "shorten" your life or cause illness.;
• taking out the trash from the house — along with the litter, you can accidentally "take out" family well-being.

Folk signs for January 27

Observing nature on Nina's day, our ancestors made predictions for the coming days. Special importance was attached to the behavior of animals. If the cattle behaved restlessly, then the weather was expected to worsen — frosts and snowstorms were strengthening. If the roosters started to crow earlier than usual, it foreshadowed warming.

Other signs of the day:

• clear and sunny weather leads to an early and warm spring;
• Blizzard or snowfall — spring will be cold;
• snowfall on this day — for a rich harvest;
• a quiet frosty day leads to an abundance of berries and mushrooms in summer;
• frost on the trees — for a good harvest of oats.

Earlier, Izvestia told about the traditions and signs of the national holiday Ermilov Day.

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