Folk signs for December 21: what can and cannot be done

In Russia, omens have been given special importance since ancient times. They were used to judge the weather, when to sow and harvest, and what to expect in the future. Therefore, every day of the national calendar was full of rituals and superstitions. Izvestia tells about the popular signs of Sunday, December 21, and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for December 21, 2025

In Russia, on December 21, Anfisa's Day was celebrated, also known as Anfisa the Needlewoman. Its name reflects the main occupation of the peasants during this period. In the old days, women and girls devoted their time to needlework: spinning, weaving, sewing and embroidery. There was a belief that any work started and finished on a holiday would bring good luck and serve for a long time.

However, unlike other celebrations, when women gathered together, they did needlework in solitude, fearing the evil eye. After all, Anfisa's day often fell on the day of the winter solstice, which was endowed with mystical properties. "The girl sews for Anfisa, but at the same time she has an extra eye for the evil eye," the people said.

To avoid trouble and accidental needle pricks, the needlewomen wrapped a silk thread around their wrists, which served as a talisman. In addition, it was not customary to laugh loudly and make noise on the holiday. According to legend, this could attract the attention of evil spirits.

Special attention was paid to weather signs for Anfisa the Needlewoman. They were used to judge what the winter and the future harvest would be like. If the day was calm and frosty, it promised a mild and snowy winter. The sunny weather foreshadowed clear days ahead. And the trees, covered with thick frost, promised a rich harvest of fruits in the new year.

Other signs of the day:

• small white clouds — for frosts, large ones — for blizzards;
• clouds stretch out into a band — to the imminent warming;
• spiders are weaving a web — for the onset of cold weather;
• birds are hiding under the roof — wait for a snowstorm;
• the north wind is blowing — for frosts on Christmas Day.

What not to do on December 21

On the day of Anfisa the Needlewoman, there were a number of strict prohibitions, the violation of which, according to beliefs, could bring illness and misfortune. Our ancestors believed that the longest night of the year is the time when the boundaries between the worlds are thinning, and the dark forces are especially active. Therefore, the main task was not to bring trouble to yourself and your home, avoiding quarrels, chaos and rash actions.

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What else can not be done on December 21:

• quarreling and swearing can lead to a long streak of failures.;
• Making important decisions is a high risk of error;
• Leaving a house in disarray can attract chaos and misery.;
• Indulging in melancholy and despondency can set the tone for the whole year.;
• women use black thread for needlework — according to legend, this promises widowhood.

What is the church holiday on December 21st?

On December 21 (December 8, Old Style), the Orthodox Church commemorates several saints, among whom the central place is occupied by the Martyr Anthisa of Rome, who suffered during the era of the spread of the Arian heresy in the Roman Empire, and the Monk Patapius of Thebes (Constantinople), a hermit and wonderworker.

Anfisa of Rome lived in the 5th century. She was the wife of a noble dignitary, professing the Christian faith. According to legend, she was baptized by St. Ambrose of Milan himself. A radical turn in her life occurred when Arianka Sunilda, the wife of the Roman mayor, demanded that Anfisa be re-baptized by an Arian priest. The saint, true to her beliefs, refused to renounce the true faith, saying that she had already been baptized. For this, she was sentenced to death and accepted the martyr's crown by burning.

St. Patapius of Thebes was born at the end of the fourth century (about 380) in Thebes, Egypt, into a pious Christian family. Having received an excellent education, he showed a craving for spiritual life from a young age. Later, abandoning worldly vanity, Patapius retired to the Egyptian desert, where he spent many years in strict fasting and prayer. The fame of the holy hermit quickly spread around the area, and people began to come to him for spiritual advice.

Having performed many miracles and guided many on the path of faith, Patapius peacefully departed to the Lord in old age. He was buried in the Church of St. John the Baptist in Constantinople. Currently, the relics of the monk are in the monastery named after him in the Greek city of Loutraki.

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Prayers on December 21st

Believers turn to these saints with various prayers. Martyr Anfisa is traditionally prayed for strengthening the spirit, steadfastness in faith, and protection of the family from evil thoughts and slander. She is also often approached by women, asking for a successful marriage. The intercession of St. Patapius is resorted to for the relief of mental suffering, cancer and other diseases considered difficult to treat.

Prayer to Anthisa of Rome

"Oh, Holy Anfiso! Having labored with good deeds on earth, you have received in heaven the crown of righteousness, which the Lord has prepared for all who love Him. All the more we rejoice at the glorious end of your residence and honor your holy memory. But you, come to the Throne of God, accept our supplications and bring them to the all-merciful God, that He may forgive us every sin and help us against the wiles of the devil, so that, having been delivered from sorrows, diseases, troubles and misfortunes, and all evil, we may live piously and righteously in our present age and be worthy of your intercession, even if we are unworthy. May you see the good in the land of the living, glorifying God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."

Prayer to Patapius of Thebes

"O holy head, Venerable Father, Most Blessed Abbot Patapius, do not forget your poor to the end, but always remember us in holy and auspicious prayers to God: remember your flock, which you have saved yourself, and do not forget to visit your children. Pray for us, holy Father, for your spiritual children, for you have Boldness to the Heavenly King: do not be silent for us to the Lord, and do not despise us who honor you with faith and love: remember us unworthy at the Throne of the Almighty, and do not stop praying for us to Christ God, for you have been given the grace to pray for us. We don't think you're dead.: For though you have passed away from us in body, but you remain alive after death, do not depart from us in spirit, preserving us from the arrows of the enemy and all the charms of demons and the machinations of the devil, our good shepherd...> Pray to Almighty God for us, for the benefit of our souls, and grant us time to repent.<...> To Him also belongs all glory, honor, and worship, together with His Beginningless Father, and with His All-holy, Good, and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."

Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to St. Ambrose of Milan.

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