Folk signs for December 26: 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 December 26 and the church holidays that fall on this date.

Folk signs for December 26, 2025

In the folk tradition, December 26 is Evstratiev Day. From this date, the daylight begins to increase gradually, which is reflected in the sayings: "The Martyr Evstrat is glad to see the sun," "A day has been added from Evstrat, albeit at a sparrow's leap." However, it was believed that this process provokes the fury of evil spirits, for whom sunlight is harmful. Therefore, the second name of the holiday is "Witch gatherings". According to legend, on this day witches and warlocks gathered in council to prolong the power of darkness.

To protect the house from evil forces, sharp objects were used: an axe or sickle was placed on the threshold with the tip up, and the space in the corners was outlined with a knife. The women deliberately tipped over the handle and turned over the oven flap so that the witch, who, according to legend, could fly on kitchen utensils, would not find her way into the house.

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Weather signs on Evstratia were considered important for the forecast for January and the future harvest. It was believed that the weather on December 26th would be the same for the next month.

Other signs of the day

• clear sunny weather leads to a warm January;
• hoarfrost on trees — for frost and snowstorms;
• A clear starry night leads to a sharp cold snap;
• The sun sets in a big cloud — for a night blizzard;
• the windows in the house are sweating a lot — by the thaw;
• Wolves howl — to the frosts;
• A southwesterly wind is blowing, leading to clear, cold weather.

What not to do on December 26th

Since Evstratiev Day was considered a time of special activity of evil spirits, there were strict prohibitions aimed at protecting a person and his home. During the holiday, they tried not to leave their homes unattended, fearing that evil spirits would enter it.

What else can not be done on December 26

• leaving the house late at night alone is a high risk of the evil eye;
• to lend or borrow something - along with the thing, you can "transfer" your well—being.;
• starting new important things will not be successful.;
• quarreling and swearing can attract evil spirits into the house.;
• letting strangers into the house can cause damage;
• to pick up money and other valuable items from the ground, you can "pick up" someone else's disease.;
• Leaving windows and doors open can cause evil spirits to enter the house.

What is the church holiday on December 26th?

On December 26, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the martyr Eustratius of Sebaste, who lived in the III century. He was a distinguished military commander and suffered for Christ together with his companions Auxentius, Eugenius, Mardarius and Orestes in Armenian Sebaste under Emperor Diocletian. Being a secret Christian, the saint could not bear the suffering of believers who were persecuted, and openly confessed his faith. For this, he was brutally tortured: beaten, burned with fire, and eventually burned. The death prayer of Saint Eustratius ("Magnifying, I magnify Thee, O Lord...") is still read in Orthodox worship.

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Also on December 26, believers remember St. Arkady of Novotorzhsky, who lived in the XI century. From a young age, he chose for himself the difficult feat of foolishness for the sake of Christ. The saint led the life of a pilgrim, ate alms, slept wherever he had to, and devoted all his time to prayer. His gentleness, perspicacity and miracles attracted people to him, but, avoiding fame, he retired to the upper reaches of the Tvertsa River. Here he became a disciple and associate of St. Ephraim of Novotorzh, helping him to found the Borisoglebsky Monastery. Having taken monastic vows, the Monk Arkady performed the feat of complete obedience and silence to the end of his days. He died around 1077, and his holy relics, found incorruptible in 1677, rest in Torzhok and are revered as miraculous.

Prayers for December 26th

On December 26, Orthodox believers pray to the Martyr Eustratius and the Monk Arkady of Novotorzhsky. They are asked for healing from illnesses, strengthening faith, and help in difficult situations.

Troparion to the Holy Martyrs Eustratius, Auxentius, Eugenius, Mardariusand Orestes of Sebaste

"Thy martyrs, O Lord, have received incorruptible crowns in their sufferings from Thee, our God, for Thou hast possessed Thy fortress, and hast laid low the tormentors, and crushed the demons of feeble insolence. Through those prayers, save our souls."

Kontakion to the Holy Martyrs Eustratius, Auxentius, Eugenius, Mardariusand Orestes of Sebaste

"O Martyr of the all-honorable, let us sing to the five-numbered passion-bearers, who have despised the glory of the earthly, the sun of the bright Eustratius, the wise life of the sufferers, who have dared to fire and torment the King of Christ for all, and who have been blessed with crowns of glory from that throne of glory. Through your prayers, O Christ God, save our souls."

Prayer to St. Arkady of Novotorzhsky

"Heavenly reward of Christ, young vine, exalted praise to the Orthodox Church, strong visor and affirmation of our city and monastery, quiet joy and consolation to all who flow to you with faith and love, our venerable and God-bearing Father Arkady. In the days of the grave evils that have beset our country, we fervently seek you as a prayer book of grace and a speedy helper, and we fervently ask you: pour out your warm intercession to the All-merciful Savior, that he may be merciful to our iniquities, that he may establish our country, this city, this monastery, and all the cities and towns with peace and love. May God preserve us from all evil circumstances, from gladness and perdition, and from internecine strife; may the holy Church deliver us from fierce persecution, from the deadly and soul-destroying plagues of unbelief, may she strengthen and increase us; may she free all of us from those who offend and hate us, and grant all that is useful for a temporary life and eternal salvation Through your intercession and intercession, may the most honorable and magnificent name of the Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be glorified by you forever and ever. Amen to that."

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the signs of the national holiday Spyridonov Day.

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