Folk signs for December 27: 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 27 and the church holidays that fall on this date.

Folk signs for December 27, 2025

In folk tradition, December 27 is known as Philemon's Day. It was believed that at this time the boundary between the world of the living and the world of the dead was thinning, and evil spirits became especially active, trying to enter homes. Therefore, the main task of the day was to protect the house. The ancestors believed that dirt attracts evil spirits, so they carried out a general cleaning: they washed the floors, cleaned the chimneys, and cleaned the barns. At night, all doors and gates were tightly closed so as not to leave the slightest loophole for evil.

Water was considered the main talisman against evil spirits. They washed themselves in the morning, and symbolically sprinkled themselves before important tasks. In the evening, we went to the sauna to steam out all the negative things before the new year. When leaving the house, they took with them an extinct ember from the stove as a personal talisman.

The Day of the Icon of the Mother of God "The Sign": the most powerful prayer

What do the Orthodox believe on the day of the celebration of the icon and what prayer do they recite for protection, peace and intercession?

Weather signs on Philemon helped predict the nature of winter and next summer. According to legend, the weather throughout February will be the same as on a holiday.

Other signs of the day

• thick frost on the trees at night leads to heavy snowfall;
• A warm day leads to a hot summer;
• rain or thick fog — by snowy February;
• crows croak loudly in the morning — to frosts;
• It still hasn't snowed — by late spring;
• frosty and windy — for a good harvest next year;
• The wind and clouds are moving in different directions — it's going to snow soon.

What not to do on December 27

In order not to bring trouble upon themselves and their family and weaken the protection of the house, the ancestors observed a number of prohibitions on Philemon Day. On holiday, we didn't talk to strangers, especially through the threshold of the house. It was believed that this was how evil spirits, who took the form of a human, tried to enter the dwelling.

What else can not be done on December 27

• Leaving children alone without supervision can make them scared and moody.;
• Getting into quarrels and conflicts attracts negative energy.;
• commemorate suicides and those who died in accidents — their souls, according to beliefs, can appear and harm the living;
• Going to bed with an unwashed head can cause evil spirits to "get into" dirty hair.;
• making large purchases and making deals — what you buy on this day will not be useful.

What is the church holiday on December 27th?

On December 27, the Orthodox Church commemorates the holy martyrs Philemon, Apollonius, Arianus and Theotichus, who suffered for their faith in Egypt at the end of the third century under Emperor Diocletian. According to legend, Deacon Apollonius, who was arrested for spreading Christianity, trembled before torture and asked the pagan actor Philemon to sacrifice to idols instead of him, disguised in his clothes. However, during the ceremony, Philemon unexpectedly openly confessed his faith in Christ. Seeing his courage, the repentant priest also refused to worship idols. Both were executed after severe torture.

After their death, the executioner Arianus, who tortured the saints, suddenly became blind. The doctors couldn't help him. Then he applied the ashes from Philemon's grave to the sore spot, and he regained his sight. This miracle turned him to Christ, and with him his bodyguard Theotikhos came to believe. The new converts were also captured and tortured to death.

Prayer after Communion — why do they read, what do the words mean and which one to choose

Prayers for December 27

On December 27, Orthodox believers pray to the martyrs Philemon, Apollonius, Arianus and Theotichus of Antinous. They are asked to strengthen their faith, guide them on the right path and get rid of diseases.

Prayer to the Holy Martyrs Philemon, Apollonius, Arianus and Theotichus of Antinous

"Holy Martyrs Philemon, Apollonius, Ariane and Theotikha! Look down from the heavenly palace on those who require your help and do not reject our petitions; but as our eternal benefactors and intercessors, pray to Christ God, that He who loves mankind and has much mercy, may preserve us from every cruel situation: from cowardice, flood, fire, sword, invasion of foreigners and internecine warfare. May He not condemn us sinners according to our iniquities, and may we not turn the good things bestowed upon us by the all-merciful God to evil, but to the glory of His holy name and to the glorification of your mighty intercession. Through your prayers, may the Lord grant us peace of mind, abstinence from harmful passions and from all defilement; and may He strengthen throughout the world His one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, which He has acquired through His honest blood. As we pray diligently, holy martyrs, may Christ God establish in His Holiest Orthodox Church the living spirit of righteous faith and piety; may all its members, pure from superstition and superstition, worship Him in spirit and truth and diligently take care of the observance of His commandments; may we all live in peace and piety in the present and attain bliss eternal life in heaven, by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to Him belong all glory, honor, and power, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."

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