Folk signs for December 28: 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 28, and which church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for December 28, 2025
In Russia, Trifonov Day was celebrated on December 28. The holiday was on the border of the year and fell on the eve of Yuletide. It was believed that at this time the boundary between the world of the living and the otherworldly realms was thinning. Therefore, most of the traditions and rituals of this day were associated with protection from evil spirits.
It was also decided to summarize the economic results of the outgoing year on Trifon. The peasants carefully checked the barns, shook and counted grain stocks, inspected and repaired agricultural equipment.
Special attention was paid to the seed stock: spoiled seeds were discarded so that "the bad things would not pass on next year." In the evening, after the labors, a modest family dinner with lenten dishes was arranged, as the Christmas Fast continued at that time.
Weather observations on Trifonov Day were of great importance for planning work for the coming year. For example, there was a belief that the weather of that day could indicate what the beginning of spring would be like. So, a clear and frosty day foreshadowed the same weather in March. And the intense cold promised a hot and arid summer.
Other signs of the day:
- frost in the morning — by a clear day without precipitation;
- The scarlet dawn in the morning leads to increased frosts;
- the windows in the house are fogged up — expect a thaw soon;
- Crows croaked in the trees — for a snowstorm;
- the snow is dry and sharp — the summer will be sultry.
What not to do on December 28th
On Tryphon Day, our ancestors tried to observe a number of prohibitions so as not to bring troubles, illnesses or failures upon themselves and their family. They were especially afraid of the wrath of evil spirits, which, according to beliefs, became more active during this period. For example, it was strictly forbidden to go into the forest unnecessarily, so as not to become a victim of the goblin, who could confuse the tracks. It was also not recommended to complain about the cold, so as not to anger the winter elements.
What else can't be done on December 28th:
- to lend money and bread, you can give away the well—being of the house.;
- quarreling, swearing, and holding grudges attract negativity.;
- hunting and fishing — according to legend, there will be no luck, besides, you can get lost.;
- leaving unwashed dishes overnight leads to discord in the family.
What is the church holiday on December 28th?
On December 28 (December 15, Old Style), the Orthodox Church commemorates St. Tryphon of Pechenga (Kola), who lived in the 16th century. He was born in the Novgorod province in the family of a priest. From a young age, when he heard about the pagan lapps in the far North, he wanted to bring them the light of the Christian faith. According to legend, the divine voice showed him the spiritual path during prayer.
Following this call, Trifon went to the Kola Peninsula, to the Pechenga River. He lived there for many years in harsh conditions, learning the language and customs of the locals. His meekness, asceticism, and miracles attracted followers to him. In 1532, with the blessing of Archbishop Makarii of Novgorod, he founded the Trinity Pechenga Monastery, better known as the "Northern Athos". The saint lived in Pechenga for almost 60 years and died in 1583 at the age of 88.
On the same day, another Christian ascetic is remembered — St. Stephen, Archbishop of Sourozh. He lived several centuries earlier, in the 8th century, in Asia Minor. After receiving an excellent education in Constantinople, Stephen chose the path of monasticism. He spent about 30 years in desert places in strict fasting and prayer. He was later ordained bishop of the city of Surozh (now Sudak in Crimea).
His ministry fell during the era of iconoclasm under Emperor Leo III the Isaurian. The saint courageously defended the right to venerate holy icons, for which he was tortured and imprisoned. Released after the death of the persecutor, he returned to Surozh, where he died in old age. The saint's name is associated with the legend of how, at the beginning of the 9th century, under the influence of miracles, the Russian Prince Bravlin was baptized at his shrine during a campaign in the Crimea.
Prayers on December 28
St. Tryphon is considered the patron saint of sailors. They pray to him for help in working at sea, protection from dangers and bad weather. Those who seek support in their spiritual pursuits and want to gain spiritual enlightenment also turn to the saint. Prayers to St. Stephen, who, according to legend, defended icon worship, are connected with the preservation of faith and virtue in all circumstances. He is also approached with requests for healing from various ailments.
Prayer to Tryphon of Pechenga
"O Holy Trinity-worshipper, O most blessed and equal-to-the-apostles pastor, our Venerable Father Tryphon! <...> In the meantime, we beseech you, do not forget to visit your children, pray for us, Venerable Father, who come to you with faith, and for all Christians, for you have boldness towards the immortal King Christ, the God of all; do not be silent. Come to the Lord and do not despise us, who honor you with faith and love and remember your holy memory. Even though you have passed away from us in body, but even after death, alive in spirit, you always work miracles. Through your prayers, keep us from the arrows and machinations of the enemy, and all the charms of demons, and from enemies visible and invisible. To our good shepherd! <...> We fervently run to you and ask: beg and grant us time for repentance, so that at the hour of the soul's exodus we may pass from earthly to heavenly, but we will be delivered from the ordeals of the air and eternal torment, and we will inherit the heavenly kingdom with all those who have been pleased from time immemorial. O our All-blessed and Venerable Father Tryphon! Even now, do not despise us who flow to you, for through your prayers and help we are saved. We send up glory and thanksgiving, praise and worship for all in the Trinity to the one God, the Creator of all, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."
Prayer to Stefan Sourozhsky
"O holy head, our mighty prayerful and intercessory Father Stephen, hear us who call upon you with faith and love. Remember us at the throne of the Almighty and do not stop praying for us. Through your intercession, ask our all-merciful Savior: peace to his church, zeal and strength for the shepherd of God, and peace and salvation for our Orthodox country. Beseech the heavenly Father, to whom the gift of true faith, firm hope, unfailing love, confirmation of our cities, peace, deliverance from famine and destruction, preservation from the invasion of foreigners, good growth in faith for the young, consolation and strengthening for the old and infirm, healing for the sick, mercy and intercession for the poor and widows, those in need help. Do not put us to shame in our hope; help us, as a father who loves children, and let us bear the good yoke of Christ with benevolence and patience, and guide us all in peace and repentance, ending our lives without shame and inheriting the kingdom of God, where you now dwell with the angels and all the saints, praising God in the Trinity, the Father and The Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to the Martyr Eustratius of Sebaste.
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