Folk signs for November 13: 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 signs for November 13 and the church holidays that are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs on November 13, 2026
In Russia, on November 13, the feast of Spyridon and Nicodemus was celebrated, named after two reverend saints of the Kiev Caves Monastery. It was also called Nicodemus Day, Hunters' Day, or Jura Day. This date fell at a time when the autumn field work was already being completed, and the peasants were preparing the farm for the onset of persistent frosts. Special attention was paid to poultry, the condition of buildings and food supplies.
One of the main activities on November 13 was preparing chickens for wintering. The owners insulated the coops and moved the poultry into enclosed spaces protected from the cold. Rich soups, cutlets and chicken coop pies were prepared from poultry meat. In some areas, this day was considered a holiday of fishermen and hunters. Fishermen went fishing, and fish soup and pies were prepared from the catch for the family table. There was a custom to sell the first fish caught in order to use the money to buy candles for the temple.
The peasants watched the weather on Spiridon and Nikodim especially closely. It was believed that the behavior of birds helps determine how close the onset of winter is. If bullfinches started whistling loudly, they expected the arrival of frost soon. On the contrary, the lively chirping of sparrows was perceived as a harbinger of warming.
Other signs of the day:
The weather is warm during the day, leading to strong winds in the next two or three days.;
A clear and sunny day leads to a cold snap;
The wind changes direction from east to west, leading to increased clouds.;
The sun sets behind thick crimson clouds, leading to precipitation;
chickens cluck unusually after laying eggs — to bad weather;
There are a lot of bright stars in the sky at night — winter will pass without sudden temperature changes.;
The fishermen quarreled among themselves, leading to an unsuccessful winter fishing.
What not to do on November 13th
On the feast of Spyridon and Nicodemus, there were prohibitions and superstitions related to family well-being, health and luck. Special importance was attached to maintaining peace in the house, as quarrels were considered a bad omen. It was also not recommended to give up a good night's sleep, as lack of rest was associated with future illnesses and misfortunes.
What else can not be done:
embezzling the found money leads to possible financial losses;
picking up buttons from the ground leads to the evil eye;
to lend and borrow money, it will be difficult to return it.;
to transfer money from hand to hand in transactions — they were afraid of monetary failures.
What is the church holiday on November 13th?
On November 13, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of Saints Spyridon and Nicodemus, the Priests of the Caves, who lived in the 12th century. They labored in the Kiev Caves Monastery and became famous for their many years of service, humility and prayerful work. For three decades, monks have been preparing prosphoras, small loaves used during Orthodox worship. They accompanied their obedience with fasting and prayer. In the church tradition, their lives are considered an example of faithfulness to their chosen path and the spiritual significance of daily work.
The legend of the miraculous rescue of the monastery bakery is connected with the name of Spyridon. One day, while heating the stove, a fire broke out, threatening the room. The monk covered the mouth of the furnace with his mantle, and then brought water from the well in a sleeve-tied cassock. The monks who came to help saw that the cloth was not damaged by the fire, and the water did not spill out. The fire was extinguished, and the incident was perceived as a miracle. That is why, in the folk tradition, saints began to be revered as protectors from the fiery element.
St. Nicodemus was Spyridon's closest associate and shared his monastic labors with him. He was also distinguished by a strict life, prayer, and diligent obedience. Both died at an advanced age, and their relics rest in the Nearby, or Anthony, caves of the Kiev Caves Monastery.
On the same date, Orthodox believers honor the memory of the martyr Epimachus the New, of Alexandria, who suffered for the Christian faith around the year 250. The saint came from Egypt and lived for a long time as a hermit on Mount Pelusium. After learning about the persecution of Christians in Alexandria, he went to the city, openly confessed his faith and destroyed pagan idols. For this, he was imprisoned and subjected to severe tortures. During the saint's suffering, a drop of his blood healed a woman suffering from an eye disease.
Prayers
On the memorial day of Saints Spyridon and Nicodemus, believers can turn to them with prayers for family peace, strengthening faith, assistance in daily work and protecting homes from fires. They pray to the Martyr Epimachus for strengthening courage, perseverance in the face of trials and healing from diseases.
Prayer to the Venerable Spyridon and Nicodemus, Saints of the Caves, in the Nearby Caves
"Venerable Father Spyridon! Look upon us mercifully and raise those who adhere to the earth to the height of heaven. You are in heaven, we are on the ground below, far from you, not only in place, because of our sins and iniquities, but we run to you and cry out: guide us to walk in your way, understand and guide. Your whole holy life was a mirror of every virtue. Do not cease, O servant of God, crying to the Lord for us. Through your intercession, ask our All-merciful God for the peace of His Church, under the sign of the militant cross, for harmony in faith and unity of mind, for the destruction of superstition and schisms, for the confirmation of good deeds, healing for the sick, consolation for the sorrowful, intercession for the offended, and help for the needy. Do not put us to shame, who flow to you with faith. All Orthodox Christians, through your miracles and mercies, confess that you are their patron and intercessor. Show forth the ancient mercies of your Father, and you have helped them, and do not reject us, their children, who walk in their footsteps to you. As we stand before your venerable icon, for I live and exist in you, we prostrate ourselves and pray: accept our supplications and offer them up on the altar of God's benevolence, that we may receive from you grace and timely help in our needs. Strengthen our cowardice and strengthen us in faith, so that we may surely hope to receive all that is good from the Lord's mercy through your prayers. Oh, great servant of God! Help all of us who flow to you with faith through your intercession to the Lord, and guide us all in peace and repentance to end our lives and be filled with hope in the blessed bosom of Abraham, where you now rest joyfully after your labors and struggles, glorifying with all the saints God, who is glorified in the Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy One. Of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."
Prayer to the Martyr Epimachus the New, of Alexandria
"O holy servant of God, Martyr Epimache! Having labored with a good deed on earth, you have perceived in heaven the crown of righteousness, which the Lord has prepared for all who love Him. Looking at your holy image, we rejoice at the glorious end of your residence and honor your holy memory. But you, standing before the Throne of God, accept our supplications and offer 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 lands of the living, glorifying God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia reported on the traditions of Sinichkin Day.
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