Folk signs for September 16: what can and cannot be done
In Russia, omens were given special importance. They were used to determine when to sow and harvest, what the weather would be like in the coming months, and even how fate would turn out. The national calendar was full of rituals and beliefs. Izvestia tells about the signs for September 16 and shares prayers for the day.
Folk signs for September 16, 2025
In Russia, on September 16, Domna Dobrodnaya Day was celebrated. On the holiday, attention was paid to restoring order, believing that this would bring prosperity and protect against evil spirits. A general cleaning was done in the house, and all unnecessary things were taken out into the yard and burned with potato tops or distributed to those in need. Only old bast shoes were not thrown away — they were hung on stakes next to the house as a talisman against evil forces and unkind people.
On Domna Dobrodnaya Day, the ancestors watched nature, hoping to find out what autumn and winter would be like. If the sun was shining on a holiday, they understood that the whole of September would be sunny and warm.
Other signs of the day:
- thunder rumbles all day — autumn will be warm;
- Good weather outside — spring will come late;
- It started raining after lunch — the weather is going to get worse for a long time;
- Red sunset — towards the cold;
- a lot of fly agaric appeared in the forest — by the wet and long autumn;
- A magpie screams at the courtyard — for a change in the weather or the sudden arrival of guests.
What not to do on September 16
In Russia, on the day of Domna Dobrodnaya, they adhered to various prohibitions, hoping in this way to avoid diseases and misfortunes. On September 16, there were no weddings or matchmaking — it was believed that such a union would be short-lived and would bring only grief to the newlyweds.
What else can not be done on September 16
- quarreling and gossiping — all the negativity will return in triple size;
- picking up other people's money from the floor leads to poverty;
- Young girls often look in the mirror — they can lose their beauty.;
- Going to the forest is a high risk of getting lost;
- Overeating leads to financial difficulties;
- leaving the house unmade — there will be no place in life for something new and good.;
- Cooking food in a bad mood can lead to digestive problems.;
- quarreling with loved ones leads to a loss of trust.
Church holidays on September 16
On September 16, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the Martyr Donna of Nicomedia, who lived at the end of the III – beginning of the IV century during the time of severe persecution of Christians. She was a pagan priestess who, having become acquainted with theological works, believed in Christ and was baptized. The saint distributed all her possessions and began to bring food from the imperial palace to the poor. For this, she was imprisoned and almost starved to death, but the angel gave her food.
After being released, Domna cut her hair, put on men's clothes and settled in a cave near the city. She took care of the bodies of other martyrs who were abandoned without burial. When this became known to the emperor, he ordered the arrest of the saint. For refusing to renounce Christ, Domna was tortured and executed.
Also on September 16, believers remember Saint Vasilissa of Nicomedia, who lived in the III century. She was only nine years old when Alexander, the ruler of Nicomedia, ordered her to be captured and forced to renounce Christianity. Despite the threats and torments, Vasilissa remained steadfast in her faith, and her wounds miraculously healed. Seeing this, Alexander believed in Christ, released the martyr and was baptized. Soon after, they both passed away peacefully.
Prayers for September 16
Orthodox believers can pray to the Nicomedia Martyrs Domna and Vasilissa on September 16. They are asked for strengthening in faith, guidance on the righteous path and protection from enemies.
Prayer to the Holy Martyr Domna of Nicomedia
"O holy one, Domno! 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 the Holy Martyr Vasilissa of Nicomedia
"Oh, holy Vasilissa! 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 lands 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."
Earlier, Izvestia reported on the signs of the national holiday Mammoth Day.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
