Folk signs for September 18: 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 Thursday, September 18, and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for September 18, 2025
In Russia, on September 18, the feast of Zachary and Elizabeth, or Godfather's Day, was celebrated. In the old days, Kumokha was called an evil spirit that brought quarrels, illnesses and troubles. It was believed that on this day he leaves the forest and begins to bypass the villages. To protect themselves from his machinations, the ancestors conducted special rituals.
The men went to the haylofts, where an evil spirit could be hiding, and pierced the hay with pitchforks to expel Kumokha. Birch branches were used to protect the house. They were placed at the window, under the threshold or roof of the house, and also used instead of a broom to "sweep out" all the bad things. The stove was heated exclusively with birch and aspen firewood, which scared away evil spirits.
Signs were given great importance to Elizabeth and Zachariah. They were used to judge what the weather would be like in the coming months. For example, it was believed that if the leaves on a mountain ash tree had already turned yellow, autumn would be rainy and winter would be early. A lot of berries on the trees foreshadowed the cold and frosts in the current season.
Other signs of the day:
- The morning fog does not dissipate for a long time, leading to warm, dry weather.;
- A strong wind is blowing, which means that rains are coming.;
- A single cloud is moving across the sky, heading for warmth;
- the sun sets behind the horizon with a crimson disk — to inclement weather;
- pets hide under a canopy — for a change in the weather;
- The frogs in the marshes have quieted down — a downpour is about to begin;
- there are a lot of caterpillars on the grass — for a harsh and prolonged winter.
What not to do on September 18
There were also many prohibitions on the holiday, the violation of which could lead to troubles and misfortunes. In a number of regions, there was a belief that on Mother's Day one should not pick up bulk products — sugar, salt, cereals or flour, otherwise happiness and prosperity would "flow" through their fingers.
What else can not be done on September 18:
- to let strangers into the house — evil spirits could enter the house through them;
- to wash bed linen — it was believed that an evil spirit could appear from the water and cause trouble or damage.;
- working in the afternoon in the garden or field — at this time, the evil spirits were especially active and sought to harm a person.;
- swearing and uttering swear words — according to beliefs, bad words open the way to the dark world, attracting misfortune;
- wearing torn or soiled clothes leads to poverty and disease;
- quarreling between spouses leads to long—term discord in the family.
What is the church holiday on September 18?
On September 18, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the prophet Zachariah and the righteous Elizabeth, who was a relative of the Most Holy Theotokos. For a long time, the couple were childless, but they did not stop fervently praying for the birth of a child. As a reward for their faith, they were given the news to become the parents of a great prophet and harbinger of the coming of the Savior. This is how John the Baptist, the Baptist of the Lord, was born.
After the order of King Herod to exterminate all infants under the age of two, Elizabeth and little John disappeared into the mountains. According to legend, thanks to her prayer, the rock miraculously parted, which made it possible to avoid persecution. Zachariah was killed right during prayer in the temple, refusing to give away the location of his family. Elisaveta died soon after. John, protected by the Lord, remained in the desert, where he lived for many years before his appearance to the people of Israel.
On the same date, believers remember the holy Martyr Raisa (Iraida), who lived at the turn of the III–IV centuries in Alexandria on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. According to legend, one day a girl went to the spring to draw water, and saw a ship off the shore, on which there were many prisoners of Christ, imprisoned in chains. Shocked by what she saw, the saint left the water carrier and voluntarily boarded the ship, declaring herself a Christian. Upon arrival in the Egyptian city of Antipolis, all the righteous were executed.
Prayers on September 18
In popular culture, Zachary and Elizabeth are considered patrons of the family, marriage and motherhood. In their prayers, believers ask them for family well-being, the gift of children and health for loved ones. Weddings and wedding ceremonies are also held on this day, believing that the marriage will be strong and happy. Raisa of Alexandria is asked for help in strengthening faith, resisting temptation, and in cases of persecution for her religion.
Prayer to Zachariah and Elizabeth
"O holy lady of God, the prophet Zachariah and the righteous Elizabeth! Having labored with good deeds on earth, they perceived the crown of righteousness in heaven, and the Lord has prepared it 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 as you stand 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."
Prayer to Raisa of Alexandria
"Oh saint, Raiso! 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."
Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to the Holy Martyr Babyl of Antioch.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
