Folk signs for September 26: 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 Friday, September 26, and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for September 26, 2025

In Russia, on September 26, the feast of Cornelius Day was celebrated, named in honor of St. Cornelius the Centurion, the patron saint of agriculture. At that time, the harvesting of root crops in the villages was completed: beets, carrots, radishes, potatoes. It was believed that frosts would come after this date, and if the crop was not harvested, it would die.

Before the onset of cold weather, they tried to plant apple and currant seedlings. There was a belief that trees and shrubs planted on this day would take root well. After work, the table was set in the houses and the whole family gathered for a festive dinner. Young couples had to try turnips with honey — it promised a long and happy life.

Great importance was given to omens. They were used to determine the weather for the coming months. Rain was a good sign on Kornilov Day. In the old days, it was believed that it had healing powers, and anyone who got under it would strengthen their health and not get sick all year round.

Other signs of the day:

• heavy frost on the grass — for sunny weather;
• Birds are flying low — it's going to rain soon;
• it started to rain — the whole autumn will be wet; .
• It was a warm and dry morning, and autumn will be long and mild.;
• There are a lot of cobwebs outside — the warm days will last longer.;
• cows are mooing loudly — for a change in the weather;
• root crops with strong roots — winter will be early and cold;
• the water in the well is getting colder, leading to frosts.

What not to do on September 26th

On Kornilov Day, our ancestors adhered to certain prohibitions in order to avoid misfortune. For example, on a holiday, it was strictly forbidden to read fortune-telling on mirrors. Many peasants were afraid of their own reflection, even in the window or in the water. It was believed that reflection could "take away" beauty, youth, and also deprive of strength and health.

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What else can not be done on September 26:

• to clean the house, including sweeping and mopping the floors — this is how you can "clean out" happiness and well-being.;
• allowing guests to wash their dishes will "wash away" the wealth of the hosts along with the water.;
• Getting to know new people is not going to bring you joy.;
• quarreling and swearing — the conflict can drag on for many months.;
• Laugh out loud — laughter can attract evil spirits.;
• single people can sleep on two pillows at once, otherwise it will take a very long time to find a soulmate.;
• planning a wedding or making a match — the marriage will not last long, and the spouses will be unhappy.

What is the church holiday on September 26th?

On September 26, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Cornelius the Centurion, one of the first pagans converted to Christianity by the Apostle Peter. Cornelius lived in the 1st century in Caesarea of Palestine and was a Roman centurion. One day, an angel appeared to him, who told him to find the apostle. Cornelius followed the instructions and, after Peter's sermon in his house, was baptized. Among the pagans, he became the first Christian in Palestine.

Cornelius accompanied the apostle in his preaching labors, and was later ordained bishop of his native city by him. He worked hard to spread the faith, performed miracles, and ended his life in the city of Skepsia, where he converted many residents to Christianity. According to his life, the saint died at a very old age. He is revered by both Eastern and Western Christians. In the Catholic Church, the memory of Cornelius is celebrated on February 2.

On the same date, believers remember the Great Martyr Ketevan, Queen of Kakheti. Ketevana came from the royal family of Bagrationi and was the great-granddaughter of Tsar Konstantin Kartalinsky. Later, she became the wife of the heir of Tsar Alexander II of Kakheti, David, and ruled the kingdom herself. The queen's deep piety manifested itself in the construction of temples, orphanages, hospices and in special care for the needs of the Georgian Church.

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Prayers on September 26

In popular culture, the memory of St. Cornelius the Centurion is associated with the agricultural calendar. On Kornilov Day, the peasants asked him for protection in work and family matters. They also believed that he helped farmers and kept the household well-off. They pray to the Great Martyr Ketevan, Queen of Kakheti, for mental and physical health, for protection from evil people and their intentions, and for strengthening faith in the Lord.

Prayer to Cornelius the Centurion

"O great servant of Christ, our Father Cornelius! Stand before the Throne of God in heaven, enjoy His threefold glory, and rest your body and holy face on earth in Divine temples and exude various miracles from above <...> extend your warm prayers to the Lord our God and ask our souls for the remission of sins <...> to lift up a voice of prayer to His unapproachable glory in Divinity, With a contrite heart and a humble spirit, we call upon you to be a merciful intercessor to the Lord and a prayer book for our sinners, for you have accepted grace from Him to drive away illnesses and heal passions. We're afraid of you <... May you be our comforter in sorrow, our physician in need, our speedy protector, and our most ready intercessor and healer in sorrow. Intercede with us all, who are useful for salvation, that through your prayers to the Lord God we may receive grace and mercy, and glorify all the good Sources and Givers of God, Who is One in the Holy Trinity, glorifying the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."

Prayer to Ketevan, Queen of Kakheti

"O radiant luminary of the Iberian Church, glorious passion-bearer, great Martyr Queen Ketevan, Enlighten my soul, darkened by many sins, strengthen and guide me, the fragrance of paradise, the praise and adornment of the Iberian! Bring me, through your prayers and all-powerful intercession, to the Throne of the Heavenly Father, your loving, weak children, and make me, O child-loving mother, a citizen of Holy Jerusalem! Dissolve the cup of my sorrows with heavenly consolation and accept this sweetness from me, the light of my eyes and the joy of my soul.: Rejoice, adorned with heavenly pearls of God's grace; rejoice, mighty intercessor and intercessor of your people! Rejoice, quick hearing and giving of help to all the fallen; rejoice, O queen, for the most sweet name of the Lord Jesus, who is imprisoned! <... Hail, golden porphyry, the praise of the kings and the people of Iver; hail, the consolation of my soul! Rejoice, my sweetest hope of salvation; rejoice, the ornament of my youth! Hail, the sanctification of my old age; hail, the companion of my soul in the midst of bitter aerial ordeals! Hail, sweet-named Ketevan, great intercessor and quick helper!"

Earlier, Izvestia told what they were praying to the Holy Martyr Metropolitan of Italy.