Folk signs for September 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, September 28, and which church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for September 28, 2025
In Russia, Nikita Gusyatnik was celebrated on September 28, another name is Nikita Reposer. The nickname day was given due to the fact that at that time, geese fattened over the summer began to be slaughtered in the villages, and turnips were also harvested from the gardens, which formed the basis of the peasant diet.
Turnips were loved for their unpretentiousness, rapid growth and the ability to produce a plentiful harvest even with minimal care. In addition, the root crop was stored for a long time throughout the winter, providing the family with vitamins. They ate it fresh, steamed, boiled, baked pies with it and cooked porridge. Baked goose was another dish on the festive table. It was usually served with apples and turnips as a side dish.
At the same time, hunters organized the last wild goose hunt of the season for Nikita Gusyatnik before they flew south. Many signs of the day are also associated with geese. The people said: "The geese are flying, dragging winter on their tails." If the geese haven't flown away yet, then expect warm weather until the end of autumn. If you have already traveled to distant lands, you were preparing for the frosts.
Other signs of the day:
- The trees are covered with frost — it will rain for five days;
- It was a clear day, and strong winds were coming soon;
- Ducks dive in reservoirs — for the rain;
- the goose hides its nose under its wing — for the early winter;
- Tits are worried about a cold snap;
- ants build tall anthills for the harsh winter;
- it started to rain — towards a late and wet spring.
What not to do on September 28th
In the folk tradition, the holiday was associated with certain prohibitions, the observance of which, according to beliefs, protected from troubles and misfortunes. For example, you couldn't stay alone on Nikita Gusyatnik, otherwise you could spend many months like this. It was believed that the more lavishly and cheerfully the day passed, the more successful the year would be.
What else can't be done on September 28th:
- unmarried girls watch the geese fly away, otherwise they will have to wait for their betrothed until spring.;
- bragging about your achievements and wealth — the situation may change.;
- Wasting money and making spontaneous purchases can lead to financial difficulties.;
- arguing, swearing and brawling — on the contrary, it was one of the most successful days for reconciliation.;
- taking something out of the house is believed to be a brownie counting goods on this day, and if something is missing, it will get angry.
What is the church holiday on September 28th?
On September 28, the Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Great Martyr Nikita of Gotfa, who lived on the banks of the Danube in the fourth century. He became famous for preaching Christianity among his fellow tribesmen, after which many were baptized. Nikita also openly denounced the pagan ruler Athanaric, for which he was arrested and tortured.
They tried to force the saint to renounce Christ, but despite the tortures, he remained faithful to his faith. As a result, the martyr was sentenced to death by burning. According to legend, when he was led to execution, the fire miraculously did not scorch his body. Later, the relics of Nikita of Gotfa were transferred to Constantinople.
On the same date, the memory of Saint and theologian Simeon, Bishop of Thessalonica, who lived in Constantinople in the XV century, is honored. He left behind many works, including "Dialogue against Heresies" and "On the Sacred Rites and Sacraments of the Church," which are considered canonical. The saint was already revered during his lifetime for his labors, as well as his virtues and concern for the underprivileged. In 1981, the saint was canonized by the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Constantinople.
Prayers on September 28
They pray to the Great Martyr Nikita of Gotfa for healing from incurable diseases, liberation from sins and temptations, and guidance on the right path. It is believed that prayers to the saint can also give courage in trials, including those who perform military service. Simeon of Thessalonica is asked for humility, understanding of the truths of faith, protection from heresies and support in spiritual life.
Prayer to Nikita Gotfsky
"O great passion-bearer of Christ, Nikita! Hear the prayer of us sinners and deliver us (names) from all sorrow and adversity, from sudden death and from all evil: at the hour of separation of the soul from the body, O passion-bearer, put out every evil thought and evil demons, so that Christ our Lord God may receive our souls in peace into a place of light, For from Him is the cleansing of sins, and to Him is the salvation of our souls, to whom befits all glory, honor, and worship, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."
"O great passion-bearer of Christ and wonderworker, Great Martyr Nikita! Hear us who pray to you with tears (names), and beseech Christ God to have mercy on us and grant us (the content of the petition), so that we may glorify and sing of the great generosity of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and of your holy intercession, forever and ever. Amen to that."
Prayer to Simeon of Thessalonica
Troparion, glas 1
"You have appeared as a pastor of the Thessalonians in Doussa, and you have shone forth through the divine mysteries of grace, wisdom, and the light of virtues, Hierarch Simeon. For this reason, as the Divine guide of mysteries, we honor you, crying out: glory to Christ, who glorified you, glory to him who crowned you, glory to him who gives us grace and mercy through you."
Kontakion, glas 4
"You have appeared to the Holy Church as a writer of mysteries, All-blessed Father Simeon, for you have revealed the hidden grace of the sacraments through your word."
Earlier, Izvestia told about what they pray to St. John Chrysostom.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
