Folk signs for October 3: 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, October 3, and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for October 3, 2025
In Russia, on October 3, Astafia Vetryaka, or Astafiev winds, was celebrated. This day was considered a holiday of millers who worked at windmills. The peasants ground the grain of the fresh harvest, and also began to float bread on the water, while the wind was blowing in the sails, and the rivers were not covered with ice. The millers were honored in every possible way and treats were prepared for them to reward their hard work.
Sometimes late cabbage was chopped on Astafia, believing that at this time the heads acquire a special taste and have the greatest benefit. Even on the holiday, bed linen and clothes were taken outside and thoroughly ventilated. Our ancestors were convinced that in this way it is possible not only to refresh things, but also to "weather out" all diseases and troubles.
Great importance was attached to weather signs. The weather in the coming months was judged by which way the wind was blowing. Thus, the east wind promised sunny days, the west — frequent autumn rains and dampness, the south — a warm and mild winter, and the north — severe frosts and early freezing of rivers and lakes.
Other signs of the day:
- The leaves are spinning in the air, but they don't fall to the ground — autumn will drag on.;
- There are a lot of white cobwebs flying in the air — autumn will be favorable, and snow will not fall soon.;
- a strong wind has picked up in the morning — the whole winter will be windy and snowy;
- The wind blows in gusts and often changes direction to the changeable weather in winter.;
- The wind subsides in the late afternoon, and the next day will be clear.;
- calm and windless weather leads to a dry but frosty winter;
- the cones on the spruce grow low — frosts will strike soon, high — the real cold will come at the end of winter.
What not to do on October 3rd
There were a number of prohibitions on the Astafia Windmill. For example, it was forbidden to put 13 people at the table. This belief is based on the biblical story of the Last Supper of the followers of Christ, where Judas was the thirteenth among those present. In the folk tradition, the number was considered unlucky. To avoid its negative impact, another guest was invited to the table or an extra plate was placed.
What else can't be done on October 3rd:
- shake the water off your hands directly onto the floor — you need to wipe your hands dry so as not to "breed" devils.;
- Giving or accepting gifts will not bring joy.;
- to speak ill of other people — all that is said will come back with illnesses and worries;
- to sort things out — conflicts started on this day can turn into hostility;
- return the kitchen utensils empty — you need to put a piece of bread, a grain or a coin in it, otherwise the bins will be empty.;
- women go outside before lunch — according to beliefs, the wind will "blow away" the beauty from the face;
- Making dates and confessing your feelings can be frustrating.
What is the church holiday on October 3rd?
On October 3, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the Great Martyr Eustace of Rome, who lived in the first century during the time of the Roman Emperor Trajan. Before his baptism, he was a notable pagan military commander and was named Plakida. One day, while hunting, he saw a miracle: a deer with a shining cross between its horns appeared on his way, and the voice of Christ was heard. Amazed, Plakida was baptized together with his wife and sons, receiving the name Eustathius.
After a while, Emperor Trajan had to wage a difficult war for Rome. He sought out his valiant commander and won a victory with him. There was a big feast in the city. However, when Eustace was asked to worship pagan gods, he refused, declaring his faith. The martyr and his family were sentenced to death by throwing them into a red-hot copper bull. But the Lord preserved their bodies unharmed. Many, seeing this miracle, believed in Christ.
On the same date, the holy martyrs Michael, Prince of Chernigov, and his boyar Theodore, who suffered for their faith in the middle of the 13th century, when Russia was invaded by the Mongols, are remembered. The Mongol priests ordered Mikhail to worship their idols, but the prince refused, saying that he worships only one God. His boyar Theodore also refused to execute the order. This caused the Khan's displeasure, and both were martyred. In 1547, the prince was canonized. His relics are located in the Archangel Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin.
Prayers on October 3rd
Believers turn to Eustace of Rome with prayers for a good harvest, the preservation of the family and the establishment of relationships with loved ones. They also pray to the saint for help in military matters, as many brilliant victories in battles and wars are associated with his name. Prince Mikhail of Chernigov is asked for deliverance from temptations, help in overcoming various trials, protection from ill-wishers and enemies.
Prayer to Eustace of Rome
"Oh, most glorious holy and long-suffering Great Martyr of Christ Eustace! Hear us, sinners and unworthy, celebrating your holy, long-suffering memory. Through your mighty prayers, ask the Lord for grace to save us, and for forgiveness of all the sins we have committed, for the fruitfulness of the earth, for peace in the world, and for freedom from the cruel machinations of the devil, for a Christian end to our lives, and a peaceful passage through the air to heaven, for you have received this grace from the Lord, who prays for us, And if you will, have mercy on us who honor your sacred memory. You can create anything. Do not despise us who are unworthy, Holy Great Martyr Eustace. Ask the Lord for all that is good and useful to our souls, so that we too may be worthy to glorify and glorify His All-holy and magnificent Name in the heavenly Kingdom, which is the dwelling place of all the saints, forever and ever. Amen to that."
Prayer to Mikhail of Chernigov
"About the holy Great Martyr of Christ, Princess Michael and Bolyarin Theodora! Have mercy on us, sinners and unworthy (names), who are in trouble and sorrow and in sorrow, and protect us from every evil misfortune, from the evil and offending person, for you have been given such grace from God, who prays for us sinners, in trouble and adversity of those who suffer evil. Therefore, be our champions of strength against all our visible and invisible enemies. O Great Martyrs Prince Michael and Bolyarin Theodore, primates of the Heavenly King! Do not reject our supplication from us, but deliver us from present troubles and sorrows and sorrows, as well as from future torment, who faithfully cry out to God: Hallelujah."
Earlier, Izvestia told what they were praying to the Holy Martyr Zosima of Cilicia.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
