Folk signs for October 5: 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, October 5, and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for October 5, 2025
In Russia, on October 5, the feast of Jonah and Phokas was celebrated. It was considered a temporary boundary from which the real autumn began. That is why the holiday was also called Listopadnaya or Listoder. In the villages, radishes, one of the main autumn vegetables on the table, were being harvested at that time. Housewives served it fresh with butter, as part of stews or as a side dish with bread kvass.
The day was usually devoted to household chores. On the holiday, it was customary to get up early, do housework and tidy up the house. In the old days, many superstitions were associated with the celebration. For example, it was believed that if a bump fell on your head while walking through the forest on Ionic Day, then wealth and prosperity await you in the future.
According to the signs of the day, the weather for the coming months was determined. If the birch had not yet shed its leaves by the middle of autumn, then they knew that winter would come too late. And if there were a lot of acorns in the forest, they were preparing for a cold and snowy winter.
Other signs of the day:
- aspen drops its leaves, which means that autumn is nearing its end.;
- if clouds appear in the direction where the wind is blowing, calm weather will soon set in.;
- There are a lot of cobwebs flying in the air — autumn will be warm, and frosts will come late.;
- Chickadees often fly up to their homes in the early and frosty winter;
- if there are a lot of mushrooms, especially honey mushrooms, the winter will be snowy.;
- few cones on a pine tree — for a warm winter.
What not to do on October 5th
There were certain prohibitions on the holiday. They tried not to violate them in order to avoid trouble. For example, it was not recommended to sleep in the wrong bed, it promised big trouble. It was considered a bad omen to sleep before lunch, as this could lead to financial problems and failures.
What else can't be done on October 5th:
- Eating fish is forbidden due to the memory of the prophet Jonah, who spent three days in the belly of a whale.;
- burn garbage and brooms — along with the ashes, the wind can take away the well-being of the family.;
- leave windows and doors open — evil forces and diseases can enter the house;.
- start quarrels and conflicts — they can escalate into a protracted feud.;
- to be lazy and postpone household chores — according to beliefs, if you do nothing on this day, then the whole winter will be hard and poor.
What is the church holiday on October 5th?
On October 5, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the Old Testament prophet Jonah, who lived in the 8th century BC. According to his life, God called him to preach in the city of Nineveh and help people give up their sinful lives. But Jonah did not want to carry out this assignment. One day, during a sea voyage, a ship with Jonah on board got into a severe storm. The prophet ended up in the sea and was swallowed by a huge whale.
After staying in the belly of the whale for three days and praying fervently, Jonah was miraculously cast out onto dry land, after which he fulfilled the will of God. His preaching proved so powerful that the inhabitants of the city — from ordinary people to the ruler — repented and changed their lives. As a result, the city escaped destruction.
On the same date, the early Christian Saint Phocas, Bishop of Sinope, is commemorated. He came from the city of Sinope and, having converted to Christianity, was distinguished by his zeal in preaching the gospel and piety in his personal life. During the persecution of Christians by the Roman Emperor Trajan, Phocas was tortured and executed. Saint Phokas is revered by the people as a protector from fires and the patron saint of the drowning.
Prayers on October 5th
Orthodox Christians pray to the prophet Jonah for enlightenment in order to follow God's providence. Also, before the image of the prophet, they ask about choosing the right path in life. Holy Martyr Foka is prayed for strengthening faith, protection from enemies, protection of houses and buildings, as well as salvation from death in fire or on water.
Prayer to the Prophet Jonah
Troparion, glas 2
"We celebrate the memory of your Prophet Jonah, O Lord, and therefore we pray to You: 'Save our souls.'
Kontakion, glas 2
"You became an amazing prophet after receiving God's commission, and as a prototype of the three-day Resurrection, you stayed inside the whale for three days, emerged from it intact, and became a brilliant preacher to Nineveh, the great city. Therefore, we honor you with joy, Jonah, as the herald of God's love for mankind."
Prayer to Phocas of Sinope
"About the Holy Martyr, Foko. Having labored with good deeds on earth, you have perceived 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 us what they pray to St. John Chrysostom.
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