Folk signs for November 14: what can and cannot be done

In Russia, signs and beliefs were given special importance. They were used to judge when to start and finish field work, when to harvest crops, play weddings, and do other household chores. The national calendar was full of traditions and rituals. Izvestia tells about the signs for November 14 and the church holidays that fall on this date.

Folk signs for November 14, 2025

In Russia, on November 14, Kuzminki autumn was celebrated. On this day, chickens were honored and the results of the year were summed up. One of the ancient traditions was the gift of "humble chickens" — peasant serfs presented such birds to their masters as a sign of obedience and respect. These chickens were not slaughtered, and their eggs were considered curative.

The festive table certainly included chicken dishes. It was believed that if the youngest man in the family ate a chicken heart, he would be healthy and happy for the next year.

Kuzminki also marked the end of the wedding season. After that, the wedding day was not played until Shrovetide. It was customary for the newlyweds to present icons of Saints Cosmas and Damian, who were revered as patrons of the family hearth and artisans, representing them in the image of blacksmiths forging happiness and marriage bonds.

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On November 14th, the ancestors closely monitored the weather to find out what the upcoming season would be like. If there was a sudden thaw on the autumn Kuzminki, they understood that severe frosts could not be expected in winter.

Other signs of the day

• A frosty day leads to an early cold snap;
• There were leaves on the trees, ready for the harsh and long winter.;
• mud and slush on the roads — frosts will come late;
• snow has fallen, leading to heavy flooding in spring;
• a cat meows at night — to a joyful event in the house.

What not to do on November 14th

In Russia, various superstitions and prohibitions were associated with autumn Kuzminki, the violation of which, according to beliefs, could bring poverty, illness and discord on the family. They did not refuse alms on the holiday, as they believed that a person who passed by risked becoming poor himself.

What else can't be done on November 14th:

• quarreling and swearing — conflicts can lead to a long and serious disagreement with loved ones;
• to look into the eyes, giving alms, you can take on other people's misfortunes and illnesses.;
• pouring water outside after bathing the baby will make the baby restless and start sleeping poorly.;
• to make rash purchases — an item purchased on this day will "pull out" money luck and will not bring joy.;
• chasing a cat out of the house is unfortunate;
• arrange weddings and engagements — the marriage will be unhappy.

Church holiday on November 14th

On November 14, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the silverless saints and wonderworkers Cosmas and Damian of Asia, who lived in the III–IV centuries. The Holy brothers were born in Asia Minor. Their pagan father died early, and their mother, Theodotia, was responsible for raising the boys in the Christian faith. Having received the gift of healing from God, the saints devoted themselves to helping the suffering. Cosmas and Damian treated all the sick, without taking any payment for it, for which they were called silverless.

One day, a woman named Palladia, healed by Cosmas and Damian, decided to thank the holy brothers. She took three eggs and begged Damian to accept them in the name of the Holy Trinity. Upon hearing this, the righteous man did not dare to refuse. However, Kosma, upon learning about this, was very upset, considered this a violation of their vow and bequeathed not to bury them together.

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When the brothers passed away, the question arose — what to do with their bodies. The dispute was resolved by the camel, which was once healed by the saints. He said in a human voice that Damian accepted the gift not for the sake of enrichment, but for the sake of the Lord, and ordered him to put it next to Kosma. This is how the relics of the holy brothers ended up in the city of Fereman, where they are kept to this day.

Prayer for November 14th

Orthodox believers pray to Cosmas and Damian of Asia on November 14. The Holy brothers are asked for healing from diseases, for the enlightenment of the lost, for strengthening in faith, as well as for help in teaching.

Prayer to the Silverless and Wonderworkers Cosmas and Damian of Asia

"Miracle workers of Slavnia, doctors without charge, Cosmo and Damian! You have loved Christ God from your youth and have kept that command with all your heart, even though you have given yourselves to the teaching of medicine, but virtuously for the sake of life and purity of soul, by the power of Christ God, not healing as an art, but even more so, you have received from God the boundless grace of healing all kinds of ailments. It is not only by your love and mercy for those who are ill that you strive, not only with people, but also with cattle, to heal diseases, to fill the whole world with your innumerable miracles, and not only to heal physical ailments, but also to enlighten souls with the faith of Christ, strengthen them in the patience of diseases, instruct them in grave difficulties about the correction of life, and attract them to Christ by repentance. In the same way, you will soon hear us, who are prostrating ourselves before your venerable icon. Young children, who ask for your help in the teaching of books, instruct them through your prayers, so that they may earnestly gain not just earthly teaching, but above all in piety and the right faith, so that they may succeed. To those lying on the bed of sickness, to those who are desperate for human help, and to those who resort warmly to you with faith and fervent prayer, grant healing of diseases through your merciful, miraculous visitation. Strengthen and instruct those who fall into thirst in sickness and from severe illnesses into despondency, cowardice and murmuring of those who have come, through the grace given to you from God, in patience, so that they may understand God's holy and good will for them, and commit themselves and their lives to the will of Christ God. For those who do not exist, but who do not rejoice in the correction of their lives, who do not repent of their sins, and who are hardened in heart, crush them for salvation and call them to repentance, so that they may be weak in body, healthy in soul, and partakers of God's saving grace. Save the brethren of this holy temple, who have been entrusted by God to your holy intercession, and all those who diligently resort to you, unharmed, from long service, from severe and incurable diseases, from relaxation of the body, from frenzy of mind, from deadly ulcers, from sudden death, and by your all-powerful intercession to God keep those who are firm in the right faith, who prosper in piety. in diligent good deeds, in diligent prayer to God, that together with you they may be worthy in the future to ever glorify and glorify the all-holy and magnificent name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen to that."

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the signs of the national holiday of Spyridon and Nicodemus.