Folk signs for November 17: 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 Monday, November 17th, and which church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for November 17, 2025
In Russia, on November 17, Yeremin Day was celebrated. In the minds of our ancestors, it was strongly associated with an unfavorable time when evil spirits were activated. The expression "Yerema — stay at home" perfectly reflected the main essence of this day. They tried not to leave the threshold unless absolutely necessary. It was believed that during this period, one could easily encounter dark forces that seek to enter the home and take away family peace and prosperity.
In the old days, this day was completely devoted to household chores and protecting one's home from evil. Special attention was paid to protecting the boundaries of the house: the doors were bolted, rowan trees were scattered on the window sills, which were considered a powerful talisman, and crosses were drawn on the windows with chalk or charcoal. The threshold, as a symbolic boundary between the worlds, was guarded especially carefully, nailing a horseshoe or a piece of scythe over the door.
The national calendar closely linked Yeremin's day with weather predictions for the coming winter. If the mice began to move closer to human habitation, it foreshadowed a harsh and frosty winter. Another sure sign of the coming cold weather was a cat curled up in a ball in the house.
Other signs of the day:
- the trees in the forest have turned black — warming is ahead;
- the grass is covered with frost in the morning, leading to a cold snap;
- circles are visible around the sun during the day — for snowfall;
- The sky turned pink at sunset due to the windy weather.;
- clouds are like sea waves — the weather will deteriorate;
- the snow has fallen and is not melting — by early spring.
What not to do on November 17th
Yerema also had strict prohibitions, the violation of which, according to beliefs, could bring troubles and misfortunes. They were especially afraid of evil spirits entering the house. Therefore, it was strictly forbidden to let in strangers, under the guise of which evil spirits could get into the dwelling. It was still impossible to take anything out of the hut. Our ancestors believed that you can give away your well-being along with a thing or garbage.
What else can't be done on November 17th:
- to be lazy and idle leads to poverty;
- lending money or borrowing things leads to financial problems;
- to receive guests leads to quarrels and discord in the family;
- Making important decisions leads to mistakes;
- make deals — they will be unsuccessful;
- arranging weddings and engagements leads to an unhappy marriage.
What is the church holiday on November 17th?
On November 17, the Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Martyrs Nicander, Bishop of Mir, and Hermaeus, Presbyter. These saints lived in the 1st century and were disciples of Saint Titus, who, in turn, was a companion of the Apostle Paul. Ordained by Titus himself, Nicander and Hermaeus carried the word of God to the pagans of Asia Minor, converting many to the Christian faith.
Their activities attracted the attention of the authorities. The preachers were captured and brought before the mayor. But neither persuasion nor threats forced them to renounce Christ. Then they were subjected to severe tortures: dragged over rocks, tied to horses, their bodies were torn with iron hooks, and thrown into a red-hot furnace. However, according to legend, each time they remained unharmed. In the end, Nikandra and Ermey were executed.
On the same day, the memory of St. John the Great, who lived in the VIII–IX centuries, is honored. He was born in Bithynia into a poor family and served in the imperial army in his youth. Striving for spiritual achievements, John left military service and took monastic vows. He spent more than 70 years in strict asceticism, living in secluded deserts, monasteries and seclusion, indulging in incessant prayer and fasting.
During his pious life, St. John was granted by God the gift of foresight, miracle-working, and power over wild animals. According to the hagiography, he could become invisible, heal people's illnesses and passions. The saint died at a very old age, anticipating his demise in advance. His life became a model of monastic service and spiritual achievement.
Prayers on November 17th
The Holy Martyrs Nicander and Hermaeus are addressed with prayers for strengthening in faith, especially in times of doubt and trials. They are asked for guidance on the right path and for the courage to defend their religious beliefs. They pray to St. John the Great for healing from diseases, taming passions and intercession in difficult life circumstances.
Prayer to Nicander and Hermaeus
"Holy Martyrs Nicandra and Ermea! Look down from the heavenly palace upon those who require your help and do not reject their petitions; but as our eternal benefactors and intercessors, pray to Christ God, that He who loves mankind and has much mercy, may preserve us from every cruel situation: from cowardice, flood, fire, sword, invasion of foreigners and internecine warfare. May He not condemn us sinners according to our iniquities, and may we not turn the good things bestowed upon us by the all-merciful God to evil, but to the glory of His holy name and to the glorification of your mighty intercession. Through your prayers, may the Lord grant us peace of mind, abstinence from harmful passions and from all defilement; and may He strengthen throughout the world His one Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, which He has acquired through His honest blood. As we pray diligently, holy martyrs, may Christ God establish in His Holiest Orthodox Church the living spirit of righteous faith and piety; may all its members, pure from superstition and superstition, worship Him in spirit and truth and diligently take care of the observance of His commandments; may we all live in peace and piety in the present age and attain bliss eternal life in heaven, by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom belong all glory, honor, and power, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."
Prayer to John the Great
"O holy head, Venerable Father, Most Blessed Abbot John, do not forget your poor to the end, but always remember us in holy and auspicious prayers to God: remember your flock, which you have saved yourself, and do not forget to visit your children. Pray for us, holy Father, for your spiritual children, for you have Boldness to the Heavenly King: do not be silent for us to the Lord, and do not despise us who honor you with faith and love: remember us unworthy at the Throne of the Almighty, and do not stop praying for us to Christ God, for you have been given the grace to pray for us. We don't think you're dead.: For though you have passed away from us in body, but you are still alive after death, do not depart from us in spirit, preserving us from the arrows of the enemy and all the charms of demons and the machinations of the devil, our good shepherd. For even though your relics of cancer are always visible before our eyes, your holy soul, with angelic hosts, fleshless faces, and heavenly powers, stands at the throne of the Almighty, rejoicing worthily, leading you to truly live after death, we fall down and pray to you: pray for us to Almighty God, O Lord. For the benefit of our souls, and grant us time for repentance, so that we may safely pass from earth to heaven, and may we be delivered from bitter ordeals, demons of the air, and eternal torment, and may we be heiresses of the heavenly Kingdom with all the righteous who have pleased our Lord Jesus Christ from time immemorial.: To Him belongs all glory, honor, and worship, together with His Beginningless Father, and with His All-holy, Good, and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia told about what they pray to St. John Chrysostom.
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