Folk signs for November 20: what can and cannot be done
In Russia, signs and beliefs were given special importance. They were used to judge the weather, the future harvest, and the right time for weddings and trips. The national calendar kept a lot of rituals and superstitions for every day. Izvestia tells about the signs of the church holidays on November 21, which fall on this date.
Folk signs for November 21, 2025
In Russia, Michaelmas Day was celebrated on November 21. It marked the end of all autumn work and harvesting. It was a time of folk fun, lavish feasts and relaxation after a long working season. The peasants, having received payment for their summer labors, set rich tables, and an atmosphere of universal joy and hospitality reigned in the villages.
The main tradition of Michaelmas was Bratchina, a communal feast to which each family brought treats: meat dishes, pies made from new harvest flour, homemade beer and honey. Before the feast, the whole village went to church to light a candle and order a prayer service for Archangel Michael. It was customary to distribute the remains of the festive meal to those in need, and bread crumbs were thrown into the air. It was believed that evil spirits would be distracted by them, leaving people and crops alone.
Another important custom of the holiday was the bride showings. The girls gathered in one hut, set a common table, sang, danced and arranged games, and the boys and their parents came to look at the future housewives.
On Michaelmas, the ancestors paid attention to various signs in order to understand what the coming winter would be like. If it rained on November 21, it was understood that the slush would last until Christmas Eve (December 19).
Other signs of the day:
- Morning fog leads to a thaw;
- A clear day leads to a frosty winter;
- hoarfrost on the trees — for a rich harvest next year;
- Snow has fallen — Easter will be snowy too;
- wind from the south — for a warm winter;
- wind from the north leads to frost and snowfall;
- there is a lot of foliage on the trees — for a prolonged and harsh winter;
- sunset with a brown tint — the weather will turn bad soon;
- there are few cones on the fir trees — the winter will be mild;
- lots of acorns — for heavy snowfall;
- To see a bird is good news;
- Finding a coin will lead to increased prosperity.
What not to do on November 21
In order not to incur the wrath of Archangel Michael and lose his protection, the ancestors adhered to a number of restrictions on Michaelmas. On a holiday, one should not engage in hard physical labor, especially in order to earn money. According to popular beliefs, misfortune and failure awaited anyone who violated this prohibition.
What else can not be done on November 21:
- using sharp objects (an axe, a knife) could bring misfortune and strife into the house.;
- washing your hair leads to loss of mind and memory;
- quarreling and swearing — it will be very difficult to reconcile.;
- Talking about good dreams — they won't come true;
- throw away half—eaten food - the family will starve;
- to do needlework — the products will not last long.
What is the church holiday on November 21st?
On November 21, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Cathedral of Archangel Michael and other Celestial Bodiless Powers. This holiday, established at the beginning of the fourth century at the Local Laodicea Cathedral, is dedicated to the glorification of Archangel Michael, the leader of the heavenly host. It is believed that it was he who appeared to the Israelites in the form of a pillar of fire during the exodus from Egypt, and also expelled Lucifer and other fallen angels from Heaven.
The date of the celebration of the Cathedral of Archangel Michael is deeply symbolic. The celebration falls on the ninth month after March, from which the year began in ancient times — this is an indication of the nine angelic orders. The eighth day of the month (according to the old style) is associated with the future Council of All the Powers of Heaven on the day of the Last Judgment, which the holy fathers called "the eighth day."
Prayer for November 21st
Orthodox believers pray to Archangel Michael on November 21. He is revered as the patron saint of warriors and protector from all evil, so he is often approached by military personnel, as well as people in a dangerous situation. The bishop is also asked to heal spiritual and physical ailments, get rid of harmful passions, and help during exams or a long journey.
Prayer to Archangel Michael
"O Holy Michael the Archangel, the luminous and formidable Heavenly Tsar of the voivode! Before the Last Judgment, weaken me, repent from my sins, deliver my soul from the net of those who catch it, and bring me to the God who created me, who sits on Cherubim, and pray for her diligently, so that through your intercession she may be sent to a place of rest. O formidable Commander of the Heavenly Forces, the intercessor of all at the Throne of the Lord Christ, the guardian of the firm man and wise armourer, the mighty Commander of the Heavenly King! Have mercy on me, a sinner who requires your intercession, preserve me from all visible and invisible enemies, strengthen me even more from the horror of death and from the confusion of the devil, and vouchsafe me to appear shamelessly to our Creator in the hour of His terrible and righteous Judgment. O All-holy Great Michael the Archangel! Do not despise me, a sinner, who prays to you for your help and intercession, in this world and in the future, but make me worthy, together with you, to glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen to that."
Another prayer to Archangel Michael
"O Holy Michael the Archangel, have mercy on us sinners who demand your intercession, keep us, servant of God (names), from all visible and invisible enemies, strengthen us all the more from the horror of death and from the confusion of the devil, and vouchsafe us to appear shamelessly to our Creator in the hour of His terrible and righteous Judgment. O All-holy, great Michael the Archangel! Do not despise us sinners who pray to you for your help and intercession in this world and in the future, but make us worthy to glorify the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia reported on the signs of the national holiday Fedotov Day.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
