November 28 — the beginning of the Christmas Fast: history, traditions, omens

At the end of autumn, Orthodox Christians begin the Christmas fast, which precedes one of the main church holidays — the Nativity of Christ. During this period, it is prescribed to observe food restrictions, focusing on prayer and repentance. In 2025, the beginning of the Christmas Fast falls on Friday, November 28. Izvestia tells us about what can and cannot be done on this day, and what dietary rules to follow.

Christmas fast in 2025: the essence and spiritual significance

The Christmas fast lasts for 40 days, symbolizing the forty-day fast of Jesus Christ in the desert. It is often called the Lenten Fast, or the Philippian Fast, because it begins immediately after the feast day of the Apostle Philip.

This is a special time in the church calendar, which is intended for inner work and spiritual concentration. His main goal is to cleanse his soul from sinful thoughts, to become more merciful and humble in order to celebrate the feast of the Nativity of Christ with dignity.

Fasting on the eve of Christmas began at the dawn of Christianity. The earliest mentions of the tradition date back to the 5th century. However, the fast used to last about a week. Forty days of prayer was established in the 12th century, first by the Greek and then by the Russian Church.

Dates and duration of the Christmas Fast in 2025

Unlike the Great Fast, which is tied to the celebration of Easter, the Christmas Fast has fixed dates. Every year it begins on November 28 and lasts exactly 40 days, ending on Christmas Eve on January 6 with the appearance of the first star in the sky.

Among Catholics, the Christmas fast is called Advent. In 2025, it began on November 30 and will end on December 24.

Eating during the Christmas fast: what you can and can't eat

During the Christmas Fast, animal products are completely excluded from the diet: meat, milk, eggs, butter. Fish and seafood are allowed only on certain days. However, the rules of nutrition vary depending on the specific day of the week and the period of fasting.

The spiritual meaning of Christmas Fast 2025: prayers and rules for believers

The main periods of nutrition during fasting

• November 28 — December 19. During this period, fish is allowed on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and hot food without oil is allowed on Mondays. On Wednesdays and Fridays, dry—eating.

• December 20 — January 1. The Yuletide period, when the rules are tightened. Fish is not allowed even on Saturdays and Sundays. On these days, you can eat hot food with vegetable oil. Dry eating persists on Wednesdays and Fridays.

• January 2-6. The last days of the fast are the strictest. Fish is completely excluded. Even on Saturday and Sunday, only hot food without butter is allowed.

Meals on the first day of lent on November 28

Since in 2025 the beginning of the fast falls on a Friday, it is a day of strict abstinence. According to the church charter, dry eating is prescribed for believers. This means that you can not eat food that has been heat-treated, as well as vegetable oil.

It is allowed to eat bread, raw vegetables and fruits, honey, nuts and dried fruits. Such nutrition helps to adjust to an ascetic mood at the beginning of the spiritual path.

The beginning of the Christmas fast on November 28: traditions and prohibitions

In addition to food restrictions, it is necessary to adhere to certain behavioral rules. The Church encourages believers to take time for morning and evening prayer, to read spiritual literature such as the Gospels and the writings of the Holy Fathers, and to attend church services. Any kind deeds are welcome, such as giving alms or helping shelters.

What you should refrain from:

• manifestations of negative emotions: anger, envy, pride;
• foul language and empty talk;
• bad habits such as drinking alcohol and smoking;
• participation in entertainment events;
• marital intimacy.

It is important to remember that all limitations are primarily tools for spiritual growth. The Church recommends a reasonable approach to fasting, taking into account the state of health, age and life circumstances. In case of doubt, it is better to consult a priest.

The conspiracy before the Christmas Fast: what kind of day is this and how to spend it properly?

Folk traditions and omens for November 28

In the national calendar, the beginning of the Christmas Fast, on November 28, and the day preceding it had their own traditions. The day before, according to custom, a Conspiracy was celebrated. The holiday symbolized a farewell to carnal pleasures and a mood for spiritual purification.

On this day, for the last time in the year, a sumptuous table with meat and other dishes was set, and the last weddings were played out. After November 27, the wedding weeks came to an end, as no weddings were played during the service period.

The very beginning of the fast was considered the border, after which the real winter came. There are many weather signs associated with this day, which were used to judge the weather in the coming months and the future harvest.

The main signs of the day:

• If it snows on November 28, the winter will be frosty and snowy.;
• A windless day leads to a mild and warm season;
• The weather is clear — spring will come early next year.;
• hoarfrost on the trees — for a good harvest of oats;
• Sparrows are starting to insulate their nests — frosts are coming soon.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on folk signs on St. John Chrysostom Memorial Day.

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