Folk signs for November 30: what can and cannot be done
In Russia, signs and beliefs were given special importance. They were used to determine when to harvest crops, when to do housework, get married, and go on a trip. Every day of the national calendar was full of rituals and superstitions. Izvestia tells about the signs for November 30th and the church holidays that fall on this date.
Folk signs for November 30, 2025
In the folk tradition, November 30 is known as the day of Gregory the Winterkiller. By this time, stable snow cover had already been established in many regions, which made it possible to carry out the rite of "winter closing". Villagers gathered for sledding down the mountains, believing that the further they could travel, the harsher the winter would be, but the happier and more productive the next year would be. It was also customary to tumble in the snow on this day. It was believed that this would strengthen health and attract good luck.
We always went to the sauna to wash away old grudges and gain strength before the long winter. Evenings were spent with the family over tea with lenten treats: tortillas on water, honey and homemade jam. After sunset, they tried not to leave the house for fear of encountering evil spirits.
On November 30, the ancestors paid attention to various omens. According to legend, the weather on the holiday determined what kind of winter it would be. If it was cold on Grigory Zimokazatel, they understood that the next three months would also be frosty.
Other signs of the day:
- The new moon in the sky is for frosts;
- The mice have built a nest in the flax — the winter will be snowy;
- glowing halo around the moon — the weather will improve;
- the water in the well is noisy — for the harsh winter;
- dark ice on the rivers leads to a good harvest.
What not to do on November 30th
Strict prohibitions were associated with the day of Gregory the Winterkiller, the violation of which, according to popular belief, could bring troubles and financial losses to the family. On the holiday, they did not raise their voices to their older relatives in order to avoid illness.
What else can't be done on November 30th:
- quarreling with loved ones can prolong the conflict.;
- to borrow money, things and products — you can lose your financial well-being for a long time.;
- Get on the road — there may be trouble along the way;
- Trying on other people's wedding rings is the key to parting with your loved one;
- walking in dirty clothes and being unwashed leads to problems in your personal life.;
- getting a haircut can "shorten" your life.
What is the church holiday on November 30th?
On November 30, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Gregory the Wonderworker, who lived in the third century. In his youth, he took up theology, and then went into the desert. There he spent his time in prayer and fasting, having acquired the gift of foresight. Bishop Fedim, having learned about the hermit's pious life, decided to make him bishop of Neocaesarea. Before taking holy orders, Gregory prayed fervently, asking God to reveal to him the true way of worshipping the Holy Trinity. Then the Most Holy Theotokos appeared to him, accompanied by the Apostle John the Theologian, who gave him a revelation. Subsequently, this vision formed the basis of the church's doctrine of the Trinity and was developed in the writings of other theologians.
Also on November 30, believers honor the memory of St. Nikon of Radonezh, the closest disciple and successor of Sergius of Radonezh. In his youth, he came to the Trinity Sergius Lavra to study with St. Sergius. Foreseeing a great future for the young man, the saint sent him to study with Athanasius Vysotsky. Having reached spiritual maturity, Nikon returned to the monastery and subsequently headed it. He preserved and continued all the institutions of his predecessor, maintaining the spirit of prayer, diligence and brotherly love in the monastery. It was during his lifetime that a significant event took place in 1422 — the finding of the incorruptible relics of St. Sergius of Radonezh.
Prayers for November 30th
Orthodox believers pray to St. Gregory the Wonderworker on November 30. He is asked to strengthen faith, gain spiritual enlightenment and guide the lost. Also on this day, they pray to St. Nikon of Radonezh. They turn to him for help in the upbringing of children and adolescents, the fight against harmful passions and ailments.
Prayer to St. Gregory the Wonderworker
"O most honorable and sacred head and full of the grace of the Holy Spirit, the dwelling of the Savior with the Father, great bishop, our warm intercessor, St. Gregory! Standing at the Throne of the King of all and enjoying the light of the consubstantial Trinity and cherubic angels, proclaiming the trisagion hymn, having great and unexplored boldness towards the all-merciful Master, pray for the salvation of the flock of Christ by the people, help our fatherland in battle, and subdue all enemies opposed to us, establish our peaceful and serene residence: establish the welfare of the holy churches: bishops Adorn the monks with the splendor of your holiness: strengthen the monks with the asceticism of the good current: preserve this city and all our cities and countries well, and keep the holy immaculate faith for us: through your intercession, calm the whole world, deliver us from gladness and destruction, and preserve us from the attacks of foreigners, comfort the old, guide the young, wise the insane, have mercy on widows Intercede for the orphans, raise up the infants, bring back the captives, heal the infirm, and everywhere those who warmly call upon you and flow to you with faith and fervently fall down and pray to you from all misfortunes and troubles, through your intercession, be free. Pray for us to the all-merciful and human-loving Christ our God, that on the day of His terrible coming He may deliver us from our evil standing, and grant us the joys of the saints to share with all the saints forever and ever. Amen to that."
Prayer to St. Nikon of Radonezh
"Our venerable and most blessed Father Nikon, the imitator and companion and heir of the gifts of our God-fearing Father Sergius, who left his precious relics in your hands, just as Elijah left his mantle in the hands of Elysseus, hidden by you in the ground, not as a burial, but as a witness of incorruption, and revealed by you in the appearance of miracles. and into the most abundant outpouring of the source of healing. To you, who live with him in heaven, and who rest with him on earth, we extend with love our heartfelt desires and words of prayer, offering you our infirmities and sorrows, and needs, mental and physical. Accept our unworthy supplication and, through your bright and strong prayer, purify, complete, and ascend to our All-merciful and All-merciful Master, our Lord and God Jesus Christ, may He bless and preserve our country and this holy Monastery in peace and quiet. May He grant us all, by His grace, remission of sins, correction of life, healing of illnesses, deliverance from troubles, excess and liberation from temptations, consolation in tribulation, timely help in need, and above all, prosperity in faith, confirmation in hope, growth in love, salvation of our souls, as well as in this temporary life. But more perfectly in his eternal kingdom, we offer Him glory, honor, and worship, together with His Beginningless Father, and His Most Holy, Good, and Life-giving Spirit, forever and ever. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia reported on the signs of the national holiday Matveev Day.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
