A special national holiday on December 2 is Avdey the Guardian: history, traditions, omens

In Russia, on December 2, the national holiday Avdey Radetel is celebrated, which falls on the memorial day of the Old Testament prophet Obadiah. In Russia, it was considered an important frontier when winter comes into its own, and invisible forces become especially active. In 2025, the date falls on a Tuesday. Izvestia tells about the customs, signs and prohibitions of this day.

What is the church holiday on December 2nd?

According to church tradition, the holy prophet Obadiah lived in the 10th–9th centuries BC and served at the court of the Israeli king Ahab, who turned away from the True God and began to sacrifice to Baal. Despite the order that prevailed at that time, Obadiah retained his firm faith in one God and secretly helped persecuted co-religionists by hiding them in caves.

One day he met the holy prophet Elijah, who was also persecuted, and followed him, leaving the royal service. Subsequently, he himself received the gift of prophecy. Residents of various lands turned to the prophet for advice and help. However, he is best known as the author of the Book of Prophecies, one of the twelve Old Testament books of the "minor prophets", which contains a prediction about the triumph of the New Testament church.

Obadiah died in old age and was buried in Samaria, where the remains of his ancestors rested. In Russia, the prophet was revered as the patron saint of the hearth and family well-being. The people called him the Guardian, that is, the one who cares and cares about other people.

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Traditions of the national holiday Avdey Radetel on December 2

According to legend, with the onset of cold weather, evil spirits intensified near the houses. To protect themselves and their family from her machinations, they performed a special ceremony called "locking the house." The owner of the house went around all the rooms and tapped the door jambs and window frames with the butt of an axe. It was believed that a sharp iron object could scare away evil spirits. If you didn't have an axe handy, use a sickle, scythe, or knife.

They tried not to leave the house unless absolutely necessary. This was due to another superstition, according to which diseases enter through drafts. "A snowstorm takes over the road, drives dashing diseases into the cracks," the people said. To protect against colds and ailments, peasants gathered around a warm stove.

Hot sbiten was also prepared. This traditional drink was brewed from a decoction of medicinal herbs — St. John's wort, sage, mint — with the addition of honey and spices. In the old days, it was believed that sbiten not only warms up in the cold, but also expels "sent" diseases from the body.

What not to do on December 2 on Avdey the Guardian's Day

There was a set of strict prohibitions against Avdey the Guardian. Violation of these rules could lead to various troubles and misfortunes. First of all, they were afraid to attract evil spirits into the house, to bring on poverty or illness. Conflicts between household members were also seen as a particular danger, which was believed to destroy family harmony.

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What else can not be done:

• If you leave the door open, evil spirits can enter the house through it.;
• to leave the house unnecessarily — you can get into trouble or meet an ill-wisher.;
• Going on a long journey promises misfortunes and obstacles.;
• throwing away leftovers promises the loss of family wealth and well—being.;
• to lend money or bread, luck will leave the house with them.;
• being lazy and leaving the house in disarray attracts dark forces.

Folk signs for December 2

Weather signs were given great importance on Avdeyev Day. They were used to make forecasts for the coming winter and the future harvest. So, the clear weather on Avdeya foreshadowed frosty days, and the cloudy sky promised an early warming. If there were already high snowdrifts by that day, then this was considered a sure sign of a rich harvest next year.

Other signs of the day:

• moon in a misty circle — wait for a strong blizzard;
• the cow sticks its nose out of the manger — to a change in the weather, more often to warming;
• the cattle butts and worries in the barn — to the blizzard;
• The sparrows are chirping together for the snowfall.;
• snowfall with strong winds leads to a prolonged and cold winter.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the traditions and signs of the national holiday Philippi Day.

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