Folk signs for December 15: 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, December 15, and which church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for December 15, 2025
In Russia, Avvakum Day was celebrated on December 15. The celebration was closely connected with the theme of sleep and rest, especially for children. Our ancestors believed that moths were active during this period — evil spirits that frighten children at night, which is why they often wake up and do not sleep well. Special charms or amulets were used to protect against moths. For example, they put a rag or straw doll on the window so that the unclean would disturb her, and not the baby.
According to custom, the day was devoted to household chores and needlework. However, it was forbidden to mend old things and sew holes in clothes. According to legend, old problems or illnesses could return to life through holes. It was considered a good thing to conduct an audit of your wardrobe. Worthless items were thrown away, and those that could still be worn were given to those in need.
Observing the weather on December 15th was another important tradition. The signs of the day, based on long-term observations, concerned both short-term and long-term forecasts. Thus, heavy snowfall on Avvakum portends lush grass in spring and good haymaking in summer. If it rains, then the wet and cloudy weather, according to the signs, will last until the end of January.
Other signs of the day:
- A foggy circle is visible around the moon — we should expect a snowstorm.;
- dogs bark all day — soon the roads will be covered with hard ice;
- hares change their gray fur coat to a white one for a long and snowy winter.;
- Birds are perched on the treetops — it's going to be a windy day.;
- red sky at sunset — for the grain harvest in the new year;
- The stars are shining brightly at night — spring will come late.
What not to do on December 15th
Habakkuk's day was surrounded by many prohibitions designed to protect a person and his family from illnesses and failures. They were especially afraid of actions that could anger house spirits. For example, repairs and rearrangements in the house were strictly prohibited. According to legend, the noise could wake up a brownie, which in retaliation could harm the owners.
What else can't be done on December 15th:
- Picking up found objects from the ground, especially at intersections, means taking on other people's troubles.;
- to let strangers into the house — they can bring the evil eye or damage;
- leaving the front door open — well-being can "leave" the house.;
- to borrow or lend money leads to financial problems;
- unmarried girls look in the mirror for a long time — evil spirits can steal their beauty and youth.
What is the church holiday on December 15th?
On December 15, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the prophet Habakkuk, one of the 12 minor prophets of the Old Testament who lived in the seventh century before the Birth of Christ. He is known for his book, in which he enters into a dialogue with God, and also predicts the return of the Jews to their homeland after the destruction of the Jerusalem temple and the Babylonian captivity.
Church tradition has preserved the story of a miracle associated with the prophet. It tells us that during the war with the Babylonians, the Angel of the Lord transported Habakkuk to Babylon, where the prophet Daniel was languishing in prison at that time. After the end of the strife, Avvakum returned to his homeland. He lived a long life and died at a very old age.
On the same day, he commemorates the Holy Martyr Miropia of Chios. According to her life, she was born in Ephesus in the 3rd century and became famous for her pious deeds, fully justifying her name — "myrrh-bearing woman." Miropia healed the sick and secretly buried the bodies of martyrs during the persecution under Emperor Decius.
At the trial, the martyr openly confessed herself a Christian and was thrown into prison. According to legend, one night a light shone in the dungeon, and the room was filled with fragrance. The guard who witnessed this miracle was baptized and later also suffered for Christ.
Prayers on December 15th
Various requests are made to the Prophet Habakkuk. Traditionally, they pray to him for a sound sleep and getting rid of insomnia, which is directly related to the folk traditions of the day. He is also asked for protection from diseases, unkind people and all kinds of evil. Saint Miropia, as an example of merciful service to people, prays for the healing of bodily and mental ailments. She is also asked for help in everyday matters and in difficult life circumstances.
Prayer to the Prophet Habakkuk
"O most laudable and most prodigious prophet of God Habakkuk! Hear us, sinners and worthless, who at this hour stand before your holy icon and earnestly seek your intercession. Pray to God, who loves mankind, for us, that He may give us a spirit of repentance and contrition for our sins, and by his omnipotent grace help us to forsake the ways of wickedness, and to prosper in every work of bliss; that he may strengthen us in the struggle against our passions and lusts; that he may plant in our hearts a spirit of humility and meekness, a spirit of brotherly love and kindness, the spirit of patience and chastity, the spirit of zeal for the Glory of God and the salvation of others. Through your prayers, O prophet, abolish the evil customs of the world, especially the pernicious and corrupting spirit of this age, which infects the Christian race with disrespect for the Divine Orthodox faith, for the charter of the Holy Church and for the commandment of the Lord, with disrespect for parents and those in authority, and plunges people into the abyss of impiety, corruption and destruction. Avert from us, most holy prophet, through your intercession the righteous wrath of God and deliver all the cities and towns of our Fatherland from idleness and gladness, from terrible storms and earthquakes, from deadly plagues and diseases, from the invasion of enemies and internecine warfare. <...> Amen."
Prayer of Miropia of Chios
"O Holy Great Martyr Miropia! Having labored with good deeds on earth, you have perceived in heaven the crown of righteousness, and the Lord has prepared it for all who love Him. In the same way, we rejoice at the glorious end of your residence and honor your holy memory. But you, come to the Throne of God, accept our supplications and bring them to the all-merciful God, that He may forgive us every sin and help us against the wiles of the devil, so that, having been delivered from sorrows, diseases, troubles and misfortunes, and all evil, we may live piously and righteously in our present age and be worthy of your intercession, even if we are unworthy. May you see the good in the land of the living, glorifying God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy 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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