Folk signs for January 11th: what can and cannot be done

In Russia, folk signs have played an important role since ancient times. They helped predict the weather, plan household chores, and form an idea of the future. Every day of the national calendar was filled with rituals and superstitions. Izvestia tells about traditions and omens on January 11, as well as about the church holidays that are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for January 11, 2026

According to the national calendar, January 11 is a Terrible day. The ancestors believed that it was on this day that evil spirits were especially active. Orthodox believers recall the massacre of innocent infants in Bethlehem on the orders of King Herod. This day was considered dangerous for children and adults: it was strictly forbidden to offend, scold or punish children, as well as wish for health and happiness — it was believed that all wishes could come true exactly the opposite.

Other signs of the day on January 11th:

• warm weather for early spring;
• A northerly wind and a clear sky lead to cold weather;
• The starry sky at night leads to frosts;
• a clear streak in the sunset sky will improve the weather.

What not to do on January 11th

There were strict prohibitions on the Terrible Day. On this day, it was strictly forbidden to quarrel, swear, slander and show aggression — this attracted evil spirits and could harm the family.

What else can not be done on January 11:

• Letting children out of the house is being hunted by demons;
• starting new businesses or planning trips will be in vain.;
• working on the street or in the field — all the work on this day will not be beneficial.;
• wasting firewood or fuel unnecessarily is still a long winter ahead.;
• neglect the health of loved ones — any signs of illness should be taken seriously.;
• to grieve, to complain about fate, to be discouraged — this attracts misfortune.

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What is the holiday on January 11th?

This date is the day of remembrance of the tragic death of 14 thousand babies in Bethlehem. According to the Gospel, King Herod, upon learning of the birth of the Messiah, ordered the killing of all male infants under the age of two in order to prevent a threat to his rule. This event, described in the Gospel of Matthew, has become a symbol of cruelty and innocent suffering.

The terrible Day is one of the most tragic and mournful in the Christian calendar. However, it gained popularity in folk traditions and myths, which led to the creation of many customs and prohibitions.

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Prayers on January 11th

On the Last Day, the church especially remembers the saints, whose prayers help protect the family and home from evil forces. On this day, believers can address the Venerable Laurentius of Chernigov and Markell of Apamea. Their troparia and kontakion glorify the feat of ascetics, and prayers ask for protection for children, for protection from invisible dangers, and for the support of believers in spiritual and physical life. These prayers are considered especially effective for protection from evil spirits and strengthening faith on a difficult day.

Prayer to St. Lawrence of Chernigov

"O all-laudable Father Laurentius, accept this small supplication offered to you by us sinners, and mercifully look down from the heights of heaven upon us who ask your intercession at the Throne of the Most Holy Trinity, so that through your prayers he may grant peace and prosperity to our country, strength in prayer by the shepherd, and reinforcement by the monk on the path of perfection in the asceticism of humility and obedience. intercession for widows and orphans, reinforcement for the weak, deliverance from demons in spirit and soul, healing for the sick, and the traveling Guardian Angel. To all those who love your memory, sincere and unshakeable faith. And after your repose into eternal life, lead us to Christ through your prayers, so that with you we may glorify the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, always, now, and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."

Prayer to St. Markell of Apamea

"O holy head, Venerable Father, Most Blessed Abbo Markello, do not forget your poor to the end, but always remember us in holy and auspicious prayers to God: remember your flock, which you have saved yourself, and do not forget to visit your children. Pray for us, holy Father, for your spiritual children, for you have Boldness to the Heavenly King: do not be silent for us to the Lord, and do not despise us who honor you with faith and love: remember us unworthy at the Throne of the Almighty, and do not stop praying for us to Christ God, for you have been given the grace to pray for us. We don't think you're dead.: For though you have passed away from us in body, but you are still alive after death, do not depart from us in spirit, preserving us from the arrows of the enemy and all the charms of demons and the machinations of the devil, our good shepherd. For even though your relics of cancer are always visible before our eyes, your holy soul, with angelic hosts, fleshless faces, and heavenly powers, stands at the throne of the Almighty, rejoicing worthily, leading you in truth and being alive after death, we fall down and pray to you: pray for us to Almighty God, for For the benefit of our souls, and grant us time for repentance, so that we may safely pass from earth to heaven, and may we be delivered from bitter ordeals, demons of the air, and eternal torment, and may we be heiresses of the heavenly Kingdom with all the righteous who have pleased our Lord Jesus Christ from the beginning.: To Him belongs all glory, honor, and worship, together with His Beginningless Father, and with His All-holy, Good, and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."

Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to St. Nikon of Pechersk.

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