Folk signs for January 4th: what can and cannot be done

In Russia, the national calendar was a part of everyday life — signs and customs became not just folklore, but a tool for survival. With their help, people entered their daily lives into the annual cycle, gaining inner support in a world dependent on the vagaries of nature. Traditions and prohibitions determined economic decisions, family behavior, and communication with neighbors, passed down from generation to generation as part of an unspoken code. Izvestia tells us which beliefs are associated with January 4, as well as which church holidays fall on this date.

Folk signs for January 4, 2026

Nastasya's Day was celebrated on January 4 in the national calendar. In Russia, it was believed that Saint Anastasia patronized women in labor, so married women prepared a special amulet towel, which they used during childbirth, believing that it would help a successful outcome for mother and child.

The housewives were engaged in needlework, finishing the embroidery and sewing they had started, the girls learned from their elders the skills of working with fabric and ornaments. At the same time, the house was put in order, curtains were washed, windows were washed, floors were swept and scrubbed, men put yards and outbuildings in order. This day was often called "Babi porridge" by the people — according to custom, pregnant women were treated to simple lean porridges, believing that such food strengthens their strength and helps them to endure childbirth more easily.

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Other signs of the day:

• bullfinches are making noise in the yard — to a severe cold snap;
• what is the weather like on January 4th? It will be like this all January;
• clear sky at sunset — the sun and relative warmth are expected the next day.

What not to do on January 4th

On Nastasya's day, strict prohibitions were in effect in Russia, which, according to popular beliefs, were supposed to protect the house, women and children from troubles and diseases. So, on a holiday it was not necessary to arrange noisy gatherings, the ancestors believed that such immoderation promised ruin and illness for the whole family.

What else you can't do on January 4th:

• Walking barefoot can lead to illnesses for women and children, as well as financial losses for the family.;
• piercing ears — punctures will not heal well, causing discomfort;
• knitting mittens and mittens — there is a risk of encountering serious troubles related to the law;
• offending pets — for such cruelty, the tormentor will suffer headaches all year round.;
• neglecting elderly relatives means that a person will be left without support in old age.

What is the church holiday on January 4th?

On January 4, Orthodox believers honor the memory of the Holy Great Martyr Anastasia. She was born in Rome at the end of the third century into the family of the pagan senator Praetextatus, but her mother Fausta was a secret Christian and entrusted her daughter's upbringing to Saint Chrysogonus from childhood. Under his guidance, Anastasia studied the Holy Scriptures and the basics of Christian life. Despite her forced marriage to the pagan Pomplius, she kept her vow of virginity.

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The main work of the saint's life was serving in prisons — she secretly visited prisoners, cared for the sick, bandaged wounds, often risking her own freedom. For this, she began to be revered as a Bondswoman — the intercessor of those who are bound by bonds of fear, suffering and despair. Her ministry took place during the reign of Emperor Diocletian, who unleashed severe persecution of Christians. Anastasia was arrested and put on trial. The saint resolutely refused to sacrifice to pagan gods, for which she was tortured and executed. Her body was buried by the Christian Apollinaria, and later a temple was erected over her coffin.

Prayers for January 4th

Prayer to the Great Martyr Anastasia the Usurper

"Oh, the long-suffering and wise Great Martyr Anastasia of Christ! Stand before the Throne of the Lord with your soul in heaven, and perform various healings on earth through the grace given to you; therefore look mercifully upon those who come and pray before your icon, asking for your help, stretch out holy prayers to the Lord for us and ask for the remission of our sins, help in merciful labors, strengthening of the spirit in service, meekness. humility and obedience, healing for the sick, for the sorrowful, and for those who are in bonds, prompt help and intercession, beseech the Lord to grant us all a Christian end and a kind answer at His Terrible Judgment, so that we may be worthy to glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit together with you. Amen to that."

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the signs of the national holiday Peter's Day.