A special holiday on January 20 is Ivan Brazhnik: history, traditions, omens

Every year on January 20, the Orthodox Church celebrates St. John the Baptist Cathedral, dedicated to one of the most revered Christian saints. In 2026, it falls on a Tuesday. In the national calendar, the holiday was called Ivan Brazhnik, or Winter Wedding. Read about its history, traditions and signs in the Izvestia article.

What is the church holiday on January 20 — St. John the Baptist Cathedral?

The Prophet John the Baptist was the son of the priest Zachariah and the righteous Elizabeth, a relative of Jesus Christ on his mother's side. He was born six months before the Savior. His birth was announced to his father by the Archangel Gabriel, who appeared in the temple.

By the grace of God, John escaped the fate of thousands of children killed in Bethlehem by order of King Herod. The righteous Elizabeth managed to escape with the baby in the desert, and Zachariah was martyred, refusing to give the royal soldiers the location of his wife and son. The future prophet grew up in the desert, preparing for service by a strict life of fasting and prayer. He wore coarse clothes with a leather belt and fed on wild honey and locusts (a type of locust).

At the age of thirty, John was called by the Lord to prophetic ministry. After that, he came to the Jordan River to prepare the people for the coming of the Messiah, where many people gathered for religious ablutions before the feast of purification. The Prophet addressed them, preaching the purification of sins through baptism.

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Bathing in the ice hole gives spiritual purification and vigor for the whole year, the believers said.

At the same time, Jesus himself came to John. He was baptized by the hands of the prophet, although he did not need to be cleansed, thus demonstrating that the law of God is one for all. The baptism of Christ was accompanied by miraculous signs: the descent of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove and the voice of God the Father from heaven. It is believed that this was the first appearance of the Holy Trinity.

After the Baptism of the Lord, John continued his ministry, fearlessly denouncing human vices and calling for repentance. Among other things, he pointed to the illegal cohabitation of King Herod Antipas with his brother's ex-wife, Herodias. For this, the prophet was thrown into prison and soon executed.

Traditions of the national holiday Ivan Brazhnik (Winter wedding) on January 20

In the folk tradition, January 20 was called Ivan Brazhnik. This day was associated with the end of Yuletide and the return to everyday life after the celebration of Christmas and Epiphany.

The morning began with a visit to the temple, where the faithful prayed at the service in honor of St. John the Baptist Cathedral. After that, they returned home, where they all drank consecrated epiphany water. It was believed that this helps to maintain mental and physical health for the whole year. Then everyone sat down at the table with their family.

The name "Ivan Brazhnik" was not given to the holiday by chance. There was a belief that on January 20 it was necessary to "wash down evil" in order to avert troubles from oneself. Therefore, braga and beer were always present on the table. It was believed that all members of the household should take at least a sip of alcohol. At the same time, drunkenness and excessive fun were inappropriate. The people said: "Celebrate once a month and you'll be cheerful; celebrate every day and you'll be naked."

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Ivan Brazhnik was the beginning of the Winter Meat—eater, the period before Shrovetide, which was considered favorable for matchmaking and weddings. Hence the second name of the holiday — Winter wedding. Our ancestors believed that the union concluded on January 20 would definitely be a happy one. Children were also often baptized on this day, believing that John the Baptist would become their heavenly patron.

The holiday was of particular importance for marriageable girls. In an environment where marriages were often not for love, young women were allowed to drink and cry, washing down possible future grief. According to beliefs, tears shed before marriage can save you from suffering in family life.

What not to do on January 20th on Midsummer Day

There are many popular prohibitions and warnings associated with the day of Ivan the Hawk Moth. They tried not to start the festive feast with the first courses — they believed that this would interfere with the fulfillment of plans throughout the year.

What else can not be done on January 20

• laziness and idleness lead to poverty and failures;
• to engage in hard physical labor — exhausting work distracted from the spiritual meaning of the holiday;
• wash your face thoroughly — there is a risk of "washing off" protection from deception and lies;
• Accepting gifts from strangers is a way to take on other people's problems and illnesses.;
• killing mice — according to legend, the appearance of mice on a holiday promised the imminent birth of children.

Folk signs for January 20th

According to the weather conditions of Ivan Brazhnik's day, the nature of the upcoming seasons was judged. So, a clear and frosty day promised a long winter, and a thaw promised early spring.

Other signs of the day

• snowfall — for a good harvest;
• strong wind leads to changeable weather;
• smoke from the chimney in a column — frosts will increase;
• cloudy weather means the summer will be wet.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the traditions and signs of the feast of Epiphany.