A special national holiday on October 1 is Arina Rosehip: history, traditions, omens

Every year on October 1, Orthodox believers honor the memory of three martyrs – Ariadne of Promis, as well as Sophia and Irina of Egypt. In the national calendar, the date is known as Arina Rosehip, Arina Autumn and Crane years. In 2026, the holiday falls on Thursday. Read about its history, traditions, signs and strict prohibitions in the Izvestia article.

What is the church holiday on October 1st?

The Martyr Ariadne lived in the second century in Phrygia, a region in Asia Minor. She was a Christian and was in the service of Tertill, one of the city elders of the Promission.

At that time, the Roman Empire was ruled by Emperor Hadrian. He did not declare general persecution of Christians, but if it came to court, the rejection of pagan rituals and sacrifices could result in severe punishment for the believer.

One day, Tertill organized a celebration on the occasion of the birth of his son, which was accompanied by sacrifices. Ariadne refused to take part in the ceremony because it contradicted her faith. The master was furious and decided to punish the maid. According to the hagiography, the girl was subjected to severe torture, after which she was imprisoned and starved for a long time, but she did not agree to renounce her faith.

After a while, Ariadne was released from prison. She left the city, but Tertill sent a chase after her. Seeing the approaching pursuers, the girl began to pray for salvation. According to church legend, a crevice appeared in the rock in front of her, in which she hid.

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On the same day, the Orthodox Church commemorates the martyrs Sophia and Irina of Egypt, who lived in the third century. At that time, the Roman Empire was ruled by Aurelian, under whom Christians were persecuted.

According to church tradition, Sofia and Irina openly confessed Christ and were arrested. By order of the ruler of Egypt, Claudius, the martyrs were tortured and then beheaded. Later, under Emperor Constantine the Great, their relics were transferred to Constantinople.

Traditions of the national holiday Arina Rosehip on October 1

In Russia, the name Irina eventually transformed into a more familiar form — Arina. By the beginning of October, wild rose was ripening in the forests, its fruits were harvested and dried for winter supplies, therefore, in the national calendar, the day of veneration of saints was named "Arina's Day", "Arina Autumn", "Arina Rosehip".

Another name for the holiday, "Crane Years", was associated with the massive autumn flight of birds. On October 1, peasants closely monitored the flocks of cranes and tried to determine when to expect the first serious frosts by the timing of their departure.

By the beginning of October, the rosehip fruits were fully ripe, and the peasants went to the forest edges for them. The people believed that the forest harvest harvested on this day had a special healing power.

The plant has gained a reputation as a useful remedy in the cold season, so the ancestors tried to harvest as many berries as possible for the winter. The harvested wild rose was sorted and dried. The berries were brewed, added to drinks and homemade preparations.

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On October 1, it was customary in the villages to see off the cranes. When they saw the wedge going south, people shouted after the birds: "The road is on the wheel!", wishing the birds to return safely in the spring.

On this day, the men checked the buildings, carried out minor repairs, and prepared the house and storerooms for the cold. The women continued to make preparations for the winter, shredded and pickled cabbage, and sorted mushrooms. Such work was often done together — girls and women gathered in the same house, worked, talked and sang, cooked a common treat.

What not to do on the holiday of Arina Rosehip

In Russia, a number of superstitions and prohibitions were associated with Arina Rosehip, the main of which was considered boasting. On October 1, one should not flaunt prosperity, harvest, or one's own successes. The ancestors feared that bragging would turn into losses and lack of money.

What else you can't do on October 1st:

• quarreling, swearing and being rude to elders — conflict promises protracted family strife and trouble.;
• gossiping and giving away other people's secrets will turn against the gossip itself and spoil relations with loved ones.;
• to cut your hair, you can "shorten" your own luck and vitality with it.;
• inviting strangers into the house — an outsider will bring quarrels and disturb the peace of the house.;
• leaving small children unattended can frighten a child with evil spirits.

Folk signs for October 1st

On Arina Rosehip, the peasants carefully observed nature, migratory birds, and trees in order to determine by signs when the first frosts would strike, whether the winter would be snowy, and what the next spring would be.

• cranes are flying south — the first severe frosts will come by the Cover, on October 14, cranes are not visible in the sky — serious cold weather will not come soon;
• The birch has not yet shed its leaves — snow and persistent frosts will come late.;
• the weeds and weeds have grown tall — the winter will be snowy;
• An easterly wind is blowing — there are several dry days ahead.;
• wooden furniture or utensils are cracking in the house — it's going to rain soon;
• what kind of weather it is on October 1 — according to popular belief, it will be on April 1.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the signs, rituals and strict prohibitions of a special holiday, the Universal Women's Name Day.