Catherine's Day: accurate weather observations and beliefs for November 7th

Catherine's Day is celebrated on December 7 and is associated with the veneration of the Holy Great Martyr Catherine. In folk tradition, this day was considered an important winter milestone, when the weather judged the coming winter, and the girls asked the saint for a happy fate and marriage. For more information, see the Izvestia article.

Folk signs about the weather

According to ancient beliefs, Catherine's Day shows what winter will be like. If it is frosty and clear on December 7, the winter promises to be strong and dry, and if it snows, it will lead to mild and snowy weather. It was also believed that hoarfrost on the trees promises a rich harvest next year, and a strong wind — snowstorms and bad weather on Christmas Eve.

The people said: "On Catherine, frost leads to a frosty winter, snow leads to warmth." People carefully watched the sky and the wind, because they determined when to start winter work and what the coming year would be rich in.

Beliefs about fate and family life

Catherine's Day has always been considered a maiden's holiday. The girls prayed to St. Catherine for a good groom and a happy marriage, lit candles in front of the icon and recited special prayers. In some regions, fortune-telling was performed: they put a ring or a mirror under their pillow to see their betrothed in a dream.

There was a belief that if you help someone in need on this day, the saint will bless the speedy fulfillment of a cherished wish.

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