Folk signs of December. Folk calendar: signs for December December frosts

December- the first month of winter, the last of the year. In common people it has another name - “jelly”. In December there is usually a lot of snow, and severe frosts can strike. It is impossible to convey in words this beauty, when the trees are covered with frost - you find yourself in a real winter fairy tale. There are many proverbs and sayings written about the last month of the year. “December ends the year, winter begins,” people say. Also, over the course of many centuries, many folk signs for December have been compiled, by which one can guess about the upcoming weather and harvest.

Signs about the weather in December

If it is clear in December, then next year there will be a shortage of harvest, if December is cloudy, then there will be a surplus of harvest, if December is dry, then spring and summer will be dry, and if thunder thunders in December, then there will be winter with severe frosts .

• If winter has not arrived in December and January, then do not expect winter to arrive until February 10th.
• Large frost, mounds of snow and deeply frozen ground in December - for the harvest.
• Frost in December - for the oat harvest.
• The northern December wind leads to severe frosts.
• If December is rainless, expect a long, dry autumn and dry summer.
• If in December the snow piles up close to the fences, it will be a bad summer; if there is a gap left, it will be fruitful.
• If the clouds float from north to south in December, then the weather will be sunny, and if from south to north, then it will be bad weather.

Signs about nature in December

• Wintering rooks - for a warm winter.
• The bullfinches arrived in December - the winter will be frosty.
• If the fur coat of hares is not white, but “with spots,” then the winter will be mild, with thaws.

The first month of winter was significant for our ancestors: they monitored how much snow had fallen, whether the water in the well was noisy, how much frost fell on the trees. All this was extremely important. In December, folk omens predicted the weather for the next 12 months, girls told fortunes about their betrothed, and peasants determined what the harvest would be like.

What is another name for the month?

The name of the first month of winter comes from the Latin “ten”. Its name in the ancient church tradition - decembri, and in the original calendar of the Romans - december, has a similar origin. The fact is that earlier this month occupied tenth place in the calendar, but Caesar’s reform made it twelfth.

December has several names among the people:

• jelly;
• cold;
• cold;
• cold;
• winter garden;
• chest;
• student;
• winter road

The last month of the year is also called the time of the white trails, because winter begins with it.

December in ancient times was called poetically - the time of white paths

General folk signs of December

Many December signs are associated with weather prediction:

• abundance of snow and severe frosts - next year will be fruitful;
• clouds floating in a southern direction promise a clear day, in the northern direction - bad weather;
• the bright shine of the stars means that tomorrow will be a frosty day;
• the pallor of the moon foreshadows snow and rain;
• clear sky without clouds - to frost;
• if snowdrifts cover the fence closely, the summer will be cloudy and rainy, leaving a gap - to the summer heat and clear sun.

We also monitored what kind of weather prevailed in December - sunny or cloudy. If there are more clear days, next year the harvest will not be good. The month will be cloudy and snowy - grains will be harvested in excess. Dry - foreshadows the same spring, and thunder in the last month of the year - a harsh, frosty winter.

The peasants tried to stock up on firewood in December. It was believed that logs cut down during this period would not turn out to be rotten, and they would not be spoiled by woodworms.

Abundance of snow in December foretells a good harvest next year

When predicting the weather, attention was paid to the behavior of animals. A frosty day is foreshadowed by a cat hiding its face. The spotted coat of hares means that winter will not test people with severe frosts; there are many thaws ahead. The dog was lying in a snowdrift - the hunt was canceled and a snowstorm was expected.

Many signs relate to the behavior of birds:

• the bullfinch is chirping, the magpie is hiding - there will be a strong blizzard;
• a bullfinch sings near the windows - you can expect warmer weather;
• sparrows are hiding, tits are calling - the temperature will drop significantly;
• birds fly chaotically - heavy snow will fall soon;
• crows walk on the ground - to warming, croak loudly - to severe frost;
• jackdaws unite and shout together - tomorrow the weather will be sunny;
• The rooks do not fly away, but remain to spend the winter - the winter ahead is mild, with thaws.

Crows walking in the snow portend warming

Signs for every day of the month

• December 1 - Plato and Roman Winter Guides.

On this day they judged what winter would be like. Warm weather - the next three months will be mild, without much cold weather; cold weather - severe frosts should be expected. A strong wind foreshadowed an abundance of blizzards, and a sharp change in weather on the first day of December meant that the winter would be capricious: sometimes with sharp frosts, sometimes with thaws.

• December 2 - Varlaam, Avdey Radetel.

Avdeya took care of the household and tried to do as much as possible to easily survive the coming winter. To ensure that the frosty season passed safely, sbiten with honey and medicinal herbs was prepared for the whole family.

• December 3 - Prokla and Procl.

If there is snow or rain on Proklos, there will also be a lot of precipitation in early June.

• December 4 - Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary into the temple.

Introduction is considered the gateway of winter. Pay attention to the snow that will fall after this day. If it lasts until spring, you can expect an excellent harvest.

• December 5 - Prokop.

There is a popular saying about this day: “The trench digs a snowdrift, walks through the snow, and makes way for the sleigh.” After Prokop, heavy snowfalls are expected.

• December 6 - Mitrofan.

If wet snow fell on Mitrofan, and the wind blew from the north, it means that the first month of summer will be rainy.

• December 7 - Katerina Sannitsa, Katerina's festivities.

Catherine is the patron of marriage. Therefore, on this day, unmarried girls wondered about their future groom. We also monitored the weather: if it was clear, the winter would be frosty.

A clear day on Katerina - for a frosty winter

• December 8 is Klimentev's Day.

It was believed that any business for Clement should be started on an empty stomach. On this day, men ground grain and women spun.

• December 9 - St. George's Day, Yegoriy Zimny.

The people were convinced that it was on this day that the bear went into its den to sleep through the winter. On Yuri they listened to the water in the wells. The silence indicated a warm winter, and the noise indicated many blizzards and severe frosts.

• December 10 is the Feast of the Sign, Romanov Day.

Roman had to get up early, before dawn, and face north. They believed that during such a ritual the wind would carry away all sorrows and troubles. On this day they also prayed to Saint Roman for deliverance from infertility.

• December 11 is Irinarchov (Soykin) day.

If on this day a jay flies to the window and starts singing, then prosperity, joy and happiness await the family. They told fortunes about Irinarch: they threw coins into a snowdrift and began to take them out from there. The coin of the largest denomination was the first to come across - the plan will be successful.

• December 12 - Paramon Winter Pointer, Zornik.

Snow on Paramon portends a long snowstorm, but there will be no severe frosts until Nicholas. Crimson dawn in the morning - to a strong wind.

• December 13 - Andrew the First-Called.

On St. Andrew the First-Called they listened to the water. Quiet portends a calm winter, noisy - snowstorms and frosts. The results were compared with those obtained on Yuri. Unmarried young ladies prayed to Saint Andrew for a successful marriage.

• December 14 - Naum Gramotnik.

If someone’s children had not yet learned to read and write, they were sent to study on that day. When leaving the house, they said: “Nahum, bring the child to mind!”

Children were sent to Nahum to learn to read and write.

• December 15 - Habakkuk.

Habakkuk patronizes sound sleep, so on this day they read conspiracies that relieve insomnia, and drove night bats out of the house - evil spirits that frighten children at night.

• December 16 - Ivan the Silent, day of silence.

On this day, we tried to speak and write less, and ideally, to remain silent throughout the day. They believed that whoever could hold out in silence would be eloquent all year. In addition, keeping Ivan silent protected from troubles and brought good luck in business.

• December 17 - Varvarin Day.

On Varvara, winter begins to build bridges, that is, it gets very cold. The starry sky foreshadowed severe frosts, the cloudy sky foreshadowed a thaw.

• December 18 - Savva the Consecrated

On this day they tried not to work, so as not to invite trouble. It was believed that Savva continued the work of Varvara - to attract cold and severe frosts.

• December 19 - Nikola (Mikola) winter (Wonder Worker).

Winter matchmaking began on St. Nicholas. Those who had not yet found a partner prayed for a successful marriage. From this day onwards the severe Nikolsky frosts begin. They said that as much snow falls, there will be as much harvest in the summer. Clear weather means frost.

On the day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, girls prayed for a successful marriage

• December 20 - Ambrose of Milan.

On this day it was necessary to prepare a dowry for yourself. The girls took up yarn, sewing and embroidery.

• December 21 - Anfisa the Needlewoman.

It is not for nothing that this day is dedicated to the saint, who was popularly called the needlewoman. It was important for young ladies to spin, weave, sew, and engage in other crafts for Anfisa. It is believed that embroidery, which is started on this day, has great magical powers.

• December 22 - Anna Winter.

The night on Anna Winter is the longest, and the day is the shortest. Good weather foreshadowed a clear but frosty December 31st, and cloudy weather foreshadowed a thaw just before the New Year.

• December 23 - Great Martyr Min the Eloquent.

On this day, requests were made to Mina to get rid of eye diseases. They also believed that it would help remove the veil from the eyes, which prevents one from distinguishing good from evil.

• December 24 - Nikon's day, Danila and Luka.

Nikon was forbidden to pick up sharp objects, otherwise he could get into trouble. On this day, they made fortunes about the fulfillment of a wish: they approached a tree, thought about their dream, broke off a twig, returned home and put it in the water. Before Orthodox Christmas, the leaves will bloom - your plans will come true.

If the branches plucked from Nikon sprout leaves for Christmas, your plan will come true

• December 25 - Spiridon Solstice, Catholic Christmas.

On this day, the night begins to decrease and the day begins to arrive. Spiridon “turns” the sun to summer. Catholics celebrate Christmas.

• December 26 - Eustratus, Witches' Gatherings.

From December 26, careful observations of the weather begin. 12 days, starting from Eustratus, will show what the weather will be like next year. Each day corresponds to one of 12 months.

• December 27 - Philemon, Firs.

The darkest time of the year. They believed that on Philemon evil spirits came close to houses and scratched at the doors. To prevent kikimoras and bats from disturbing you, you need to clean your home and throw away all the trash.

• December 28 - Trifon of Pechenga.

There are usually severe frosts on this day. They said that on Tryphon “birds freeze in flight.” The weather predicted whether March would be cold or warm.

• December 29 - Agey Winter Pointer.

It’s cold on Agea - the whole winter will be frosty, with violent snowstorms. An abundance of frost on the trees predicts a warm Christmas.

Frost-covered trees on Agea - for a warm Christmas

• December 30 - Daniel.

If there is a blizzard, there will be a great swarm of bees during the summer months. The girls told fortunes about Daniel: they took three bay leaves, on each they wrote one of the names - Ananias, Azarius and Michael (friends of the patron saint of that day) and hid them under the pillow. The betrothed was supposed to appear in the dream.

• December 31 - Modest the Cattlekeeper.

On the last day of the year they wondered the weather. We prepared 12 boxes, put a little salt in each and labeled: “January”, “February”, etc. In the morning we checked the caches. If the salt in some box is soaked, that month will be rainy.

The last month of the year is special both for our ancestors and for ourselves. We are summing up, trying to find out what awaits us in the future. December is replete with signs, original fortune telling and forecasts for the coming year.

Wedding in December: folk signs, church traditions, lunar forecast

Since ancient times, in the first winter month, our ancestors got married and played weddings. By December, the peasants had completed all agricultural work and preparations for the long winter, and therefore the wedding time had come for the young people. In addition, according to popular superstitions, December unions will be happy, and superstitions promise love to the grave, mutual respect and prosperity for lovers.

Wedding in December: what will the weather tell you?

Traditionally, on a wedding day, people observed nature to find out what to expect in the future.

• Heavy snowfall or a blizzard for a wedding is a very good omen. This means that the young will not know the needs. The more snow there is on this day, the stronger the family budget will be.
• Is it freezing? Good sign. According to the sign, the newlyweds expect mutual fidelity and passion.
• And wedding frost also predicts that the first child in the family will be a boy. The stronger the cold, the more physical strength and luck the future child will receive.
• A warm day without precipitation or winds means a hectic but interesting life. The sign promises the newlyweds prosperity, love and health, but at the same time predicts a lot of anxiety.
• Rain is coming? A good sign means that money will always be found.
• And rains for a wedding in December predict healthy procreation and family life without scandals.
• Changeable weather throughout the wedding day is a bad omen. This means that the newlyweds will not live in perfect harmony.

By the way, according to an old tradition, guests should be seated on fur coats (fur coats made of faux fur are also allowed). Our ancestors were convinced: after such a trick, the young people would live in love and harmony, and the sign also promised wealth and prosperity.

Religious calendar: is it possible to get married in December 2019?

In December 2019, the time of the Nativity Fast begins, which lasts from November 28 to January 6. According to the canons of the Orthodox Church, getting married is prohibited during this period.

True, if you wish, you can sign at the registry office, and carry out the wedding ceremony after fasting.

Believers also do not advise getting married on December 4 (November 21, old style). On this day, a major church holiday is celebrated - the Entry into the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Even the baptism of children cannot be scheduled for this date.

Good and bad dates for a wedding in December 2019

Astrological tips will help you choose the optimal date for your December wedding. Three dates have been named that are considered the most favorable for a wedding celebration: December 1, 2 and 8.

• Favorable days for a wedding in December 2019: 6, 9, 10, 13, 20, 27, 30, 31.
• Unfavorable days for a wedding in December 2019: 14, 17–19, 21, 25, 26.

December has arrived - the first month of winter. Light white snowflakes fly from the sky and lie on the ground in a fluffy carpet.

Winter

Dandelion from snowflakes

Winter will bring it to its lips,

Just a whiff and there's a fluff

The seeds will scatter!

The dandelion flies around

There's a fire burning in the windows,

Winter evening substitutes

White stars palm.

The trees and shrubs in the forest stand without leaves, there is snow on the bare branches, only the spruce and pine remain green. The sun rarely peeks through the low gray clouds, which is why people call December “gloomy” - a gloomy, sunless month, the days are short, the nights are long, it gets dark early. At night in December the frost crackles - it builds ice bridges on rivers, ponds and lakes. You already know the popular saying: “November comes with nails, and December with bridges.”

Enchanted Palace

Snowflakes are flying slowly

Large, heavy.

I didn't recognize the old garden

When I came home from school.

He became like a fairy-tale casket,

All white and carved,

Like an enchanted palace

Ice princesses.

Questions and tasks

1. What do people call December? Why?

2. What happens to water in rivers, lakes, ponds?

3. Draw snowflakes.

Guess the riddles.

We flew over Russia

White geese.

Dropped white feathers -

The trees turned white

Dropped white fluff -

Everything around turned white. (Snow clouds.)

He walked along the roads

Yes, I glazed all the puddles. (Freezing.)

Painted the garden

White paint... (snowfall).

It's cold for animals and birds in December. Hares, dressed in snow-white fluffy fur coats so that neither a wolf, nor a fox, nor a hunter would notice them in the white snow, gnaw the bark of aspen and alder trees and hide in holes under bushes. Bears sleep sweetly in their dens. Squirrels jump on tree branches, gnaw spruce cones, extracting seeds from them, and in severe frosts: they hide in hollows and sleep, curled up in a ball and covered with a fluffy tail. The fox looks for mouse holes, tracks mice - “mouses”, runs through the snow, scares the mice, and drives them out of the holes with its stomp. An angry and hungry wolf wanders through the forest. In December, all the animals hid in holes, buried themselves in the snow, making it difficult for the wolf to find prey.

Answer the questions

1. What do hare and squirrel eat in winter? Who does the fox hunt?

2. Where does a squirrel hide in severe frosts?

3. What does a bear do in winter?

Guess the riddles.

She is more cunning than all the animals,

She is wearing a red fur coat. (Fox.)

Ice bridge

Built across the pond.

Guess what, kids?

Whose work is this? (Frost.)

In December, guests from the north - waxwings and bullfinches - decorate the forest. The male bullfinch's breast is bright red. When this bird gets ruffled, it looks like a ruddy apple.

Bullfinches

Branches freeze in the cold

At the pine and spruce.

What kind of miracle?

On the birch

The apples are ripe.

I'll come closer to her

And I can’t believe my eyes:

A flock of scarlet bullfinches

Stuck around the tree.

Birds are cold and hungry in winter. They move from the forest closer to housing, hiding from frost and snowstorms under the roofs and behind the shutters of houses.

Tit

All the paths have been swept away,

The snow shines and sparkles.

Beak into my glass

The tit knocked.

I'll hang it outside the window for her

I'm a piece of bacon

To make it warmer and more fun

The poor bird became.

Crows, jackdaws, magpies, woodpeckers, crossbills and sparrows are not afraid of winter, because they have enough food, and satiety gives the birds warmth. Woodpeckers open a forge in the forest: they peel spruce and pine cones.

Answer the questions

1. What do tits, bullfinch, and woodpeckers eat in winter?

2. How do people help birds?

Guess the riddles.

The white peahen has arrived.

Brought some fun:

Skis, skates,

Sleds, snowballs. (Winter.)

Who bouquets of white roses

Did you apply it to the glass at night? (Freezing.)

At the end of December, children and adults prepare to celebrate the New Year. They decorate the Christmas tree, decorate it with multi-colored balls, beads, garlands, dance around the tree, sing songs, and place gifts under the tree.

At the beginning of the book, we told you that the custom of celebrating the New Year appeared in Russia thanks to Tsar Peter I about 300 years ago. By his decree, the Tsar established a single day for celebrating the New Year and ordered all residents of Moscow to celebrate it with celebrations: decorate their houses with fir trees, light bonfires in the streets, and give each other New Year's gifts.

New Year's Day

New Year's Day!

The snow is frosty and stinging.

The lights came on

On a fluffy Christmas tree.

The painted ball swayed,

The beads rang

Smells like forest freshness

From resinous spruce.

Questions and tasks

2. How do you prepare for the New Year?

3. Draw and color a New Year tree decorated with toys (crackers, balls, stars, beads, garland).

Guess the riddle.

To every home

New Year's Eve

This tree will come.

Green and prickly,

It's called... (Christmas tree)

Listen to a fairy tale.

New Year's toys

By evening, snow fell thickly in shaggy flakes and wrapped the city as if in furs. Somehow, everyone immediately remembered: it’s time to decorate the Christmas tree and buy gifts - New Year is coming!

Mom returned from work with a large elegant box.

- Oh, mommy! You're covered in snow, you look like the Snow Maiden! - Volodya shouted joyfully, hugging his mother.

The snow lay on the collar of my mother's fur coat, glittered on her eyelashes, and a strand of dark curly hair that had escaped from under her hat became completely white.

Mom put the box on a chair, shook off the snow, and took off her fur coat.

- What a beautiful box! - Katya exclaimed admiringly.

- And what's in there? Present? — asked Katya and Volodya’s younger sister, Dashenka, with curiosity.

- Yes, a gift for grandma - an artificial Christmas tree. Grandma is very upset when a real living Christmas tree is cut down in the forest and then the dried tree is thrown into a landfill, so I bought her a plastic Christmas tree as a gift. Look how green and fluffy she is!

Mom opened the box and showed the children the Christmas tree.

- Yes, very beautiful! - Volodya noted, examining the tree.

The sisters also liked the Christmas tree.

— Did you buy Christmas tree decorations for her? - Katya asked.

- I didn’t take the toys. I thought that grandma would be pleased if you made them with your own hands.

“I can cut out a snowflake from silver foil,” said Katya.

“But I can’t do anything,” Dasha sighed.

“Let me teach you how to make Christmas tree decorations from dough,” my mother suggested.

- From dough? Are toys made from dough? - Volodya was surprised. — Only pies are baked from dough.

“You can make beautiful Christmas tree decorations from the dough, and then paint them with paints.”

- Well, what are we blinding? she asked.

The children thought, and mother, without waiting for an answer, took a small piece of dough, molded a ball, carefully cut out a mouth on it, then attached beady eyes and a funny rope bang. The result is a cheerful, smiling bun.

- Great! - Volodya was delighted.

“When the bun dries a little, you can paint it with watercolors and it will become even more beautiful,” mom added.

- And I want to make a fish! - said Dasha.

“I’ll make a month and stars,” Katya picked up, “and you can also make a bird, a butterfly, an icicle and bells!”

“And I,” Volodya began to think: he didn’t want to sculpt either bells or stars, “I’ll make a plane, a tank and a pistol!” - he blurted out.

What Christmas tree decorations do you think grandma will like best? Why?

“Don’t forget that you are preparing a gift for your grandmother, and she is unlikely to like a tank and a pistol,” my mother shook her head.

“Then I’ll make a horse,” the boy decided.

The children got to work. Katya and Dasha tried very hard, sculpted them slowly, and the girls’ toys turned out great - neat and beautiful. Volodya first made a plane, and when he took up the horse, he suddenly remembered that he had agreed to play hockey with his friends. The boy looked at his watch and, seeing that there was very little time left, he hurried. His horse turned out to be unsightly - one leg is thicker than the other, Volodya somehow did the mane, tail, eyes, but he didn’t have time to do the mouth.

Okay, I'll finish it later. I ran! - he shouted as he walked.

Katya and Dasha made an icicle, a butterfly, bells and even a Thumbelina. They painted them with paints. The toys turned out to be bright and elegant.

- I think grandma will like your gift! - Mom praised the girls.

She helped them glue a box out of thick paper and put toys in it.

Volodya returned from the skating rink and immediately went to bed.

“I’ll finish the horse tomorrow morning,” he promised his mother.

And at night he had an unusual dream: he seemed to be sitting near a green fluffy Christmas tree, decorated with dough toys and multi-colored light bulbs. Christmas tree decorations sway on the branches and quietly talk to each other.

- I really like it here! - said Thumbelina. — The Christmas tree is so elegant, and the lights are bright and cheerful!

“And I like it,” said the little fish. “Even though it’s not in the river, you don’t have to worry about toothy pike.”

- Both for us and for us! - the bells rang.

“Let’s all sing a song about the New Year together,” suggested the ruddy bun.

“Come on,” the toys picked up and sang cheerfully:

We were blinded by children

Made from thick dough.

Hung on branches

All of us together are not crowded!

We rock, we sing,

We are waiting for the New Year holiday!

Come visit us, New Year,

With Christmas trees, gifts,

With bright lights!

We rock, we sing,

We are really looking forward to the New Year!

- And you, horse, why don’t you eat? - asked Thumbelina.

But the horse did not answer, only lowered its head low, and tears began to fall from its eyes.

Guys, have you guessed why the horse was silent?

- Poor horse! - exclaimed Thumbelina. “Volodya forgot to sculpt your mouth.” Nothing! He will definitely remember you, and you will be able to sing along with everyone! After all, Volodya is a kind, good boy.

When the boy woke up in the morning, he immediately jumped out of bed and rushed to the box of toys.

- Poor horse! Please forgive me! Now I’ll mold you a horn and straighten your legs,” he said, taking the toy in his hands.

Volodya asked his mother for a piece of gesta and began to remake the horse. He took his time, sculpted thoughtfully and carefully, and the horse turned out to be cheerful and cute. And when the boy painted her mane, tail and hooves, she was completely transformed. Volodya did not forget to make its mouth so that the horse could sing along with everyone.

- Wonderful horse! - Mom praised Volodya.

In the evening, mom, dad and children dressed up, took gifts and went to visit grandma to celebrate the New Year together. After all, this is a family holiday!

Answer the questions

1. What gift did mom buy for grandma for the New Year?

2. What toys did she suggest making for the children?

3. Why didn’t Volodya get a toy horse?

4. What dream did the boy have?

5. How did Volodya help the horse?

Our ancestors called the first winter month the time of white paths, since winter begins with it. December also had other names: winter road, icy month, gruden, winter road, student. People watched how much snow had fallen, whether the water was noisy in the well, how much frost there was on the branches of trees and bushes.

Based on all these signs, it was possible to predict the weather for the entire next year. The peasants determined how rich (or, conversely, poor) the harvest would be. The predictions came true, which is why they have survived to this day. Joinfo.ua will tell you about folk signs for December in his material.

Our ancestors considered the last month of the year to be special. It is customary to take stock and make plans for the future. To make this easier, it is recommended to take into account folk signs that have come down to us from time immemorial.

General signs for December

The folk signs of this month mostly have to do with the weather. So, if there are bitter frosts during December, then you can expect a good harvest in the coming year. If the clouds float to the South in the morning, then the day promises to be clear, if to the North, then gloomy. A pale moon at night in December is a harbinger of wet snow falling during the day. Large snowdrifts indicate that there will be few sunny days next summer.

Sunny weather in December does not bode well for a good harvest. But cloudy days, on the contrary, promise that summer residents and gardeners will have something to rejoice at. If cloudy and snowy days occur frequently, then there will be especially a lot of grain. Lack of precipitation during the first winter month is a sign that spring will be the same as the previous one.

Our forefathers observed the behavior of animals and birds. A cat that hides its face hints that the day will be frosty. If hares “wear” spotted coats, then the frosts throughout the winter will not be severe. A dog that swings in a snowdrift “calls” its owners to cancel the hunt, as a strong snowstorm is expected.

If a bullfinch sings right next to the window, then a thaw will come. Chaotically flying birds are a sign of heavy snowfall. Crows walking on the ground promise warming, and if they croak loudly, then severe frosts will strike. But screaming jackdaws herald a sunny day.

Signs for every day

This day indicated what winter would be like. If December 1st turns out to be warm, then all three upcoming months will be the same, not without exception, of course. A frosty day, accordingly, hints that we should expect frosts in the future. A strong wind indicates that the winter will be blizzard. The changeable weather on the first day of December also testifies to the capricious winter.

In the old days, the Slavs prepared sbiten on December 2, seasoning it with medicinal herbs. This remedy was taken during colds throughout the winter. In Avdeya it was customary to take care of the household. It was believed that a successful winter depended on how many things could be done during that day.

The weather on this day corresponds to the weather in the first days of June. If it snows or rains, then the beginning of summer will be rainy.

The day was also called the gate of winter. If the snow that fell after December 4 remains until spring, then you can expect a rich harvest.

There is a popular saying about this day: “The trench digs a snowdrift, walks through the snow, and makes way for the sleigh.” From this we can conclude that after December 5 we can expect heavy snow.

Take a closer look at which direction the wind is blowing. If from the North, then June will rain. And if snow falls on Mitrofan, then there is no doubt about it.

Unmarried girls can tell fortunes about their betrotheds. Katerina patronizes the creation of a family, so prophecies often come true. Clear weather on December 7 foreshadows a frosty continuation of winter.

Do you want to be lucky in any matter? Start it on an empty stomach. In the old days, on December 8, women sat at spinning wheels, and the stronger sex threshed grain.

If you have a well in your yard, listen to see if the water is noisy in it. If it is quiet, then winter will please you with the absence of frost. Are you hearing any noises? Then don't flatter yourself! In the old days, people believed that it was on this day that all the bears, as if on command, went into their dens for hibernation.

To get rid of various troubles and failures, wake up early and face the North. This ritual is aimed at clearing your life of adversities: they are carried away by the wind. People who could not have children for a long time asked Roman to get rid of infertility.

Happiness, prosperity and joy await the family if on this day a jay flies to the window and starts singing. On December 11, you can tell fortunes for the fulfillment of a wish. To do this, you should throw coins of different denominations into a snowdrift, and then try to get them out. If the largest one comes first, then the plan will come true.

A strong wind is heralded by a crimson morning dawn. If snow falls on Zornik, then it means blizzards. But you can’t expect frosts until Nikolai himself.

And again you can listen to the water in the well. If it makes noise, then expect snowstorms and frosts. If there is silence, then the continuation of winter will be calm. On December 13, unmarried girls prayed to St. Andrew the First-Called for a successful marriage.

In the old days, on this day, children began to learn to read and write. When leaving the house, the parents said: “Naum, bring the child to mind!”

Anyone who suffers from insomnia can read special conspiracies against this scourge. Habakkuk is considered the patron saint of sound sleep, so in the old days they believed that such a ritual could heal and drive out evil spirits from the house that frighten children at night.

Our ancestors were silent for a whole day. They spoke only when urgently needed, because they believed that silence would help them remain eloquent throughout the year. In addition, according to people, silence protected from sorrows and attracted good luck to the house in all endeavors.

From this day on, severe frosts begin, due to which the rivers are covered with thick ice, on which you can safely walk. If there are many stars in the sky, then the frosts will only get stronger. Clouds in the sky indicate the onset of a thaw.

In order not to cause trouble, people tried not to work. According to popular beliefs, Savva the Sanctified continues the work of Varvara - attracting frost.

From this day on, winter matchmaking rituals began. Young people who had not yet found a couple offered prayers for marriage. The frosts continue to get stronger, and it is believed that as much snow falls, the same amount of harvest can be expected next year. If the day is sunny, then severe frosts will occur.

The 20th is the day of preparing the dowry, so unmarried girls sat down to yarn and embroidery.

Anfisa is a saint, called the needlewoman in the world. On December 21, young ladies spun, weaved, sewed... Particular attention was paid to embroidery. Started on this day, it had magical powers.

On Anna Winter - the shortest day and longest night of the year. Good weather is a harbinger that it will be clear on December 31st. Cloudy skies promise warmer temperatures for the New Year.

People with visual impairments asked Ming to send them improvement. But all the other laymen also turned to him with requests to remove the veil from their eyes in order to distinguish bad from good.

To avoid causing trouble, you should not pick up sharp objects on this day. Therefore, when sitting down at the table, use spoons and break bread with your hands. You can tell fortunes for the fulfillment of a wish. To do this, you should go to a tree, think about your dream, break off a twig and put it in the water in your room. If leaves appear on it before Christmas, then the dream will come true.

The day is getting longer and the night is getting shorter. In ancient times, people believed that Spyridon unfolded the Sun. It's heading towards spring. Catholics celebrate Christmas and offer prayers for prosperity.

People began to monitor the weather more closely. The next 12 days should show what the weather will be like throughout the next year. It's very simple: every day corresponds to one of 12 months.

It was believed that this day was the warmest of the entire winter. People believed that on December 27, evil spirits scratched at the doors of their houses. To prevent it from getting inside, the home should be thoroughly cleaned. Unnecessary items should be taken to a landfill.

It was often frosty on this day. They said that birds freeze on the fly. The weather matches what March will be like.

If December 29 is cold, it means that the winter will continue to be frosty. Heavy snowstorms can be expected. If frost appears on the trees, then Christmas will be warm.

If there is a snowstorm on this day, then next year the bees will be active. On December 30, the girls told fortunes about their betrothed. This is done like this: on three laurel leaves the names of the friends of the patron saint of this day are written: Ananias, Azarius Michael. The petals must be placed under the pillow in order to see the future groom in a dream.

The last day of the year is an opportunity to tell fortunes about the weather for the whole year ahead. This will require 12 small boxes corresponding to each month of the year. To avoid confusion, you can sign them. You need to put a little salt in each of them and leave overnight. If some of the salt is soaked in the morning, it means the month will be rainy.

December ends the year, winter begins

December is popularly called “icy”, which means that real winter begins from this month. With frost, blizzards and snow.

This month is notable for many things:

he ends the year;

December marks the longest night of the year - the winter solstice;

Some holidays dear to our hearts are also in December.

In this article we will look at the folk calendar for December, the signs of this month and some sayings.

Folk calendar for December

1st Plato and Roman Winter Guides

It is not for nothing that people call Plato and Roman winter indicators - on the first day of December it was customary to judge the entire coming winter. That is why special attention was paid to signs.

Also on this day, it was customary to ask for help from the saints if there was a material shortage in the family. And this is the first thing to do at the beginning of the day. In Rus' they believed that such a simple manipulation could solve money problems.

In addition to financial issues, Roman and Plato could help people survive the winter well and “work hard” for the future harvest.

2nd Avdey Radetel

Avdey or Avdeyev Day is an important date in the folk calendar of December. Traditionally, on this day, the so-called “rite of locking the house” from various evil spirits and evil spirits was carried out. All that had to be done was to go around the entire house and knock with the butt of the ax on the door frames and window frames.

If there was no ax, then any sharp iron object, for example, a sickle, was used. Thus, an axe, a sickle, a scythe and even a knife are the strongest amulets that protect the house from evil spirits.

However, they were not limited to just metal. They tried to protect themselves from evil by all available means:

The blizzard takes over the road, drives dashing diseases into the cracks of the earth

Therefore, the peasants preferred not to cross the threshold of their home, and to enjoy the warmth and spicy drink - sbiten - at home.

3rd Day of Proclus

The second name of the holiday is Cursers of Evil. It speaks for itself - on December 3, our ancestors tried in every conceivable and inconceivable way to curse evil spirits. For protective purposes.

obderiha;

fever;

• storytellers.

Ovinniki and banniki were also not particularly loved.

The peasants believed that at any moment they could enter the house (or bathhouse) and cause great harm. Hence the number of different protective rituals.

Also, traditionally on December 3 we prayed to Saint Proclus for good luck on the road. Since after the autumn storm, sleigh tracks had already been established, and therefore travel between villages and villages was restored.

And of course, we didn’t forget to follow the signs.

4th Introduction

The weather on December 4 was used to judge the weather for the near future. In general, people have their own attitude towards this day. People believed that Winter itself drove along the street and drew patterns on the windows. The second name of the holiday is the Gate of Winter. And frost on this day is a very good, fruitful sign.

But if the weather was cloudy, then you shouldn’t count on a good harvest.

The third name of the day in the folk calendar is the Young Family Holiday.

Also, on December 4th it was customary to organize fairs and folk festivals. They were usually started by newlyweds, which is perhaps why the holiday is called the holiday of a young family.

They also paid attention to various signs.

5th Prokopiev day

A noisy and cheerful holiday in December. Usually people gathered as a whole village and began to trample down paths and roads. After which they organized a feast “for the whole village” and various games:

rode a sleigh

The men on Procopius repaired the sleigh, and the women went into the forest to get ephilia (a magical herb that can help a hunchback straighten up).

6th Mitrofan's Day

On December 6th, cheerful festivities dedicated to the establishment of the sleigh route continued. The main entertainment was winter fun and sleigh rides. Plus, for Mitrofan it was necessary to install road markers at the side of the road - special long sticks, “decorated” with straw, fabric, and so on. They served as landmarks for travelers.

Also, on this day it was necessary to guess about those who went to war.

7th Katerina Sannitsa, Katerina Zhenodavitsa

This holiday of the December folk calendar has another name - First Sleigh Ride. Strictly speaking, it is not exactly the first - mass celebrations and games began a little earlier. But on this day they just continued.

Having walked and played enough, they had a feast, gave gifts, in other words, had a fun time.

Also on this day, Saint Catherine, the intercessor of women and mothers, was revered.

15th Day of Habakkuk

This is already the middle of the first winter month, there was a lot of snow, and therefore the snow fun continued.

And the day is notable for the fact that on December 15, a special ceremony was held aimed at ridding the child of tearfulness. They did it late in the evening, so that no one would see. It was always done by a healer, since it was previously read that such behavior of a child was the result of the influence of evil spirits on him. Which not everyone could handle.

16th Ivan Molchalnik

In the folk calendar there are two more names for this day - Ivan the Silent or the Silent. In general, everything is clear with this - in Rus' they preferred to spend December 16 in silence, or at least talk less and even write.

It was believed that this could attract good luck and eloquence.

Ivan is silent, good rumors grow the business

It is very undesirable to start quarrels on this day, especially with loved ones, otherwise you will continue to quarrel all year.

Moreover, it is best to go to bed early on Midsummer's Day, otherwise the evil spirits that walk until the first rooster can steal your voice.

This day is also good for identifying false friends and breaking these ties.

17th Varvarin frosts

Varyukha is cracking - take care of your nose and ear!

People spoke, hinting that the frosts were getting stronger and stronger.

Winter Varvara, as this day was called, is considered a women's holiday, and therefore it was undesirable for them to work. Also, with Varvara, preparations for Nikola began, that is, for the time of big winter holidays, hence the bans on certain types of activities.

It is best to have a fun holiday, with treats and guests. Well, watch the signs of December.

18th Savvin day

Another day on which it was impossible to work, completely impossible. The peasants said that all work would go to waste if they started on Savvin's day. So the people continued to rest and watch for signs. In particular, it was possible to determine from the smoke what kind of winter it would be.

19th Nikola Winter

Big holiday in Rus'. Saint Nicholas was especially revered, considered the intercessor of the slandered, innocently convicted, sailors, merchants and children.

It is noteworthy that all terms of any transactions expired on this day.

On the morning of December 19, everyone tried to go to church and be less sad during the day. According to popular belief, if you are sad, winter will be angry and frosty.

20th St. Ambrose's Day

But on this day all the fun ended until Christmas. But preparations for this bright holiday began: cleaning, washing and much more.

And young unmarried girls sat down to sew outfits. Moreover, it was necessary to sew the most beautiful dress, then the grooms would definitely pay attention to such a beauty.

21st Anfisa the Needlewoman

At Handicrafts, all the girls had to do some handicrafts! It is best to be alone, and if this did not work out, then special rituals against the evil eye should be performed.

The girl sews for Anfisa, but the extra eye while sewing is for the evil eye

And, of course, this December day had its own signs.

22nd Anna Dark

Dark day - this is what people called Anna, and all because it is the shortest day and the longest night of the year (depending on the year).

On December 22, it was necessary to monitor the weather and signs; they were used to judge winter, harvest and much more.

Even pregnant women should have fasted on Anna (on other days they were exempt from fasting). But they couldn’t quarrel, just like they couldn’t do needlework.

23rd Mina Day

Our ancestors called all the days from December 23 to 29 the days of Spiridonov's turning, since the winter solstice, an important turning point, occurred during this period of time.

From St. Mina - darkness passes us by

The people believed that this saint could help in getting rid of eye diseases, which was what they asked him for on the 23rd.

Also an important ritual of this day of the folk calendar was the reading of conspiracies from midnight owls - evil spirits that pester young children.

24th Nikon day

On this day, people asked the sun to return to earth, for which they lit lamps. Also, fire is a good talisman against evil and various evil spirits, which were especially active during the Solstice.

The dreams that I had on this day were prophetic, so they were worth remembering and then interpreting with the help of a dream book.

Plus, on Nikon’s day you could make a wish, and then break off a branch of an apple tree, bring it home and put it in water. If the branch blossomed for Christmas, the wish would come true.

25th Spiridon Solstice

Solstice. From that day on, the day began to arrive, summer was approaching. On the one hand, a joyful time - there was more sun, but also a very dangerous one - the intertime, the moment when evil spirits are especially strong.

They protected themselves from them with fire, amulets, special rituals and much more. You can read articles about Christmastide, caroling, and Karachun Day.

Signs and sayings below.

26th Eustratian Day, Witches' gatherings

Our ancestors believed that on December 26, witches get together and begin plotting to get rid of the sun. Something like Walpurgis Night in our style. Therefore, it was categorically forbidden to use foul language and leave a broom outside the threshold; evil spirits could use it for their own purposes.

It was possible to protect yourself from witches with the help of a sickle and an ax - the first should be stuck in the floor, and the second in the threshold.

Also in Rus' they believed that every day, starting from December 26, shows the weather for future months. Therefore, they closely followed the signs.

27th Filimonov day

The rampage of evil spirits still continued, and the days, although longer, were still very short. People were still afraid of evil spirits, and still tried to protect themselves from it.

For example, it was necessary to wash often - evil spirits, according to ancient beliefs, really do not like water.

28th Trifonov day

Get off the porch, let the golden coal roll across the yard

They spoke among the people and poured burning coals onto the snow early in the morning. This was supposed to scare away the evil force.

The second name of this folk holiday is Dawn in Mittens. Our ancestors considered the morning and evening dawn to be the sisters of the sun, and the sun itself was very revered. So, his sisters were asked for help and protection in many things - from getting rid of illnesses to protection from evil.

29th Agey Inesei

On this day, many things were judged by signs and weather, especially paying attention to the frost and how the snow lay near the fence.

Meanwhile, preparations for the New Year holidays were in full swing.

30th Danilov day

The housewife lit the stove so that there would be enough heat for two days

On St. Daniel's Day, unmarried girls hurried to enlist the help of the saint so that he could help them with their suitors.

Pre-holiday days were considered prophetic, and therefore it was customary to tell fortunes and pay attention to dreams, which Daniel also helped to solve.

31st Modest Day

Another prophetic day of fortune telling and predictions, which our ancestors did not lose sight of. As will be the sign of this December day.

In addition, Modest in Rus' was revered as the patron saint of livestock and livestock, and on his day they asked for help and protection. A number of certain rituals were also aimed at this.

Modest's day is the most terrible and dangerous from the point of view of rampant evil spirits. Therefore, people lit fires for protection. Fire could protect.

Previous article - folk calendar for November. All holidays, signs and sayings.