Folk signs for October 16: what can and cannot be done

Omens have helped people navigate life for centuries: in Russia, they were used to predict the weather, choose suitable days for work in the field and household chores. There were no random dates in the national calendar — every day had its own signs, rituals and beliefs, which were treated with great attention. Izvestia tells about the signs for October 16 and about the church holidays that are celebrated on this day.

Folk signs for October 16

In Russia, on October 16, the Denis Pozimny holiday was celebrated. It was also called Dionysius Day and Autumn Fevers. It was believed that by mid-October, autumn was gradually giving way to winter, with warm days giving way to rains, fogs, and frosts. They talked about the approach of winter: "Denis came, the day dragged down, it began to get dark earlier, it started to get light later, the sun does not rise above the chimneys."

In the old days, people tried to protect their home and loved ones from diseases and the evil eye. According to beliefs, at this time, autumn fevers roamed the earth, which could enter the dwelling and cause malaise. To protect against them, they used aspen bark, which they carried with them. Onions and garlic, which were considered amulets against evil spirits, were also laid out in the houses. If a person had a headache, they could put an aspen log under it, and with leg cramps, the wood was placed near the feet.

Weather observations were given special importance on this day. According to the state of the sky, air temperature and animal behavior, the peasants tried to predict the nature of the upcoming winter. For example, a warm day on October 16 was considered a sign that severe frosts would not come until Artemyev Day on November 2. If the clouds dropped low and turned dark, a cold snap and possible snowfall were expected.

Other signs of the day:

• Sparrows gather in flocks and fly restlessly from place to place — to bad weather;
• jackdaws flock together and shout loudly — for clear weather;
• dark clouds float low over the ground, leading to cold weather and precipitation;
• the day turned out to be warm — frosts will not come soon;
• The moles had packed a lot of straw and dry grass into their burrows for the harsh winter.;
• hares have accumulated a lot of fat — for a long and cold winter;
• mice arrange supplies and hide them deep underground — for prolonged cold weather.;
• the moon looks dark due to rainy weather.

What not to do on October 16

In Russia, the holiday of Denis the Winter was accompanied by prohibitions related primarily to the fear of diseases, the evil eye and evil spirits. It was believed that on this day, evil spirits could approach a human dwelling and harm its inhabitants. Therefore, people tried not to leave windows and doors open unnecessarily, for fear of letting autumn fevers into the house. There was also a belief that money found at intersections should not be raised, since ill-wishers could allegedly use them to damage it.

What else can not be done on October 16:

• If you lend money, it will be difficult to repay it.;
• Quarreling with relatives can ruin a relationship for a long time.;
• Saying hurtful words leads to trouble.;
• to let strangers and uninvited guests into the house — they were afraid of ill-wishers and the evil eye;
• to take excessive initiative in new matters — hasty undertakings will not bring the desired result.

What church holiday is celebrated on October 16

On October 16, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the Holy Martyr Dionysius the Areopagite, the first bishop of Athens, who lived in the 1st century. He is considered one of the famous early Christian preachers and disciples of the Apostle Paul. According to church tradition, the future saint was born into a noble pagan family and received a good education. He studied philosophy and other sciences, and later became a member of the Athenian Areopagus, the city's supreme judicial council. A turning point in his life was a meeting with the Apostle Paul, who preached Christianity in Athens. After hearing his teaching about the resurrection of Christ, Dionysius believed and was baptized.

After converting to Christianity, Dionysius devoted his life to the service of the church. According to legend, he accompanied the Apostle Paul for some time, adopting his instructions and getting acquainted with the basics of the Christian faith. Subsequently, Dionysius became the first bishop of Athens and was engaged in spreading the new faith among the locals. Later, the saint went to preach in Gaul, in the territory of modern France.

Dionysius arrived in Gaul together with Presbyter Rusticus and Deacon Eleutherius. Together they preached Christianity among the pagan population and converted people to the new faith. After the persecution of Christians began, the saints were arrested. Around 96, they all suffered martyrdom.

Also on October 16, Orthodox believers remember St. Dionysius of the Caves, known by the nickname Shchepa. He lived in the XV century and worked in the Kiev Caves monastery and had the rank of hieromonk. The saint became famous due to a miraculous event that occurred during the Easter service. According to legend, in 1463 Dionysius performed the incense of the holy relics in the Antoniev Cave. After uttering the Easter greeting "Christ is risen!", he heard from the relics a response that sounded like thunder: "Truly he is risen!".

After that, the Monk Dionysius retired into seclusion and spent the rest of his life in spiritual labors and abstinence. The ascetic achieved special spiritual concentration and humility. After his death, he was buried in the Distant Caves of the Kiev Caves Monastery.

Prayers on October 16

The Holy Martyr Dionysius the Areopagite is asked for wisdom, patience and the ability to make the right decisions. St. Dionysius of the Caves is asked to strengthen his faith, peace of mind, and help in his prayer life.

Prayer to Dionysius the Areopagite

Troparion

"Having learned goodness, and being sober in all, you have been clothed with a good conscience, a priestly one, you have received an ineffable gift from a chosen vessel, and you have kept faith, you have completed an equal course, Holy Martyr Dionysius, pray to Christ God, that our souls may be saved."

Kontakion

"Having passed through the gates of heaven in the spirit, as a disciple of the third heaven, who reached the apostle, Dionysius, thou art enriched with all understanding of the ineffable, and thou hast enlightened those who sit in the darkness of ignorance. That's what we call it: hail, universal Father."

Prayer to Dionysius of the Caves

Troparion

"You who offer a bloodless sacrifice to the Lord without blemish and serve Him according to your rank for many a time without mercy, O holy Dionysius, pray for us who honor you with love."

Kontakion

"You who performed sacred rites on earth and labored in your good work, but now you rejoice in heaven, we praise you with sacred songs, Dionysius, and we pray: pray to Christ God unceasingly for all of us."

Greatness

"We bless you, Venerable Father Dionysius, and honor your holy memory, mentor of monks and companion of angels."

Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to St. Michael, the first Metropolitan of Kiev and All Russia.