Church holiday September 24, 2026: traditions, signs and prohibitions Fedorin evenings

The Story of Saint Theodora

Theodora lived in Alexandria in the fifth century. She was married to a pious man named Paphnutius, and their marriage was happy. However, once a rich citizen, fascinated by the beauty of Feodora, decided to seduce her. He bribed the matchmaker, and she convinced the woman that the betrayal committed at night was not considered a sin.

Theodore succumbed to temptation, but almost immediately repented deeply. On the advice of the abbess, she secretly left the house, cut her hair, changed into men's clothes and entered the monastery under the name Theodore. No one knew her secret. In the monastery, she led a strict life, prayed and worked a lot, for which she was awarded the gift of miracle work. Only after her death did the monks learn that a woman was hiding under the name of Theodore.

Why is the day called Fedorina evenings

People called September 24 Fedorin evenings, because from this day began autumn gatherings. Women gathered together to do needlework, sing songs and talk. It was believed that with Fedora, autumn finally comes into its own, and the evenings become longer and darker.

The main occupation of this day was cutting and salting cabbage. The hostess went out into the yard, cut cabbage with slashes, added carrots, apples, cranberries and salted it in barrels. It was believed that cabbage, harvested on Fedora, will turn out to be especially tasty and crispy. Neighbors and girlfriends were invited to such works - together the matter argued faster, and at work they sang songs and joked.

The traditions of Fedorin's parties

The main tradition of September 24 is harvesting cabbage for the winter. Women gathered in the same house, chopped cabbage, salted it and put it in barrels. Men at this time were engaged in other things: repaired barns, insulated houses, harvested firewood.

Also on this day was made to bake cakes with cabbage. They were served to the table with kvass, tea and pickles. It was believed that the more cakes you bake, the more satisfying the winter will be.

They went to church and prayed to Saint Theodore for family well-being, strengthening of faith and forgiveness of sins.

Notes as of September 24

If the day is clear and warm, autumn will be dry and long.

If it rains, autumn will be damp.

If in the morning fog - for warm weather.

If the cranes fly south, winter will come early.

If there is a lot of webs, by a warm autumn.

If the ash is born - for a cold winter.

If it is sunny on Fedor, winter will be mild.

What not to do on September 24th

You can not argue and quarrel - conflicts on this day can last for a long time.

It was believed that those who do not work on this day will be left without income for the winter.

Do not throw away bread and sauerkraut - this is a great sin.

You can not refuse help - violating the ban can face failure.

You can not go to the forest alone – people believed that evil forces can confuse the road.

What to do on September 24th

Getting cabbage for the winter and salting it in barrels.

Bake cakes with cabbage and treat guests.

To pray to Saint Theodore for family welfare and forgiveness of sins.

Spend time with your family at the festive table.

Clean the house and prepare it for the cold.