Church holiday September 29, 2026: signs, traditions and prohibitions of Euthymia

The Story of the Great Martyr Euphemia

Euphemia was born at the end of the III century in Chalcedon, on the banks of the Bosphorus, in the family of Senator Philophron. From a young age she was distinguished by deep faith and piety. During the persecution of Christians under the emperor Diocletian, the ruler of the city ordered all residents to come to a pagan festival in honor of the god Mars. The Christian community refused to participate in idolatry and secretly performed worship, for which its members, including young Euphemia, were arrested.

The ruler tried to seduce the girl with gifts, but received a decisive refusal. Then she was subjected to terrible tortures: tied to a wheel with sharp knives, but the angel stopped the wheel and healed the wounds. Thrown into a hot stove, she remained unharmed. Euphemia was finally torn to the beasts, but lions and bears licked her feet. Only one bear inflicted a small wound, and at that moment there was a voice of heaven calling for a martyr. The soul of Euphemia departed to God, and the city was shaken by an earthquake that destroyed the pagan temples.

A century and a half later, in 451, the IV Ecumenical Council was held in the temple above her grave. The disputing parties placed two scrolls on the saint’s chest – the Orthodox and heretical confessions. Three days later, the Orthodox scroll was in the right hand of the martyr, and the heretical one at her feet. This miracle confirmed the dogma of two natures in Christ and forever glorified Euphemia as the defender of the Orthodox faith.

Why is the day called Bird's Bone

The people of September 29 called the Bird's Bone, because on this day in Russia it was customary to catch birds and guess by their bones, determining what the winter will be like. The more fat accumulated on the bones of a deaf person or duck, the stronger the frost promised to be. If fat is low, winter was expected to be light and short.

Another name - Bird's barren - is associated with the autumn flight of birds. Children ran out into the street, raised their heads to the sky and escorted packs flying south. It was believed that a girl born on this day will grow up a singer.

The traditions of Ethymia

The main tradition of September 29 is bird watching. Peasants watched the geese, starlings and cheeks, trying to predict the weather for months to come. If the geese have not left yet, autumn will be long. If the ticks gather in flocks and shout loudly - to clear weather.

Also on this day it was customary to go to the bath. It was believed that the steam received on September 29 washes away the disease for a whole year. In the steam room took only their brooms, so as not to take on other people's ailments. After the bath, they set the table, thanked for their well-being and discussed winter cares. The evening is better spent in the circle of relatives, without guests and noisy feasts.

Another important activity is the harvesting of cabbage. By this time, it was pouring and becoming sweet. The hostess cut cabbage, salted it with apples, carrots, cranberries and lingonberries, so that in winter there was always a crispy treat on the table.

Notes as of September 29

Warm and dry weather - for mild and late winter.

The thunder of September 29 - to a little snowy winter.

The geese fly south - winter is approaching.

The geese and starlings are not gone yet - autumn will be long.

They gather in flocks and shout loudly - for clear weather.

Bright stars in the morning - to worsen the weather.

Smoke is low to change the weather.

Spiders weave webs during the rain - the rain will soon end.

Mice and moles make large reserves - for the harsh winter.

What not to do on September 29th

You can’t kiss your loved ones – it was believed that this could lead to separation.

You can not eat mushrooms - according to long-held beliefs, so you can make yourself vulnerable to spoilage and evil eye.

You can not fish and approach the rivers - in the old days feared mermaids that could drag a person to the bottom.

You can not go on long trips and move - it was believed that the road will not bring luck.

You can not pay off debts – allegedly, if you pay off the creditor on this day, you will have to spend the whole winter in a debt pit.

You can’t brag and gossip – it could lead to the loss of friends and quarrels.

Young girls were not advised to look in the mirror for a long time - through a reflection, evil spirits could steal youth and beauty.

You can not scold children - it could turn into a stutter for a child.

You can not give children's clothes and toys - they believed that because of this, the child will lose luck forever.

You can not find out the relationship and quarrel - a conversation in high tones could end in a major quarrel and enmity.

What to do on September 29th

Watch the birds and predict the weather.

To go to the bath - it is believed that steam washes away diseases for a year.

To harvest cabbage for the winter and stew it with apples, carrots and cranberries.

Spend time with your family at the table, thank you for your well-being.

To remember dreams – on this day they are considered prophetic.