Dmitri Day 8 November 2026 What can and cannot be done

Dmitriev’s day closed the wedding season and completed preparations for the cold, so he combined memorial, economic and family traditions.

The main ritual was the commemoration of the dead. People went to the cemetery, put the graves in order, ordered funeral services, and at home they set a table with kut, pancakes and pies, putting a separate plate for departed relatives. Part of the treat was left on the windowsill as an offering to ancestors, and in the bath - clean water and a new broom for souls. Before sunset, they tried to finish all the work on the house and garden, insulate the dwelling and check the supplies. From that day on, winter girl gatherings with spinning wheels, songs and divinations began, and generosity to neighbors and those in need, according to legend, attracted wealth.

There are many bans on this day too. It was strictly not recommended to quarrel and be offended - it was believed that the conflict "freezes" relations for the whole winter. They did not disturb the land and did not work in the field: nature falls asleep, and its peace cannot be disturbed. Postponing hard work and needlework - sewing, knitting, embroidery and spinning could "sew up" luck or "cut" life. Water on this day was considered unsafe, so refrained from washing, washing dishes, long bathing and wet cleaning. They did not cut their hair and nails in order not to “shorten” life and not attract diseases.

Loud fun was perceived as disrespect for the memory of ancestors, and left for the night dirty dishes threatened discord in the family. They did not give and did not borrow – money and energy could go with the cold. Weddings and conversations about marriage were excluded: the season is over. They were careful with sharp objects, did not speak badly about the dead, did not start new important affairs, and did not go to the cemetery after sunset. You should not be lazy either - winter was met with deed and order.

Modern man does not have to follow all the signs literally, but the traditions of ancestors are easy to adapt. Light a candle and remember with a kind word the departed relatives, tell about them to children.

If possible, visit the cemetery and clean the graves; if not, do it mentally. Bake pancakes or pie, put an extra plate and share the treat with loved ones and neighbors. Help those in need - transfer money to the fund, take things to a shelter, support an elderly neighbor.

Spend the day without quarrels and disputes, postpone sewing, washing and cleaning, do without financial borrowing and do not rush to the hairdresser. Finish the autumn business: insulate the house, check supplies, remove summer things. Gather your loved ones for tea with pies, and believers can turn to Dimitri Solunsky with a request for protection. And remember the dream - on the night of November 8, he was considered prophetic.

As previously wrote “MK in Tomsk”, November 7 was celebrated Dimitrievskaya Saturday.