Autumn: What can and cannot be done on October 28

On Wednesday, October 28, 2026, according to the national calendar, Ethymius of the Autumn, who is also called Ethymius the Pious, is celebrated. On this day, our ancestors watched the clouds, the moon and the behavior of animals, trying to predict the approach of winter. The date was associated with the traditions of flax processing, preparing the house for the cold and various folk beliefs.

The name of the day is associated with the memory of St. Euthymius of Thessaloniki, who is also called Euthymius the New. In the national calendar, his name eventually began to sound like Ethymius, and the day itself was associated with autumn troubles and the approach of cold weather.

By the end of October, the peasants tried to complete seasonal work, check the reserves and prepare the dwelling for the winter. In some areas, flax continued to be processed: fibres were minted and trembled, which were then used to make threads and fabrics.

Snow fell - according to legend, next year will be productive.

Around the moon appeared a bright circle - waiting for severe frosts.

The lunar circle acquired a reddish hue - the sign foreshadowed snowfall and increased wind.

A cloud is seen above the rising sun to change the weather.

Mosquitoes still fly - it was thought that winter would be mild.

Chickens scrape the ground - according to popular observations, should have waited for rain.

The rooster sings for a long time before climbing the rooster - the weather could have changed the next day.

According to tradition, Ethymius Autumn devoted to household chores and preparation for winter. The housewives were engaged in the processing of flax, checked food stocks and put the house in order. They also tried to complete tasks that were difficult to perform in cold weather.

The day was suitable for quiet work around the house, caring for loved ones and helping those who needed support. In popular beliefs, thrift and order helped to preserve the well-being of the family during the winter.

With Ethymius Autumn, several popular prohibitions were associated:

On October 28, Orthodox believers remember St. Euthymius of the New, of Thessaloniki, a monk of the IX century. He became famous for his ascetic life and the desire for spiritual perfection.