What is the holiday today: September 20, 2026
September 20, 2026 is the 263rd day of the year (264th in leap years). There are 102 days left until the end of the year. This day is rich in professional, international and religious holidays, as well as important historical events and birthdays of famous people. We tell you what is celebrated in Russia and the world on September 20, what signs exist and which of the celebrities was born and died on this day.

Unusual holidays: Spontaneous Tea Day (ideal time for a cup of aromatic tea alone or with friends), Flying Birds Day (symbolic date associated with the migration of birds to the south) and Late Love Day.
Other countries note on September 20: Day of Oil Man (Azerbaijan), Day of Love for Your Teeth (China), Day of Youth (Thailand), Dance Day (USA).
On September 20, 2026, Orthodox Christians celebrate the Pre-Feast of the Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God. On the eve of the great twelfth holiday in the temples begin to sound hymns dedicated to the birth of the Virgin Mary. According to legend, the pious Joachim and Anna had no children for a long time, but their prayers were heard - the angel brought the good news of the imminent birth of a daughter, who was called Mary.
On this day the Russian Orthodox Church honors the memory of many saints, including:
Also, September 20 is the Day of Remembrance of the Monks of Peresvet and Oslyab.
September 20, 2026 is a Sunday that combines a church holiday, folk traditions and strict prohibitions. Orthodox Christians celebrate the Pre-Feast of the Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God and honor the memory of St. Luke Glubokorechensky, the Martyr Sozon and St. John of Novgorod. In the national calendar, this day is known as Lukov Day, Lukovnitsa or Eustathius Vetryak. We tell you what you can and cannot do on September 20 to attract prosperity and not cause trouble.
St. Luke Glubokorechensky is an Orthodox saint who lived in the X century. Detailed information about his life survived a little, but the church tradition allows you to restore the main milestones of his biography. The future saint came from Likaonia, a region in Asia Minor located on the territory of modern Turkey. No reliable data has been preserved about the early years of his life, family and worldly name, which is generally characteristic of many ascetics of that era who sought humility and distance from worldly glory.
It is known that Luke accepted monasticism in the monastery of Christ the Savior, which was located near Triglia. The monastery was called “Deep Rivers” – it is from him that the nickname of the saint comes, under which he entered the church history. This monastery was located near Constantinople, in the area of the Gulf of Kyoto, and was famous for its strict way of life. The inhabitants of the monastery adhered to a harsh ascetic tradition, and the monastery itself was known as a place of ascetic life and unceasing prayer.
Abbot at the Saviour Monastery
The Holy Monastery "Deep Rivers" had its spiritual leaders, and Luke became the third holy abbot of this monastery. The first abbot was St. Basil, the second - St. Ignatius. In 975, Luke assumed control of the monastery and remained its abbot for the rest of his life. He carried out this service with great humility and responsibility, continuing the work of his pious predecessors.
As abbot, Luke Glubokorechensky devoted himself to strict fasting, unceasing prayer and spiritual leadership of the brethren. He was an example of great humility, faith and guardian of monastic traditions. The Church honors his memory precisely as an example of ascetic life and faithful service to God. Under his leadership, the monastery continued to preserve its strict ascetic tradition, and the brethren were strengthened in spiritual exploits.
End and worship
St. Luke Glubokorechensky died at the end of the X century, having lived all his life at the monastery. According to church tradition, he departed to the Lord at the age of just over ninety. Such a long life in conditions of severe monastic feat testifies to his extraordinary spiritual and bodily fortress, as well as to the grace-filled help of God, accompanying the ascetic throughout his path.
The memory of St. Luke Glubokorechensky is celebrated on September 20 according to the new style (September 7 according to the Julian calendar). On this day, Orthodox Christians remember his holy life and turn to him with prayers. The Church glorifies him as one of many ascetics whose life has become an example of fidelity to the Gospel commandments and monastic vows.
Folk worship and onion day
In Russia, the name of St. Luke Glubokorechensky was well known, and the day of his memory received a special folk name - Lukov Day, Luke or Lukovnitsa. This name arose for two reasons. First, the name of St. Luke was consonant with the word “onion”. Secondly, September 20 was the time of harvesting onions, and the day of remembrance of the saint coincided with an important stage of agricultural work.
Lukov day fell at the end of the Indian summer, when the warm weather was gradually replaced by autumn cold snap. Therefore, by September 20, Russia tried to finish harvesting onions, dry the crop well and remove it for storage. The collected bulbs were sorted and sorted, and the girls tied them by the bottom in long braids and hung under the ceiling or in another dry place - so they were more convenient to store during the winter.
In addition to economic importance, onions in Russia were valued as a home remedy. For colds and inflammatory diseases, onion juice mixed with honey was used. In folk medicine, onions were also used for headaches, joint problems and digestion, and its juice was rubbed into hair roots and used for skin care. Onion husks were not thrown away: fabrics and Easter eggs were painted with a decoction from it.
The idea of the benefits of the vegetable was fixed in the sayings “Onions are from seven ailments” and “Onions and baths rule everything.” There was also a belief that on September 20 you need to eat a dish with onions - the more it will be on the table, the stronger the health of households next year. Therefore, the hostess on this day baked onion pies, cooked soups, added onions to meat and vegetable dishes. On the festive table, stuffed bulbs were necessarily served: they chose large heads, covered them with boiling water, took out the middle, filled with chopped meat, and then baked in an oven or brought to readiness in broth.
The Spiritual Meaning of Honor
The veneration of St. Luke Glubokorechensky is not limited to folk traditions associated with bows. In a church context, his memory has a profound spiritual meaning. St. Luke is an example of monastic feat, humility and loyalty to his calling. His life, spent in the walls of the monastery, in fasting and prayer, reminds believers that the true greatness of man is manifested not in external achievements, but in spiritual perseverance and devotion to God.
On the day of the memory of St. Luke Glubokorechensky, Orthodox Christians also celebrate the Pre-Feast of the Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God. This period of liturgical preparation for the great feast begins on September 20 and lasts for six days – from September 20 to September 25. These days, prayers are read at divine services dedicated to the coming event - the birth of the Virgin Mary, the future Mother of the Savior. Thus, the memory of St. Luke is closely connected with one of the main holidays of the Orthodox calendar, which emphasizes its special place in the church tradition.
Historical context
To better understand the significance of the feat of St. Luke Glubokorechensky, it is important to turn to the historical context of his era. The tenth century was a time when the Byzantine Empire experienced a period of prosperity and strengthening. Monasticism at this time played a huge role in the spiritual and cultural life of society. Monasteries were not only places of prayer and austerity, but also centers of education, bookmaking and charity.
The monastery “Deep Rivers”, where Luke asceticized, was one of these centers. Its strict rules and ascetic tradition attracted those who aspired to a genuine spiritual life. To become abbot of such a monastery was not only honorable, but also extremely responsible. Luke accepted this ministry in 975, when he already had considerable experience in monastic life and spiritual guidance. His predecessors, Basil and Ignatius, laid the foundations of the strict tradition of the monastery, and Luke continued their work, preserving and multiplying the spiritual heritage of the monastery.
Contemporary significance
For modern Orthodox Christians, St. Luke Glubokorechensky remains an example of humility, patience and fidelity to his calling. His life, devoted to prayer and the service of the brethren, reminds us that spiritual feats are not always visible externally, but they are the true value of human life. In a world full of fuss and constant haste, the example of St. Luke calls for inner concentration, prayer and care for his soul.
Turning to St. Luke in prayer helps believers to strengthen their faith, receive spiritual support and guidance. The Church teaches that saints are not just role models, but also living intercessors before God, ready to help those who turn to them with sincere prayer. St. Luke Glubokorechensky, who spent all his life in the monastery solitude, and today remains a close and accessible intercessor for all who seek spiritual help and strengthening.
Connection with other saints and holidays
The day of remembrance of St. Luke Glubokorechensky coincides with the memory of a number of other saints. On September 20, the Russian Orthodox Church honors the Martyr Sozon of Pompeol, the Monk Martyr Makary of Kanevsky, the Monk Macarius of Optina, St. John, Archbishop of Novgorod, St. Serapion of Pskov, the Apostles of 70 Evod and Onysiphorus, the Martyr Eupsychius of Caesarea, the Hieromartyrs Peter Snezhnitsky and Michael Tikhonitsky, as well as the Reverendants Alexander Peresvet and Andrei Oslyab.
This combination of the names of the saints in one day emphasizes the richness and diversity of the ways of holiness in the Orthodox tradition. Martyrs, monks, hierarchs, apostles – each of them reveals its own special image of service to God. St. Luke Glubokorechensky belongs to the number of the saints – those saints who became famous for monastic feat, fasting and prayer. Their path is not associated with a martyr’s death for faith, but it is no less difficult and significant, because it requires constant self-denial and spiritual improvement.
Iconography and hymnography
In the Orthodox tradition, Saint Luke Glubokorechensky is depicted as an ascetic monk in ordinary monastic robes. His iconography does not have any special distinguishing features, which is due to the fact that no information about his appearance has been preserved. In church hymns dedicated to the saint, his monastic exploits, humility and loyalty to God are glorified. The hymnography of St. Luke’s Memorial Day emphasizes his role as a mentor of monastics and an example for all believers.
St. Luke Glubokorechensky is a saint of the X century, whose life passed in the walls of the Saviour monastery “Deep Rivers” near Constantinople. Becoming the third abbot of this monastery in 975, he devoted himself to strict fasting, unceasing prayer and spiritual guidance of the brethren. His death at the end of the tenth century, at the age of more than ninety, marked the end of a long and fruitful journey of service to God and others.
In Russia, the memory of St. Luke became the basis for the national holiday – the Lukov Day, which is celebrated on September 20. On this day, believers remember the saint, cook dishes from onions and observe natural signs to predict what winter will be like. However, the main significance of this day is spiritual. St. Luke Glubokorechensky remains an example of humility, faith and devotion to his calling, and his prayerful help even today supports those who turn to him with faith and love.
On this day, the name day is celebrated by men with names: Alexander, Andrei, Vasily, Gregory, Eugene, Ivan, Lev, Luke, Makar, Mikhail, Nikolai, Peter, Savva, Stepan, Jan. Tatiana has women's names.
In the national calendar, September 20 is called Onion Day or Onion Day. On this day, the Orthodox remember St. Luke Glubokorechensky. Peasants devoted the day to the preparation of onions - cooked soups, pies and even onion jam. Raw onions were considered a salvation from ailments, and onion husks were used as a dye and rinse for hair. Bundles of onions were hung in the hut to scare off failure.
Weather marks for September 20:
Until the twentieth century:
In 622, the relocation of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina (Hijra) began, marking the beginning of the Muslim chronology.
1378 – The Great Schism in the Roman Catholic Church begins.
In 1519, Ferdinand Magellan went on an expedition around the world.
In 1792, France passed a law allowing civil divorce.
1802 - Emperor Alexander I issued a decree on the creation of ministries in Russia instead of outdated colleges. Eight ministries were originally formed.
1862 – Russia’s first conservatory was founded in St. Petersburg. In Veliky Novgorod, the monument “Millennium of Russia” was opened.
1878 - Higher Bestuzhev courses were opened in St. Petersburg - the first women's university in Russia.
XX century:
In 1918, by order of the Trans-Caspian Provisional Government, 26 leaders of the Baku Sovnarkom were shot, this event went down in history as the “execution of Baku commissars”.
1934 – Soviet icebreaker Litke completed the first voyage of the Northern Sea Route in one navigation.
1939 – the battle for Grodno began during the Polish campaign of the Red Army.
1946 – The first Cannes Film Festival opens.
1954 - The first program written on Fortran is compiled and launched.
1990 – South Ossetia declares secession from Georgia. It is celebrated as Independence Day.
In 1993, the National Assembly of Azerbaijan decided to join the CIS.
In 2000, the creator of the computer virus CIH (Chernobyl) was arrested in Taiwan.
XXI century:
2002 - Kolka glacier came down in North Ossetia. As a result, 125 people were killed, including director Sergei Bodrov and his crew.
2021 – Mass murder at Perm State University.
Giacomo Quarenghi (1744) was an Italian and Russian architect who worked on the buildings of the Smolny Institute and the Academy of Sciences in St. Petersburg.
Thaddeus Bellingshausen (1778) was a Russian navigator of German origin, one of the discoverers of Antarctica.
Peter Lesgaft (1837) was a Russian anatomist, anthropologist and teacher.
Nikolai Alexandrovich (1843) – Tsarevich and Grand Duke, the eldest son of Emperor Alexander II.
Alexander Koldunov (1923) – Soviet military commander, Chief Marshal of Aviation, twice Hero of the Soviet Union.
Grigory Pozhenyan (1922) – Soviet and Russian poet-fronter, songwriter.
Gennady Malakhov (1954) – Russian popularizer of alternative medicine, writer, TV presenter.
Sergei Popov (1959) – Soviet and Russian rock musician, guitarist of the bands “Master” and “Aria”.
Andrei Derzhavin (1963) – Soviet and Russian musician, singer, composer, leader of the group “Stalker”.
Katya Lel (1974) is a Russian pop singer.
Sergey Bobrovsky (1988) - Russian hockey player, world champion, two-time winner of the "Vezina Trophy".
Khabib Nurmagomedov (1988) – Russian fighter of mixed martial arts, UFC lightweight champion.
World celebrities: Sophia Loren (1934), George R. R. Martin (1948), Asia Argento (1975).
Stepan Shaumyan (1918) was a Russian revolutionary, one of the 26 Baku commissars.
Mikhail Menshikov (1918) was a Russian journalist, publicist and public figure.
Gombojab Tsybikov (1930) was a Russian researcher, the first photographer of Tibet.
Ida Rubinstein (1960) is a Russian ballerina and actress.
Victor Khokhryakov (1986) - actor of theater and cinema, People's Artist of the USSR.
Raisa Gorbachev (1999) – Soviet public figure, wife of M. S. Gorbachev.
German Titov (2000) – Soviet cosmonaut No. 2, Hero of the Soviet Union.
Sergey Bodrov (2002) – Russian film actor, film director, screenwriter, TV presenter.
Yuri Eisenshpis (2005) – Soviet and Russian music producer.
Sergey Puskepalis (2022) is a Soviet and Russian actor and director of theater and cinema.
From world celebrities: Jacob Grimm (1863), Erich Hartman (1993), Simon Wiesenthal (2005).
In the national calendar on September 20, 2026 is called Lukov Day, Lukovnitsa or Luka - after the name of St. Luke Glubokorechensky, whose memory is honored on this day by the Orthodox Church. By this date, in Russia tried to complete the harvesting of onions: the collected bulbs were sorted, sorted and dried, and the girls tied them for the tray in long braids and hung under the ceiling in a dry place - so the harvest was more convenient to store all winter. Onion ligaments were hung in all rooms, believing that they clean the air, help fight diseases, protect against insomnia and nightmares. Part of the harvest was left for the winter, and the surplus was transported to the market: in areas where a lot of onions were grown, on September 20, onion auctions and fairs were organized, where the vegetable was sold both by placer and bundles.
The main custom of the day was the preparation of dishes from onions. The hostess baked onion pies, cooked soups, added onions to meat and vegetable dishes, and onions stuffed with meat were considered a special delicacy: large heads were covered with boiling water, removed the middle, filled with chopped meat and baked in an oven or brought to readiness in broth. There was a belief that on September 20 you need to eat a dish with onions - the more it will be on the table, the stronger the health of households next year. Onions in Russia were valued not only as a product, but also as a home remedy: for colds, onion juice with honey was used, it was used for headaches, joint problems and digestion, and onion husk decoction was painted tissues and Easter eggs. In some localities, this day was called Eustathius Vetryak and prepared a variety of dishes from cabbage, believing that raw vegetables give strength and health.
Onion Day is associated with many signs and prohibitions. Our ancestors carefully watched nature: the abundance of husks on bulbs foreshadowed a harsh and frosty winter, low-growing cones on coniferous trees - early frosts, and high and slow-flying cranes - cold and rainy autumn. Rain on this day promised a long and slushy autumn, a small number of clouds - a cold and windy winter, and frosts - abundant snow. Among the prohibitions, the following were especially strict: they did not give little girls dolls so as not to cause them infertility in the future; they did not play weddings and did not marry, because the marriage concluded on this day was considered short-lived; they did not give or borrow money, and did not lend bread and flour, so as not to cause financial difficulties for the whole year; they did not brag about income and did not count stocks, so as not scare away well-being; they did not quarrel and did not clarify the relationship, otherwise the conflict could drag on for a long; they did not remember the dead, and did not provoke the poor, so that they did not accept gifts from the poor, so that they were afraid of being afraid of poverty; they did not accepting from the poor; There was a special rule: in order to protect the family from diseases, the last evening of September 20, a man had to enter the house - if the last threshold was crossed by a woman, it was believed that the household would get sick more often.
On September 20, 2026, the moon is in a growth phase in the sign of Capricorn. This combination gives a powerful but restrained impetus: the rising Moon pushes for development, accumulation of resources and forward movement, and Capricorn adds pragmatism, discipline, responsibility and orientation to long-term goals. The day is favorable for planning, structuring cases, strengthening status and working on what requires endurance and patience. Emotions can be muted, but logic and strategic thinking are on top. Below is a detailed forecast for each sign.
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Taurus (20 April – 20 May)
Twins (May 21 – June 20)
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Virgo (23 August – 22 September)
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Capricorn (22 December – 19 January)
Aquarius (20 January – 18 February)
Pisces (19 February – 20 March)
The Rising Moon in Capricorn is a time when emotions recede into the background, and discipline, responsibility and pragmatism come first. This is a period when the universe supports those who act consistently, patiently, and with a clear purpose. Here are the main recommendations:
May this day be a solid foundation for your future achievements!
On September 20, 2026, when the growing Moon is in the sign of Capricorn, hair and nail cutting is not classified as a prohibited procedure, but astrological tradition advises to approach them with reservations: Capricorn is a sign of dry and restrained, it does not favor radical experiments with appearance, but well supports everything that is aimed at strengthening, structuring and healing, so today it is better not to change radically the length and shape, but to do a corrective, hygienic haircut, trimming the tips, hair care treatments and neat nail treatment without aggressive design; it is believed that changing hair on this day can slow down hair growth, but wait for them to be more durable and healthy, and give a stable image of 20 years, if you do not quickly get rid of your hair in a day, and even with a quicker hair, so you do not worry about it, and do it with a quicker hair today, and do it with a quicker hair, and better than you need to move your hair with a day with a quicker hair, and grooming, so you can do it with a quicker hair, but instead of your hair.
The numerical code of this date consists of the day, month and year: 2 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 9 + 2 + 0 + 2 + 6 = 21, and then 2 + 1 = 3. So the key vibration of the day is the three, the number of creativity, communication, ease and self-expression. However, the date 20.09.2026 contains other strong numbers: two (day 20), nine (month 09) and eight (2026 = 2 + 0 + 2 + 6 = 10 = 1 + 0 = 1, but combined with the full date gives a more complex picture). Two is responsible for partnership, patience and diplomacy, nine for completing cycles, wisdom and service, and one for new beginnings and leadership. It turns out an interesting fusion: the day simultaneously pushes to communication and creativity, requires maturity and completeness, but at the same time opens up opportunities for personal initiative. The Rising Moon in Capricorn adds practicality and discipline to this numerical pattern, so the energy of the trio today will not be chaotic - it will rather manifest itself in business negotiations, structured creative projects and thoughtful social contacts.
For people born under the influence of the number 3, this day can be especially bright: inspiration, ease of communication and the desire to share ideas. But all the rest of numerology advises not to close yourself - the three loves movement, dialogue and energy exchange. Presentations, public speaking, negotiations, short trips and everything related to the transmission of information are going well. At the same time, the nine reminds: do not start what you are not ready to finish, and the two warns of possible fluctuations and the need to take into account the interests of others. If you can combine the creative impulse of the three with the responsibility of Capricorn and the wisdom of the nine, the day can be truly productive – not so much for high-profile breakthroughs, but to strengthen ties, hone ideas and prepare the ground for future achievements.
In the financial sphere, the number 3 is not a classic “money” number, so it is better to weigh large transactions carefully, but small purchases, investments in training, creativity or space arrangement will be successful. In love affairs, the three favor flirtation, easy communication and new acquaintances, but serious conversations about the future are better to postpone - for them, the energy of two and Capricorn is more suitable, requiring specifics. Health today is sensitive to the nervous system: walks, breathing practices, creativity and moderate physical activity are useful. The lucky numbers of the day are 3, 9, 12, 21 and 30; the lucky colors are yellow, blue and dark green. The main advice of numerology for September 20, 2026: talk, create, communicate, but do not lose ground under your feet - the growing Moon in Capricorn requires that every idea has a plan, and every word has a meaning. How to calculate the number of fate
Dreams on the night of September 20, 2026 are formed under a double influence: astrologically - the growing Moon in Capricorn, and numerologically - the vibration of the number 3 (2 + 0 + 0 + 9 + 2 + 0 + 2 + 6 = 21 = 3). The rising moon in Capricorn makes dreams structured, plotted, and often associated with work, status, money, family, or long-term plans. On such nights, the subconscious does not speak with images-rebuses, but quite logical scenarios: you may dream of building, stairs, mountains, documents, bosses, parents, repairs, climbing or overcoming obstacles. Capricorn is a sign of patience and responsibility, so dreams of this night often suggest where in real life you lack discipline, where you take on an extra or, conversely, postpone an important step. To dream that you are building, fixing, planning or climbing up is a good sign: the rising Moon increases the potential of your plan, and the dream says that you are on the right path, but the result will not come immediately, but through consistent efforts. If you dream of collapses, falls, loss of documents or quarrels with authoritative figures - this is a signal of inner tension, fear of not coping or that you are too tightly in control of the situation and suppress your own feelings.
Numerology adds to this picture the number 3 – the number of communication, creativity, ease and self-expression. It softens the dry energy of Capricorn and indicates that the key to deciphering a dream often lies in communication: perhaps the meaning of a dream will be revealed in a conversation with a friend, in a phrase accidentally heard, or in your own words recorded immediately after waking up. The trio also says that the dreams of this night can be bright, multi-story, with a lot of characters and dialogues - do not be afraid of this variegated, it reflects not chaos, but the variety of your possibilities. The nine present in the date (month 09) reminds of the completion of cycles: if you dream of giving something, forgiving, letting go or finishing - this is a good sign of purification before the new stage. Day 20 focuses on the theme of partnership: dreams about loved ones, colleagues, friends, or even strangers who help or interfere, talk about your real relationships and how you build boundaries with others. The best way to work with sleep that night is to write down key images of it immediately after waking up, and then ask yourself three questions: “What am I building in my life?”, “Who do I need to talk to?” and “What is the time to complete?” The answers are likely to be practical and concrete – such is the influence of Capricorn, who does not like foggy symbols and always leads to business.
On September 20, Virgos are born.
The air will warm up to 19 degrees, cloudy, without rain.
The air will warm up to 16 degrees, cloudy, rainy.
According to the current forecast, on September 20, 2026, the geomagnetic situation remains calm: the Kp index is kept at around two, which corresponds to a quiet field and does not give reason to expect disturbances - it does not come to the threshold of a storm of five points, from which the G1 class begins, and the peak of activity on this segment has already passed: it fell on Friday. Space weather today is favorable for everyone, including the elderly and those who suffer from chronic diseases, but weather sensitive people, as well as those who have problems with the heart, blood vessels and pressure, can still respond to a change in the background with headache, weakness, irritability, pressure spikes or poor sleep – the reaction is individual, and a healthy person usually does not notice anything. To maintain well-being, it is useful to get enough sleep, drink enough water, avoid strong coffee and alcohol, do not overload yourself and leave a calm evening walk in the schedule; those who monitor the pressure should keep the blood pressure meter on hand and take the medications prescribed by the doctor on schedule. It is important to remember that the calendar of magnetic storms is a guideline, not a reason to change the treatment regimen: you need to rely on your own condition and the advice of a doctor, and if there is a sharp chest pain, lack of air, sudden weakness, impaired speech or coordination, medical help should be sought immediately.
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