Sergius Winter: Church holiday October 20, 2026, signs, traditions and prohibitions

Who are Saints Sergius

Sergey Pechersky lived in the XIII century in the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. His main feat was considered complete renunciation of his own will and absolute obedience to the abbot - for this he received the nickname Obedient.

Sergiy Nuromsky lived at the turn of the XIV-XV centuries. According to legend, he was a Greek, came to Russia to become a student of Sergius of Radonezh, and later with the blessing of the teacher retired to seclusion on the Nurma River in the Vologda forests. There, the brethren gathered around him and formed the Nurom monastery. His name is associated with the legend of a miracle: after his death, he appeared to a pious man and ordered to clear his grave, and when he disobeyed, he lost the ability to move and was healed only at the tomb of the saint.

Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus were Roman military leaders under the emperor Maximian. For confessing Christianity, they were subjected to cruel tortures: they were torn off military insignia, led around the city in women’s clothes, and then executed.

Traditions for Sergius of Winter

In Russia, this day was associated with preparing for the cold and taking care of the house and animals.

The morning began with feeding livestock and pets - only after that the family sat down for breakfast. It was believed that animals will survive the winter.

The stove was ordered to melt the younger member of the family. They believed that if the firewood burns quickly, the house will be warm all winter.

Women and girls washed with sour milk or yogurt to preserve beauty and youth. Husbands gave their wives new headscarves - it was believed that this will save them from headaches for the whole year.

The hostess harvested cabbage for the winter and baked cakes with it. This period was called “cabbages” – young people gathered for gatherings, girls helped cut cabbage, and guys looked after brides.

Also on this day warmed the house, checked the reserves for the winter and before the ice was lowered into the reservoirs barrels with pickles.

Notes for October 20, 2026

Snow has fallen, and the leaves have not yet fallen – winter will not come soon, closer to November 22.

Snow fell on the wet ground - for early and snowy winter.

Clear and warm weather will last about three weeks.

North wind - for cold and harsh winter.

Pale and muddy moon at night - to frost and snow.

Morning frost - for cold and snowy winter.

What to do on October 20th

Feed your pets and pets in the morning.

Wear at least one new thing - to prosperity and luck in the year.

Women cover their head with a new scarf - from headaches.

Wash with yogurt or sour milk - for beauty and youth.

Engage in blanks, insulation of the house, repair of clothes and furniture.

Help those in need and give charity.

What not to do on October 20th

To work with dough and bake bread - according to legend, it threatened poverty and empty bins in the winter.

To lend money, bread or salt – with them from the house could go prosperity and peace.

Accepting gifts from strangers - it was believed that through a thing you can get other people's diseases and troubles.

Complaining about life and sadness – words about troubles could “materialize” and attract new problems.

Arguing with relatives - the conflict started on this day could last for a long time.

Playing a wedding – the marriage concluded on October 20, according to signs, are waiting for difficulties.

To leave the house in old or unkempt clothes - to illness.

Making large purchases was associated with a deterioration in health.

People's wisdom

"Sergei begins winter" - said in Russia, not surprised by the first snow and frost. “Sergius frost beats the grass, and Matryona does not allow you to turn back in winter,” the old people added, noting that after October 20, winter will not retreat.