On November 16, Orthodox Christians celebrate the feast of the icon of Agapius the Cross and the day of memory of Anna Holodnaya, the prince's daughter, who decided to devote her life to serving God. On November 16, Christians determine the weather conditions for the near future.
On the day of November 16 in Russia, it is customary to feast on berries and cook jelly from them, bake pies filled with berries or other dishes. This day was celebrated with frozen milk with pancakes – they took milk out into the street and, after freezing, cut it with a knife. Milk cuts with pancakes were served on the table.
November marked the beginning of needlework – in the evenings, girls begin to weave and spin from sheep's wool.
Since the time of the ancient Slavs, there is a sign that evil spirits come to earth from hell. Uncleanness walks between people, watches their life and prepares for holy revelry. To protect themselves, everyone tries not to leave the house without a strong need and visit a crowded place. According to signs, at this time it is impossible to quarrel with neighbors or plan a long trip.
Since November 16, local healers and sorcerers have been receiving people with questions about removing damage or the evil eye. The Orthodox sincerely believe that it is during this period that one can safely get rid of a negative obsession.
There is a custom to consider all dreams, dreamed on the night of November 16, as prophetic. Therefore, at sunrise, before leaving the house, you need to read a prayer in order to protect yourself from negativity and attract God's blessing.
Folk signs
According to popular beliefs on November 16, you can determine the weather for the next month.
- if there is ice on the river, the next year will be fruitful;
- on Anna Kholodnaya it is frosty in the evening – towards a warm winter;
- frost in the morning – it will snow in the afternoon;
- if on November 16 mice dig minks – to the cold;
- if there is snow on Anna Kholodnaya on the ground, and the leaves from the trees have not completely crumbled, there will be no harvest next year;
- from the chimney of the house, a pillar of smoke – to close cold;
- frost in the morning – the weather will improve;
- firewood in the stove cracks and burns strongly – expect a storm in the near future;
- if you choke on perfume before leaving the house, evil spirits are not terrible.
According to signs, on November 16, people observed the behavior of moles, it was by these animals that they determined the weather.
If the mole was digging a hole to the north, it means waiting for warming. A hole to the south – to frost. If the mole turned west, prepare for rain or fog, if south, there will be no precipitation.
According to the conspiracies and signs for November 16, people predicted the weather, family well-being and the yield of the next year.
Usually on November 16, believers watch the sky – there is a sign that if the clouds are low, then you should expect a severe frost.
The name of the holiday was due to the fact that at this time usually most of Russia is covered with snow. There is a valid Orthodox custom – on this day one must earnestly pray to the images of Agapy the Krosenny and the Monk Princess Anna Vsevolodovna of Kiev for healing from various ailments, successful marriage, family well-being and household wealth.
