Emelyan Winter: Why Solitude is Bad on January 21st
If the wind blows from the south, summer will be rich in thunderstorms.
Jan 24, 2026 0
Ancestors told stories on this evening, giving rise to the proverb: «Chat away, Emelya, it»s your week!«
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January 21st is considered the day of Venerable Bishop Emilian of Cyzicus in the Orthodox calendar, who lived in the 9th century.
In Rus, on this day, young men who were married against their will would «drink away» their happiness. People believed that «drowning» a future marriage in strong drinks would lead the union to what is called «patience makes love».
On Emelya«s day, there was also a tradition of treating the godparents. Ancestors believed that this would bring health to children. When visiting, the godfather and godmother would bring a bar of soap and a towel. These items were later used during the child»s first bath, while saying: «Water off a goose, ailments off my baby!»
However, spending the day alone was considered a bad omen — loneliness could drag on. Also, it«s not advised to start work before noon today — the year will pass in bustle and disorder.
In Rus, Emelyan was called Perezimnik, which meant the turn of winter to spring and an imminent change in weather. At the same time, the saint had another nickname — «storm-twister».
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