Saint Nina's Day folk omens: Snowfall hints at cold spring

Every year on January 27, Orthodox Christians honor the memory of Saint Equal-to-the-Apostles Nina, the enlightener of Georgia. On this day, believers are accustomed to forgiving offenses, showing mercy, and praying for strength of faith and peace in the family. What the holiday means and what signs are associated with it — in the MSK1.RU article.

History of the Holiday

Saint Equal-to-the-Apostles Nina was born around 280 AD in Cappadocia (Turkey). In her youth, she came to Iberia (Georgia) to preach Christianity. Once, after the saint fell asleep following prayer, the Virgin Mary appeared to her in a dream. She handed her a cross made of grapevine and said, «Take this cross, it will be your shield and protection against all enemies, visible and invisible. Go to the country of Iberia, preach the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ there, and you will find grace with Him. I will be your Protector.»

Nina began to preach and perform miracles — she managed to heal Queen Nana. After this, King Mirian III adopted Christianity, and it became the state religion of Georgia. The Georgian Orthodox Church recognized Nina as equal-to-the-apostles and canonized her as a saint.

In Russia on this day, services are held in churches. Orthodox Christians pray to Nina for healing from ailments, strengthening of faith, protection from enemies and evil people, and family well-being.

What Not to Do on Nina«s Day

• On Nina«s Day, one should not argue or raise one»s voice — it was believed that loud sounds could summon unclean forces.

• Sleeping in and being lazy — the hardworking Nina might punish idleness with life«s problems.

• Hurting animals — according to belief, this could lead to loss of money and hunger.

• In the past, people feared cutting their hair on this day — it was thought that one could »shorten« one»s life.

• They tried not to take out the trash — it was believed that one could accidentally take out family well-being.

What to Do

• Take care of domestic animals.

• Dedicate oneself to household chores, create coziness.

• Gather the whole family at the common table, spend time together.

• Show mercy to one«s neighbors.

• Ask for forgiveness for offenses caused.

Folk Signs

• In the past, it was believed that a blizzard and snowfall on Nina«s Day foretell a cold and late spring. According to weather forecasters, on January 27 in Moscow, heavy prolonged snowfall is expected, brought by a western atmospheric front.

• But don»t be upset. According to folk signs, snow on this day will bring a rich harvest in autumn. And frost — an abundance of berries and mushrooms in summer.

• Frost on trees — to an imminent thaw. It«s hard to say for sure, but on the eve, even the Ostankino Tower was covered with frost. Therefore, it can be assumed that after severe frosts, warmth will still briefly visit the capital. According to weather forecasts, the cold will last at least until the beginning of February.

• Strong wind — to a rainy year. According to the forecast, wind gusts of 7-12 m/s and stronger are expected.

Earlier we told how, according to folk signs on Epiphany, to determine when spring will come and what the year will be like.