January 4: traditions, superstitions, and unusual holidays

      The fourth day of the new year in the popular calendar is associated with the name of Saint Anastasia, who was regarded as the patroness of pregnant women and a helper in childbirth. Let’s find out what traditions, omens, and celebrations this day carries.

      Orthodox holiday — January 4 The Orthodox Church commemorates the memory of the holy great martyr Anastasia the Knot-Resolver on January 4. In folk tradition she was also called Anastasia the Fasting One, since this day fell during the Nativity Fast.

      Traditions of the day In Russia, on this day women prayed to Saint Anastasia for safe deliveries and children's health. It was also customary to weave, sew, and engage in other handicrafts, as the saint was considered a skilled craftswoman. Housewives prepared a special porridge made from whole grains, which the whole family ate to strengthen their health.

      What not to do On this day one should avoid quarrelling and uttering abusive words, especially toward women and children, so as not to invite trouble. It was undesirable to refuse help to those in need. Long journeys were also not recommended, as the day was considered unsuitable for distant travel.

      Weather omens Observations of nature on this day helped predict the weather for the near future. If frost covered the trees, it promised a good grain harvest. If clouds moved against the wind, snowfall was expected. Bright sunshine at noon foretold clear and frosty weather for the coming week.

      Unusual holidays around the world January 4 is celebrated as the unofficial "Newton Day," dedicated to the famous scientist who was born on this date in the old style. Science enthusiasts honor his discoveries. Around the world people also celebrate the "International Day of Cleverness" — a fun holiday when people can show ingenuity and resourcefulness in solving everyday tasks, of course within reason and without harming others.

      Diana Salikhzanova

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      What the weather is like on this day — that's how the whole month will be: folk omens for January 4

      Find out which holidays and memorable dates fall on January 4, and what our ancestors paid attention to in order to predict the weather and the future harvest. 08:35 04.01.2026 Nurlat-Inform - Nurlat

      Nastasya’s Day, January 4, 2026: folk omens about weather and harvest

      January 4, 2026 is celebrated in the folk calendar as Nastasya’s Day. Our ancestors carefully observed nature to predict the weather to come. 08:30 04.01.2026 Posinform Newspaper - Nizhnekamsk

      January 4: traditions, omens and unusual holidays

      The fourth day of the new year in the folk calendar is associated with the name of Saint Anastasia, regarded as the patroness of pregnant women and a helper in childbirth. 08:25 04.01.2026 Volzhskaya Nov - Verkhny Uslon

      Folk omens for January 4, 2026: what can and cannot be done on this day

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      Regional news on the topic:

      Folk omens for January 4, 2026

      Why January 4 is not a day for noisy feasts

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      What weather awaits Tolyattinians on January 4?

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      The calendar shows January 4. Here’s what the forecasters promise ☁️ Today it’s cloudy. 07:54 04.01.2026 TOLYATTI 24 TV Channel - Tolyatti

      "I cast into the water, I drive troubles away!": traditions of January 4

      Image generated with the help of the Shedevrum neural network and is illustrative in nature. Church calendar for January 4 The Orthodox Church on this day commemorates Saint Anastasia, who lived in the 3rd century AD. 07:42 04.01.2026 Volzhskaya Pravda - Volzhsky

      Nastasya’s Day: why on January 4 you shouldn’t walk barefoot around the house, and what it could lead to

      The Russian Orthodox Church on January 4 commemorates the great martyr Anastasia the Knot-Resolver; in the folk calendar today is Nastasya’s Day, reports the DOSTUP News Agency correspondent. 09:27 04.01.2026 DOSTUP News Agency - Chelyabinsk

      Nastasya’s Day: omens for January 4

      Text: Yuliya Astafyeva. Nastasya’s Day: omens for January 4. In folk tradition, January 4 was celebrated as Anastasia the Fasting One. 07:47 04.01.2026 A42.Ru - Kemerovo

      Our calendar. January 4

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      January 4 in the calendar: World Hypnosis Day and Newton Day

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      In Magadan -15, -19°C, variable cloudiness

      Forecast and folk omens for January 4

      Photo: "MP"

      Today variable cloudiness is expected, -15..-19°, northerly wind, moderate. 10:10 04.01.2026 Magadanskaya Pravda Newspaper - Magadan

      Big church holiday on January 4, 2026: what is forbidden for Orthodox Christians on this day

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      The fourth day of the new year in the folk calendar is associated with the name of Saint Anastasia, who was regarded as the patroness of pregnant women and a helper in childbirth.

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      Almetyevsk Diocese

      03.01.2026

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