January 9: Svyatki, women's gatherings and omens

      January 9 is a time of merry Svyatki, folk divinations and special traditions connected with handicrafts and handiwork. Let’s find out how our ancestors spent this day and what they paid attention to.

      Orthodox holiday

      Orthodox Christians continue to observe the days of Svyatki — the festive period from Christmas to Baptism. On this day they also honor the memory of the first Christian martyr — Saint Stephen, the protomartyr and archdeacon.

      Day traditions

      In Rus' this day was often called “Stepan’s labors” or “women’s gatherings.” In the evening women would gather together for communal needlework: they spun, embroidered, and wove while humming songs. Young women continued to practice divinations to foretell their future husbands. There was also a custom of “calling the star” — going outside and making wishes while looking at the winter sky.

      What not to do

      On this day it was strictly forbidden to work with sharp objects — knives, axes, needles — so as “not to wound Saint Stephen.” It was forbidden to sew and knit, otherwise one could “sew up” one’s fate. Quarreling and refusing hospitality were prohibited. Leftovers from the festive meal were not to be thrown away — they were given to the household livestock or birds.

      Weather omens

      Folk observations of nature on January 9 were considered important. If the day was clear and frosty — it promised a good flax harvest. Hoarfrost on the trees foretold an abundant fruit harvest. If sparrows chirped loudly — a thaw was expected soon. A strong wind on this day predicted a rainy summer.

      Unusual celebrations around the world

      January 9 is observed as the unofficial “Play Hide-and-Seek with Friends Day,” when people remember the childhood game and have fun together. It is also “International Choir Day,” dedicated to choral singing and its unifying power.

      Diana Salikhzanova

      More news about the event:

      January 9: Svyatki, women’s gatherings and omens

      January 9 is a time of merry Svyatki, folk divinations and special traditions connected with handicrafts and handiwork. 08:34 09.01.2026 Volzhskaya Nov - Verkhny Uslon

      Folk omens for January 9: what must not be done on Stepan’s Day

      According to the folk calendar, January 9, 2026 is observed as Stepan’s Day. This date is associated with the veneration of Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, and in our people’s tradition it has acquired many omens. 07:59 09.01.2026 Novosti Zainska - Zainsk

      Folk omens for January 9: what must not be done on Stepan’s Day

      According to the folk calendar, January 9, 2026 is observed as Stepan’s Day. This date is associated with the veneration of Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, and in our people’s tradition it has acquired many omens. 07:46 09.01.2026 Zainsk-Inform - Zainsk

      Folk omens for January 9, 2026: what can and cannot be done on Stepan’s Day

      Traditions, prohibitions and wisdom on the day of Stephen the Protomartyr — what the old calendar advises for the protection of the home and livestock. 00:32 09.01.2026 Gazeta Novaya Kama - Yelabuga

      News from neighboring regions on the topic:

      Orthodox calendar: January 9 — the celebration of the protomartyr and archdeacon Stephen

      31st week after Pentecost.

      Today, January 9, 2026, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Afterfeast of the Nativity of Christ; ap. 08:02 09.01.2026 Yekaterinburg Diocese - Yekaterinburg

      Major church holiday January 9, 2026: what Orthodox Christians are forbidden to do on this day

      On January 9, 2026, immediately after the bright Christmas days, Orthodox Christians honor the memory of one of the earliest and most venerated saints — Stephen the Protomartyr. 04:16 09.01.2026 Regions.Ru - Ramenskoye

      Bishop Veniamin led a polyeleos matins service on the eve of the day of remembrance of Archdeacon Stephen

      January 8, 2026, on the eve of the day of remembrance of the holy protomartyr and archdeacon Stephen, 20:27 08.01.2026 Holy Trinity Alexander Nevsky Lavra - Saint Petersburg

      Folk omens for January 9: how to attract love and wealth on Stepan’s Day

      What can and cannot be done on this day.

      On January 9 the Church honors the memory of Saint Stephen — the first Christian martyr. 10:58 08.01.2026 KTV-LUCH - Syzran

      January 9 is a time of merry Svyatki, folk divinations and special traditions connected with handicrafts and handiwork.

      Volzhskaya Nov

      On the evening of January 8, 2026, the day of the Afterfeast of the Nativity of Christ, the feast of the Synaxis of the Most Holy Theotokos, Bishop Methodius of Almetyevsk and Bugulma presided over the Great Vespers in the Kazan Cathedral of Almetyevsk.

      Almetyevsk Diocese

      Anna Salnikova, News Feed Editor

      Orthodox clerics explain how the Church regards cremation and whether it affects a person’s fate after death.

      ProKazan.Ru

      Since the beginning of the winter holidays 48 incidents have been recorded

      City residents could think of nothing better than to take everything and flush it down the toilet.

      Komsomolskaya Pravda Kazan

      At about seven in the evening near the Park House shopping center traffic police found a child left unattended in a locked parked car.

      Tatar-Inform IA

      Today, January 9, cloudy and damp weather is expected in Tatarstan due to a western cyclone.

      Kaybitskie Zori

      On January 8 a Christmas missionary concert took place at the Park House shopping and entertainment center in the capital of Tatarstan.

      Kazan Diocese

      Every year on January 9 Choreographer’s Day is observed — a holiday dedicated to professionals who preserve, develop and pass on the art of dance to new generations.

      Posinform Newspaper

      Most Russians, 53%, believed that Cheburashka can be considered part of Russian cultural tradition.

      Tatar-Inform IA