Folk signs for January 23, 2026: what can and cannot be done on Grigory's day (Summer guide)

      Traditions, prohibitions, and wisdom on Grigory's Day — what the ancient calendar advises for your well-being.

      This day in the folk calendar has a dual name — Grigory's Day or Summer Pointer. The Church commemorates Saint Gregory of Nyssa — a theologian who ardently defended Orthodox teaching from heresies. In Russia, however, the peasants' gaze on this day was directed not to the past, but to the future — to the coming summer. It was believed that the weather on January 23 could reveal much about the character of the upcoming spring and summer, hence the apt name — Summer Pointer. This was a day of strategic planning, when, amidst the grinding of sharpening stones and the clanging of hammers in the barns, plans for the new harvest year were born.

      Weather signs on January 23: what the coming day prepares for us

      Observations on the Summer Pointer were important for the entire agricultural cycle. Every sign of nature was carefully interpreted. Morning frost promised that the cold would not retreat until March, until the calendar spring. Gray, heavy clouds covering the sky foretold prolonged snowstorms and blizzards. A sunny halo (halo) around the sun was read as a harbinger of extended cold days. A snowstorm and blizzard on Grigory's Day, strangely enough, were a cause for joy — it promised a rich, "thick" harvest of grain. A clear, cloudless sky gave hope for an early and friendly spring.

      What can and should be done on January 23

      This day was filled with practical magic of preparation and actions that attract well-being. Start with blessings and labor. The day began with a visit to the church, and then they got down to business. Men inspected, repaired, and sharpened all the village tools — from carts to rakes. It was not allowed to postpone this "for later" — it was believed that one must approach spring fully armed. Make wishes for love and family. Young people held evening festivities, and for couples planning to start a family, this was the best time for matchmaking and agreements. Joy and merriment, according to belief, "melted" winter and brought spring closer. Appease the spirits of the harvest. To ensure a good grain harvest, a special ritual was performed: they went to the haystack left from autumn, bowed, and left a treat for the spirit-master — a piece of bread or pie. Arrange a hearty meat dinner. On the table, meat dishes, pickles, and baked goods were a must on this day. A hearty dinner gave strength to survive the rest of winter. There was even a belief: whoever eats the most meat at this table will spend the year in abundance and happiness.

      What was strictly forbidden to do on January 23

      The prohibitions of the day were aimed at preserving peace in the home and protecting family well-being from any negativity. Sow discord. Quarreling, gossiping, and speaking ill of others was strictly forbidden. It was believed that evil words and thoughts attracted similarly evil spirits into the home, bringing illness. Throwing away old things. With any item thrown away on this day, according to belief, a part of the acquired wealth and well-being left the house.

      Wiping the table with paper. This strange prohibition for modern people had a deep meaning: such an act was considered a manifestation of extreme disrespect for the daily bread and foretold long quarrels in the family. Cleaning in someone else's house. There was a belief that this way one could "steal" the house spirit from neighbors, condemning their dwelling to troubles, and their own house — to conflict with an incoming spirit. Picking up a dropped spoon. If a spoon fell from the table, it was not touched until the next morning. It was believed that picking it up immediately would "lift" an unwanted guest with bad intentions from the doorstep. Grigory's Day — Summer Pointer teaches us wisdom: looking to the future, one should not guess, but prepare; when planning the harvest, one should honor labor; and wishing happiness for the home — one should maintain peace and order within it.