The Day of John Climacus, April 12: we bake ladders and 10 prohibitions

      The Day of John Climacus is the only day of the year when the house spirit is fed porridge, and a quarrel in public can echo back after three years.

      Who is John Climacus and why is his day associated with baking?

      April 12 according to the folk calendar is the day of remembrance of St. John Climacus, a Christian saint who lived in the 6th century. He wrote the famous work "The Ladder" (translated as "Ladder"), where he described 30 steps of spiritual ascent to God. In the folk tradition, the saint was called John Climacus, and his day became a symbol of gradual, "step-by-step" movement towards betterment — both in faith and in daily life. This is where the main culinary ritual of the day originated: baking "ladders" from dough. It was believed that the higher and more even the "steps" turned out, the more successful the year would be for the whole family.

      Weather signs for April 12, 2026: the first thunderstorm and geese

      In ancient times, April 12 was the day of "measurements" of spring. Here are 5 key signs that are still relevant today:

      The first thunderstorm, wind from the north: Spring will be cold and prolonged.

      The first thunderstorm, wind from the east: A dry and warm spring.

      The first thunderstorm, wind from the west: A rainy spring with many thunderstorms.

      The first thunderstorm, wind from the south: Warmth will come quickly, without return frosts.

      Geese flying high: There will be a lot of rain in spring.

      Geese flying low: Little precipitation is expected, drought is possible.

      Dandelions have already bloomed: Summer will be short (it will get cold in August).

      Birds are building nests on the southern side: June, July, August will be cool.

      There is still a lot of snow in April: Summer will be rich in mushrooms.

      What you CAN do on April 12: 7 good deeds

      1. Bake "ladders" from dough (the main ritual)

      This is not just baking, but a family ritual. Recipe (Lenten, as April 2026 is Lent):

      Knead unleavened dough (flour, water, salt, a little vegetable oil).

      Roll out two long ropes — these are the "sides" of the ladder.

      Place 3-5 "rungs" (small sausages) between them.

      Bake at 180°C until golden brown.

      Important: The first ladder is not eaten but placed behind an icon or on a shelf — for the house spirit. The rest are eaten by the whole family at lunch.

      2. Appease the house spirit

      On April 12, the "house spirit is active" — it wakes up after winter and checks the order. To prevent it from mischief (hiding things, waking you at night), leave a treat:

      a bowl of porridge (buckwheat or millet);

      a piece of bread with butter (if not fasting — then with fasting oil);

      a spoonful of milk (during fasting — vegetable or soy).

      The treat is placed in a warm corner (behind the stove, behind the refrigerator, or in the pantry) overnight.

      3. Clean with protection

      On the Day of John Climacus, cleaning is done not just for the sake of it, but with a magical subtext:

      Thoroughly sweep the corners and thresholds (there, according to beliefs, negativity accumulates).

      After cleaning, sprinkle the corners and doorways with holy water (can be blessed in the church the day before).

      It is believed that this protects the house from evil spirits for a whole year.

      4. Inspect the sowing grain (for gardeners and farmers)

      On April 12, peasants sorted through the grain: discarding rotten ones, airing them, checking for germination (soaking a few grains). It was believed that the "seed" done on this day would yield a double harvest.

      5. Spend time with children with guidance

      The day is suitable for quiet conversations about good and evil, honesty, and hard work. It is said that on April 12, according to folk wisdom, the words of an adult "sink deeper into the soul" of a child than on ordinary days.

      6. Pray for the weather and harvest

      John Climacus was considered a protector in matters of agriculture. A short prayer was read: "Holy Father John, show us the ladder of virtues, and send us good weather."

      7. Light a candle for the health of enemies

      An unusual but powerful practice. It is believed that on April 12, a sincere candle for those who annoy you "dissipates" their negativity and returns peace to you.

      What you CANNOT do on April 12: 12 strict prohibitions

      Violating these rules, according to folk beliefs, leads to "prolonged quarrels, loss of money, and even shortening of life."

      Argue in public and have family disputes

      A quarrel started on April 12 may not cease for weeks. It is especially dangerous to shout and clarify relationships in front of outsiders — "spectators" will multiply the negativity and return it to you like a boomerang in a month.

      Gossip and judge

      Evil words spoken on this day return to the one who uttered them within 40 days. Moreover, in an intensified form.

      Newlyweds visiting parents

      A sign for couples who married less than a year ago. A visit to the mother-in-law or mother on April 12 threatens a major quarrel that is difficult to smooth over.

      Engage in heavy housework

      General cleaning, washing windows, rearranging furniture, washing carpets — everything will be done unsuccessfully (a button will be lost, a thing will tear, dishes will break). Only light tidying is allowed.

      Wear dark clothing

      Black, dark blue, burgundy colors "attract trouble." It is better to choose light colors: white, beige, light blue.

      Cut hair and nails

      The most dangerous sign: cutting hair and nails on April 12 "shortens life." If a haircut is necessary — postpone it to April 13 or 14.

      Lend money or things

      Even to close ones. It is believed that along with the item, you give away a part of your well-being, and then for three months you will be haunted by the feeling of a "hole in your wallet."

      Take bread, salt, or food out of the house

      Do not treat neighbors with bread or salt on April 12 — "with food, luck leaves." If asked — give something else (a candy, an apple), but not bread or salt.

      Bring dry flowers into the house

      Herbariums, dried bouquets, and dried plants are strictly prohibited. They bring into the house the energy of "wither and illness."

      Leave trash at the door

      Even if you haven't taken out the bag yet, do not place it near the threshold from the inside. This "opens secrets" — someone will learn what you are hiding.

      Offend people without reason

      The consequences of such an offense can haunt you for three years. If you accidentally hurt someone — apologize immediately, and the sign will be neutralized.

      Leave uneaten food on the table

      Leftovers should be put in the refrigerator or thrown away (but not bread!). A covered but untouched dinner symbolizes "incompleteness," which will attract confusion in affairs and finances.

      Special signs for pregnant women on April 12

      For future mothers, on the Day of John Climacus, there is a strict prohibition on sewing, knitting, and embroidery. It is believed that needle pricks can "stitch" a heavy fate or health problems for the child. It is better to dedicate the day to prayer and reading good books.

      Recipe for "ladders" for the house spirit and for the family (step by step)

      Ingredients (Lenten):

      500 g of flour;

      250 ml of warm water;

      3 tablespoons of vegetable oil;

      1 teaspoon of salt;

      1 teaspoon of sugar (optional).

      Preparation:

      Knead stiff dough, let it rest for 20 minutes.

      Roll out into a sheet, cut into strips.

      Weave "ladders": two long strips — sides, with short rungs in between.

      Bake for 20–25 minutes at 180°C.

      One ladder — on the shelf for the house spirit. The rest — with tea, honey, or jam.

      Photo by the author

      Yulia Kazamarova

      More news about the event:

      The Day of John Climacus on April 12: we bake ladders and 10 prohibitions

      The Day of John Climacus is the only day of the year when the house spirit is fed porridge, 10:58 April 12, 2026 News of Zainsk - Zainsk

      The Day of John Climacus on April 12: we bake ladders and 10 prohibitions

      The Day of John Climacus is the only day of the year when the house spirit is fed porridge, 10:34 April 12, 2026 Zainsk-Inform - Zainsk

      News from neighboring regions on the topic:

      Ladders from dough and whims of the house spirit: signs and traditions on April 12 in the region

      On April 12, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. John Climacus, and in the folk