December 22: Day of Saint Anastasia, prayers and folk signs

According to glavcom.ua: The feast of the great martyr Anastasia is celebrated on December 22 by Orthodox believers according to the Revised Julian calendar. Her memory reminds us of mercy, resilience of spirit, and help to those in distress. Saint Anastasia lived in Rome in the 3rd century, and her teacher was Saint Chrysanthus. She was recognized for her assistance to prisoners and persecuted believers, as well as for her faith and steadfastness during her martyrdom.

On this day, an important prayer was addressed to the saint for easy childbirth and the health of the child. It was also important to pay close attention to animals to avoid bringing illness into the home. Folk signs were related to the weather – bright sunshine promised a warm January, while the morning cry of a crow foretold a drop in temperature.