On December 1, Orthodox Christians commemorate the martyrs Platon and Roman, who lived in the early 4th century and suffered for their faith in Jesus Christ. In the folk calendar, this day is known as Platon and Roman Winter Indicators. In the past, our ancestors made weather predictions, asserting: “Platon and Roman show us winter.”
On December 1, Orthodox churches honor the martyrs Platon of Ancyra and Roman of Caesarea, who lived in the 4th century. Both saints became victims of persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ.
Platon and Roman came from pious Christian families. Platon was a close relative of the great martyr Antiochus. From a young age, he preached Orthodoxy among pagans. Emperor Agrippin, upon learning of this, tried to force him to renounce Christianity. After receiving a refusal, he ordered the young man to be beheaded.
The martyr Roman, who served as a deacon in Caesarea, also faced persecution from Emperor Maximilian and his loyal eparch. The Christian was tortured and killed along with a teenager who was a parishioner of the Orthodox church.
Folk Calendar: Platon and Roman Winter Indicators
In the past, the day of Platon and Roman Winter Indicators had different names. In some regions, it was called Platon and Roman, in others — Winter Indicators, and in others still — Platon and Roman.
On December 1, our ancestors visited the church. In prayers to the saints, they asked for help in financial matters. Platon and Roman were considered protectors of the family hearth, guarding spouses from problems and helping in raising children.
According to folk beliefs, the saints Platon and Roman were the main helpers in preserving the harvest collected at the end of summer. They were appealed to with hope for a good wheat harvest the following year.
Platon and Roman Winter Indicators: What to Do
The feast of Platon and Roman coincided with the fourth day of the Christmas fast. This time was traditionally dedicated to handicrafts. Women sewed and knitted, while children watched closely as their mothers skillfully handled needles, threads, fabric, and wool.
Men taught children how to make crafts, which were then sold at holiday fairs. It was considered a good omen on Platon and Roman Winter Indicators to create something from wood. Usually, these were utensils, toys for children, spoons, breadboxes, and whistles.
Platon and Roman Winter Indicators: Folk Omens
“Platon and Roman show us winter,” our ancestors would say, contemplating the upcoming weather. On this day, the weather could predict what lay ahead. For example, if the weather changed throughout the day, it meant that winter would be changeable.
If a mosquito, fly, or grasshopper was found in the house on this day, one could expect a thaw. The same was said of cats, jackdaws, and crows that actively roamed the roads on the day of Platon and Roman.
What Not to Do on Platon and Roman
Our ancestors knew that on the day of Platon and Roman Winter Indicators, it was essential to attend church service, light candles, pray, and give alms to the needy. Failing to do so could result in being without money and hope for financial well-being.
During the fast, the table should have simple food prepared without milk and eggs. Meat and fish dishes were forbidden. Although fish was sometimes allowed, it was only on special days. Usually, on Platon and Roman, women prepared potatoes, mushrooms, dishes made from beets, turnips, and carrots.
Old people warned the youth: on the day of Platon and Roman, guests should not be allowed to wash dishes. It was believed that along with the water, foreign hands would “wash away” good fortune.
It was forbidden to quarrel and curse, as well as to have fun, sing loudly, and dance. This could lead to illness.
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