On January 11, Orthodox Christians remember a tragic event that took place in Judea over two thousand years ago. This day in the folk calendar is called the Terrible Day. In the past, people believed that dark forces become active during this time, so they tried to stay closer to home and family.
The terrible day did not arise by chance. This date is dedicated to the sad events that occurred at the dawn of Orthodoxy.
Why January 11 is Called the “Terrible Day”
On January 11 (December 29 in the old style), Orthodox Christians remember the tragedy that took place in Judea many centuries ago. King Herod, upon learning about the infant Jesus, ordered the destruction of all children born since the appearance of the Bethlehem star in order to maintain his power.
This sad event, described in the Gospel of Matthew, is known as the Massacre of the Innocents. In memory of it, services are held in Orthodox churches on January 11.
Folk Calendar: The Terrible Day
The Terrible Day falls during the period of the Holy Nights, which begins with the rising of the first Christmas star and continues until Epiphany. For centuries, during this time, people engaged in divination and performed various rituals rooted in pagan traditions. The Church has always opposed such actions, but it was not easy to convince people to abandon them.
Believing that dark forces revel among people during the Holy Nights and can cause them harm, our ancestors tried to protect themselves by all available means, even as they continued to tempt fate with divinations.
Children were considered the most vulnerable to dark forces. It was said among the people that during this time, they hunted for their souls. On the Terrible Day, fearing the evil eye and spoilage, ancestors tried not to let their children stray far from them.
The tradition of protecting children arose in memory of the infants “slain by Herod in Bethlehem.”
Rumors about what happens to children after encountering evil spirits, which were supposedly visible during this time, were passed down from generation to generation.
On the Terrible Day, people sought to spend more time with family. Efforts were directed towards cooking and cleaning. This was done consciously, as thoughts were occupied with preparations for the upcoming holiday.
What to Do on the Terrible Day
People knew that to protect themselves from evil spirits, it was necessary to light a fire in the yard. For this, logs were brought from the Red Hill, straw was added, which was taken from the mattresses of sick people, and everything was ignited with coals from the stove, mentally “throwing” their fears, worries, and ailments into the fire. Healers claimed that after such a ritual, evil spirits were no longer frightening.
Amulets were prepared for the Terrible Day — aspen stakes and sharp objects. Axes, knives, and sickles were used. On this day, piercing objects were brought into the house and hidden under children's beds.
Homes were protected by axes and knives pointed towards the exit. However, the main protection against evil spirits was undoubtedly prayers.
Young people, who were less believing in dark forces, spent time outside. In the evenings, boys and girls also lit fires, but for a different purpose — to dance in circles and sing together.
The Terrible Day: Folk Omens
Our ancestors knew that if there were no clouds in the sky on the Terrible Day, but a strong wind was blowing — it was a sign of severe frosts. If the windows fogged up — it indicated a thaw.
If cats and dogs slept from morning till evening — it foretold a drop in temperature. If it was warm on this day — spring would come early.
In ancient times, it was believed that on the night of January 11, prophetic dreams could be seen, in which one could glimpse their future. Interpreting such dreams is difficult — they are full of symbols and mysteries. But they contain answers to pressing questions. Sharing such dreams is not advisable, as they are deeply personal.
The Terrible Day: What Not to Do
The Terrible Day has its own prohibitions. Older generations warned the youth: during this time, one should not interfere in other people's conflicts, otherwise they will become your personal troubles. It is also prohibited to:
Leave children unattended. Evil forces hunting for their souls can harm their health.
Start any business — it will not succeed, and time will be wasted.
Let strangers into the house, talk to unfamiliar people on the street — there is a risk of getting cursed and falling ill.
Complain about one’s fate. Luck will turn away from such people, and negativity will only increase.
Fish and hunt. Dark forces — water spirits, forest spirits, mermaids — watch to ensure that no one intrudes on their territory. They can drag you to the bottom of a hole in the ice or freeze you in the forest.
On the Terrible Day, it is forbidden to wish each other health, happiness, and good luck. It was believed that after such words, everything would be the opposite: people would start to get sick, and happiness and luck would leave the home.
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