On the sixteenth day of December, Orthodox Christians remember Bishop John the Silent.
The saint received this nickname for a reason: he remained silent for four decades.
Today it is worth paying attention not only to the Orthodox calendar, but also to the folk calendar.
The latter mentions several interesting signs.
According to popular belief, today's weather conditions can tell us what next year's summer will be like.
If the snow on Ivan the Silent is wet and dense, then the summer period will be rainy, according to the sign.
But fluffy and dry white flakes promise a dry summer.
A complete or almost complete absence of snow on December 16 warns, according to signs, of a low crop harvest next year.
The appearance of a bullfinch under the window may indicate a quick warming. According to popular belief, the same thing is indicated by ringing in the ears on December 16.
But the crackling of wood in the stove promises a sharp drop in air temperature in the near future.