On December 17, the Orthodox Church remembers the Great Martyr Barbara of Heliopolis.
In the folk calendar, December 17 is Varvara's Day, Varvara the Mutilator, Varvara's Frosts, Varvara's Frosts, Varyukha, Zavarukha.
According to folk signs, on this day you can make a weather forecast for May.
Weather signs for December 17
What the weather is like on Varvara, that's what May will be like.
Frost on the trees on St. Barbara's Day promises warm weather on Christmas.
If there is a snowstorm on this day, there will be a lot of honey next year.
If birds fly low, precipitation should be expected.
