Autumn Kuzminki. What can and cannot be done by Orthodox Christians in Latvia on November 14, 2026?

This day is traditionally considered a women's day; ladies should rest from their labors and pray more, rather than engage in chores. The day was also called the chicken name day. **What is remembered in the Church on November 14, 2026** Cosmas and Damian were biological brothers who lived around the 3rd-4th century in Asia — this was the name of a part of Asia Minor in ancient times. Their father was a pagan of Greek origin, while their mother was a Christian. They lost their father at an early age. After that, their mother, named Theodotia, led a life befitting a widow: she lived in seclusion, prayed a lot, and dedicated her life to raising her sons. For this reason, she was canonized as a saint along with her sons. Damian and Cosmas received an excellent education and, when they grew up, became doctors. It is believed that their father died from an unknown illness, and the boys vowed in their childhood to dedicate their lives to helping others and healing people. From the Lord, they received the gift of healing, which made them very effective healers. They never took money from patients, but always asked them to believe in Christ, through whom and by whose prayer they healed the sick. The only time they accepted something from a patient was when a woman gave them chicken eggs as a sign of gratitude. This became a reference to the Mother of God and also made November 14 a women's holiday. Other doctors, who charged for their work but could not heal as well, decided to harm them and slandered them. Soldiers were sent after Cosmas and Damian, and they could have escaped, but they did not do so because others were first captured as hostages instead of them. The brothers appeared before the court but courageously refused to renounce their faith. However, by the prayer of the saints, an unknown illness struck the emperor, who personally presided over the trial. All who witnessed this believed in Christ. The emperor asked to be healed, and the brothers helped him and thus gained their freedom. However, one of their enemies — an elderly doctor who had taught them and now envied their fame — invited them to the mountains to gather medicinal herbs. There, he killed them and threw their bodies into the river. **The Meaning of the Holiday** The saints are remembered for having received a miraculous gift from the Lord for their faith and for using it for the good of people. **Folk Weather Signs** — If it is frosty on this day, there will be warming on the Archangel Michael's Day (November 21, 2026). — If it is warm today, winter will be warm. — If the leaves have not fallen from the trees, winter will be long and cold. — If it is muddy and damp today, the cold will only come in January. **What can be done on November 14, 2026** — It is customary to prepare a rich lunch, ideally with the hands of unmarried girls. — It is customary to prepare dishes from chicken. — It is good to gather the whole family together. — One should work less. — It is essential to give alms. — Listen to yourself — all ideas that come today are sent from above. **What cannot be done on November 14, 2026** — Do not look anyone in the eyes today. — It is very dangerous to quarrel with loved ones. **What can be eaten on November 14, 2026. Fasting Rules** On this day, one should prepare plenty of delicious food, and it is essential to eat something made from chicken.