October 6 — Khoma's Day: Traditions, Taboos, and Superstitions
On October 6, according to the new church calendar, Orthodox Christians honor the Apostle Thomas—one of the 12 closest disciples of Jesus Christ. Among the people, this day is known as Thomas’s Day or “Doubting Thomas.” Traditions associated with this date include baking bread, stocking up for the winter, and helping those in need.
October 6, according to the new calendar of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), is the day of remembrance of Saint Thomas the Apostle. On this day, the church also honors the holy martyr Nikifor, archdeacon and exarch of the Patriarch of Constantinople in Ukraine. The Apostle Thomas was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. According to church tradition, he came from the Galilean city of Paneada and was a fisherman. After hearing Christ’s sermon, Thomas left his trade and followed Him.
This apostle is best known for an incident that occurred after Jesus’ resurrection. When Christ first appeared to the disciples, Thomas was not among them. The other apostles told him about the resurrection, but Thomas did not believe their words at first. He said he would believe only when he himself saw the wounds on the Savior’s body. Later, Christ appeared to the disciples again, and Thomas was able to confirm that Jesus had indeed risen. It is because of this story that the apostle is called “Doubting Thomas.”
But his story did not end there. After Christ’s resurrection, Thomas actively preached Christianity. According to church tradition, he traveled far beyond the borders of Palestine and preached in Parthia, Mesopotamia, Ethiopia, and India. It is with India that the final years of the apostle’s life are associated. According to tradition, there Thomas converted the relatives of a local ruler to Christianity, for which he was imprisoned. Eventually, the apostle died a martyr’s death.
On this day, believers pray to the Apostle Thomas for help in their work, prosperity in the family, a bountiful harvest, and the strengthening of their faith. People who are uncertain about important life decisions or seeking spiritual support also turn to him.
What holiday is celebrated according to the old calendar?
According to the old church calendar, October 6 marks the day commemorating the conception of the honorable and glorious prophet, the Forerunner, and the Lord’s Baptist, John. In other words, according to the new calendar, this day honors the Apostle Thomas, while according to the old calendar, it commemorates an event related to the future birth of John the Baptist.
Thomas’s Day and Main Traditions
In the folk calendar, October 6 is known as Thomas’s Day, Thomas the Unbeliever, or Thomas the Baker. This date was associated primarily with work, stockpiling, and preparing for winter. At this time, our ancestors would check their pantries, cellars, and utility rooms. They would see if they had stockpiled enough food, firewood, and other necessities. They would try to get rid of old and unwanted items and organize their supplies.
It was believed that laziness on this day would lead to nothing good. On the contrary, according to folk beliefs, hard work and thrift would help people get through the winter in abundance. Bread held a special place on this day. Families would bake a loaf of homemade bread or a korovai. The first slice might be given to a sick or frail person, and the fresh bread was shared among all family members. In the tradition of this day, bread was a symbol of abundance, prosperity, and generosity. That is why it was considered important not to keep it only for oneself, but to share it with others.
Who You Must Not Turn Away on October 6
The main folk taboo on this day is specifically related to helping others. On October 6, it is not advisable to refuse a person who asks for bread or other necessary assistance. According to folk belief, anyone who acts greedily and refuses to share with those in need may themselves end up without prosperity.
Of course, this is merely a folk belief, not a church prohibition. The church does not establish rules under which refusal automatically leads to poverty. At the same time, charity, helping one’s neighbor, and generosity are in line with Christian values. Therefore, on October 6, it’s worth paying attention to the people around you. If someone needs support, you can help with food, money, a favor, or at least a kind word.
What Not to Do on October 6
As on other religious holidays, you shouldn’t argue, insult others, gossip, be envious, or wish ill upon anyone. Lying, greed, and judgment are also frowned upon. According to folk beliefs, on this day it was not advisable to be lazy or spend the entire day in bed unnecessarily. Khoma’s Day was considered a time for work and putting the household in order. It was also considered unwise to boast about one’s wealth. Our ancestors believed that an excessive display of wealth could lead to its loss.
People also tried not to overeat on this day. Food was cherished, and bread was treated with special respect. At the same time, it’s important to remember: most of these prohibitions are folk customs and beliefs, not official church rules.
What You Can Do on October 6
This day is well-suited for quiet household chores. You can clean the house, check your supplies, prepare for the cold weather, and finish tasks you’ve been putting off for a long time. It was also believed among the people that shopping on October 6 could be successful. Items purchased on this day are said to serve their owners for a long time.
The most important thing, however, is not the rituals themselves, but one’s attitude toward others. The feast day of the Apostle Thomas can be spent peacefully, without arguments or unnecessary fuss, by devoting time to prayer, family, and good deeds.
Superstitions for October 6
Our ancestors closely watched the weather on this day. They tried to predict what the winter and the coming year would be like based on natural phenomena.
- If it’s windless on October 6, a cold snap may be coming soon;
- If smoke hovers low over the ground, expect damp and rainy weather;
- If the weeds have grown very tall—winter may be snowy;
- If there are few mushrooms in the forest, a harsh winter is coming;
- a red sunset signals a change in the weather and strong winds;
- If there is thick fog in the morning, it will be a bountiful year;
- northern birds have already arrived—cold weather may set in early;
- large flocks of crows in the sky — frosts are possible soon.
These signs have folkloric origins and are not scientific weather forecasts.
Name Day on October 6
According to the church calendar, Thomas and Nikifor celebrate their name days on this day. The name Thomas comes from the Aramaic language and means “twin.” The most famous bearer of this name in Christian tradition is the Apostle Thomas.
The name Nikifor is of Greek origin. It is translated as “victor” or “one who brings victory.” On their name day, it is customary to congratulate those celebrating, wishing them health, peace, prosperity, and God’s protection. The day itself can be spent in the peaceful company of loved ones, without unnecessary fuss.
