November 1 has several important meanings at once - religious, historical and everyday. In the Catholic tradition, it is All Saints' Day. In the Orthodox calendar according to the new style, today they honor the silver-free healers Cosmas and Damian. In Europe, they talk about the birthday of the European Union. The world celebrates Vegan Day, and in early November - International Men's Day. In the popular sense, this day is also a "look into winter": according to the signs on November 1, they judged what the cold season would be like, and asked for healing from illnesses.
Church Holidays November 1
For Catholics, November 1 is All Saints' Day. This is one of the central holidays of the autumn calendar: believers honor all the canonized and non-canonized righteous people, those who were considered models of faith and service. In many countries, this day is associated with visiting churches and cemeteries, praying for loved ones, and remembering those who have passed away.
In the Orthodox tradition according to the new style, today we remember the saints Cosmas and Damian, the silver-free brothers, who are revered as miracle workers and patrons of healing. They are prayed to for health, for the alleviation of diseases, for the well-being of the family and pets. In folk life, their day was often perceived as a "doctors' holiday": it was customary to thank those who treat and wish them good luck in their work.
In some church calendars, November 1 also marks the commemoration of the holy martyr John and Saint Juliana, and in the old style, the prophet Joel is commemorated on this day. That is, the date has several layers, depending on the ritual tradition.
Holiday in Ukraine
There is no separate public holiday on November 1 in Ukraine, but the date has its own human dimension through the birthday people and figures associated with this day. Among those born on this date are the poetess Dniprova Chaika, the actor and director Fyodor Stryhun, as well as the soldiers of the modern Russian-Ukrainian war - in particular Dmitry Kotsiubayl ("Da Vinci") and Ivan Zubkov. Thus, November 1 in the Ukrainian context is increasingly perceived as a day of remembrance for people who have become symbols of culture and resistance.
International and secular holidays
Europe today commemorates the birthday of the European Union - the anniversary of the historical process that led to the creation of a political and economic union with a single market and common rules.
November 1 is also called Vegan Day. The idea of this day is not only about eating without meat, milk and eggs, but also about ethical treatment of animals and human responsibility for environmental impact. In many countries, thematic lectures and tastings of plant-based dishes are held on this day.
International Men's Day is also celebrated in early November. Its meaning is not so much formal greetings as attention to men's health, psychological resilience, the role of fatherhood, and support for veterans.
Less official but popular themed dates for November 1 include Ecology Day, Business Analytics Day, Scented Candle Day, Zero Meridian Day, and Mustache Care Day. They originated as professional or charitable initiatives and are often used for information campaigns.
Folk traditions and signs
In the folk calendar, the day of Kuzma and Demyan was considered the border between "autumn chores" and winter preparations. By this time, all work in the garden and vegetable garden was usually finished, conservation was completed, and tools were put away. Women took grain from the new harvest, cooked porridge, and baked pies: it was believed that grain dishes brought health for the winter.
This day was also about the weather. If the first snow fell on November 1, they expected an early and cold winter. If there was a thaw, they promised a warm November. Tall anthills “predicted” quick frosts, and a heavy, prolonged downpour was considered a good sign for the next year’s harvest. People carefully watched the fog and humidity: a wet and windy day meant a damp, windy winter.
What is forbidden?
Traditional warnings on this day relate primarily to behavior, not to any rituals. Quarrels, lies, gambling, and alcohol abuse were considered undesirable - because they "bring illness and poverty" into the house. They also advised against making large purchases and spending money unnecessarily, so as not to cause financial problems. They also said that the day was unlucky for fishing and mushroom picking: "it is better not to disturb the earth - let it rest before winter."
