October 7th has several important dates in the calendar: a number of professional and thematic dates are celebrated around the world, and the Orthodox Church honors famous saints. For many Ukrainians, it is also a day of folk customs related to preparing for winter.
Internationally, October 7 is celebrated, among other things, as World Postman's Day, a chance to thank the people who deliver mail and keep people connected. The day is also celebrated around the world as Cotton and Cotton Products Day; among the lesser-known dates are Baldness Day, Decent Wage Day, Frappe Day, and Bald Men's Day.
In the church calendar according to the new style, on October 7, the Monk Sergius of Kiev-Pechersk and the martyrs Sergius and Bacchus are commemorated; believers turn to them with requests for spiritual and physical strength, relief from sad thoughts, and strengthening of faith. According to the old (Julian) calendar, the Monk Theodosius of Manyavsky and the Equal-to-the-Apostles Thecla of Ionia are also commemorated on this day.
For Ukraine, this day is usually not an official public holiday - it is a regular working day, however, in the cultural sphere, October 7 commemorates the birth of several famous compatriots (historians, scientists, journalists, and military personnel), and some communities may pay attention to this in publications and local events.
Folk customs on this day are associated with preparation for winter: in the past, people would start heating stoves, take warm things out of the pantry, finish seasonal work, and prepare preserves. There are a number of signs: night frosts are a sign of the end of Indian summer; many acorns on an oak tree are a sign of a relatively mild winter; a poor grape harvest is a sign of a cold autumn. People also believe that October 7 is not the best day to reveal plans and secrets - there is a belief that this can harm the implementation of ideas.
Traditional "prohibitions" for this day include refraining from swearing, drinking, excessive cruelty, and gossip. In a religious context, believers are advised to adhere to the postulates of the day: not to quarrel, not to insult others, and not to violate moral precepts.
If you plan to attend services or local events, check the schedule with your local parishes. For those who celebrate international professional days, this is a good reason to thank postmen, textile workers, and everyone whose work keeps society connected.
