For many years, Ukrainians have been saying goodbye to the old year on December 31 and welcoming the new one on January 1. For most, this seems like the only possible order, since there are no living witnesses of other times left. However, history has preserved the memory of another date for the new year - this is how the Old New Year appeared in Ukraine. Although this holiday is secular in nature, it is closely intertwined with folk and Christian traditions.
The Old New Year originated after the calendar reform of 1918, when Ukrainians switched from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar. The difference between the two is 13 days, so the former “first of January” according to the old style falls on January 14 according to the new style. It is on this day that the Old New Year is traditionally celebrated, and in 2026 the date will remain unchanged.
For Ukrainians, January 14 has not only secular but also religious significance. According to the old church calendar, this day is dedicated to Saint Basil the Great. Therefore, most of the customs and beliefs associated with the Old New Year have Christian roots.
The day before, on the evening of Malanka, which was called Shchedry, the whole family gathered at the festive table. It was believed that one should welcome the new year in clean clothes and with a good mood, so that the next year would be happy and prosperous. The table was generously set: meat dishes were served, and the meal was concluded with a generous kutya.
On the morning of January 14, on St. Basil's Day, young people went from house to house sowing seeds. The young men took grain, entered the houses and wished the owners prosperity, health and well-being. It was believed that the more generously the sowers were gifted, the more successful the year would be. It was also customary on this day to visit godchildren, relatives and neighbors, sowing grain on the threshold and corridor of the house.
Ukrainian believers attend church services on Old New Year. Since Saint Basil is considered the patron saint of pig farming, pork dishes are traditional, symbolizing abundance and satiety.
There were also prohibitions. Our ancestors believed that the way you greet the New Year is the way you spend it. Therefore, on January 14, you should not quarrel, curse, remember old grievances, or wish evil on others. They also advised against lending money or leaving your wallet empty — it was believed that this could bring financial difficulties throughout the year.
Despite the changing calendars and the modern rhythm of life, the Old New Year remains a special day for many Ukrainians - a quiet, warm opportunity to gather with family once again and symbolically wish each other happiness and prosperity.
