Thursday, December 11, is packed with calendar events that combine church observances, international initiatives, and Ukrainian folk customs. In the Orthodox calendar, this day is dedicated to the memory of a Kyiv ascetic, the world celebrates environmental and cultural holidays, and folk signs warn of the danger of quarrels and give clues about the upcoming weather.
In Ukraine, there are no official holidays on December 11, but the date is important for Crimea. Today is the Day of Remembrance of Jews and Crimeans who died during World War II. Since the peninsula is under temporary occupation, memorial events are organized on the mainland of Ukraine. Many famous Ukrainians were born on this day, including scientist Danylo Vellansky, historian Andriy Yakovlev, priest and politician Andriy Bandera, football player Andriy Gusin, and actor Akhtem Seitablayev.
The world celebrates International Tango Day on December 11, a dance that combines restraint, drama, and passion. Many countries hold master classes, festivals, and competitions dedicated to the Argentine cultural phenomenon. Medical institutions hold International Asthma Day, aimed at raising awareness about this disease. An ecological date also has its place in the calendar — World Mountain Day, designed to draw attention to the preservation of mountain ecosystems. For Ukrainians, this is a symbolic occasion to remember the Carpathians and the opportunity to unite with nature. Also, December 11 marks the Foundation Day of UNICEF, an international organization that has been supporting children around the world for many years, including Ukrainian families affected by the war.
In the church calendar according to the new style, today we honor the venerable Nikon of Pechersk, also called Nikon the Dry. He is known for his renunciation of wealth and devotion to the ascetic life in the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. According to the old style, which ceased to be used in Ukraine after 2023, this day commemorated the martyrs Irinarch, Basil, Stephen the New and other saints.
Ukrainian folk tradition associates December 11 with a number of signs that allow predicting the coming summer. It was believed that the colder the day, the hotter June would be; if it rained, rivers could overflow in July; abundant snow promised a good harvest in August; and the absence of frost at this time hinted at a warm New Year's Eve. In honor of Saint Nikon, people prayed for material well-being, peace in the family, and help in difficult life situations. Among folk rites, a special place was occupied by the ritual "for children's happiness" - parents lit a candle, made a wish for their child, and waited for the fire to burn out.
This day also had its prohibitions. The most important was the prohibition on quarrels: according to beliefs, conflicts today could take away happiness for the entire following year. It was impossible to insult children and animals, use sharp objects unnecessarily, or take risks. Going fishing was also considered unlucky - no catch was expected on this day.
December 11 combines cultural, spiritual, and folk meanings, reminding us of the value of memory, the importance of environmental awareness, and the need to preserve good relationships in the family and community.
