December 23 is of particular importance for Ukrainian defenders, as this day marks the professional holiday of one of the key branches of the armed forces in Ukraine. In addition, the date is associated with church celebrations, folk customs, and several international events. We tell you what holiday it is today in Ukraine, in the church, and in the world, and what prohibitions and signs should be observed.
What holiday is today in Ukraine?
On December 23, Ukraine commemorates several prominent birthdays. Physicist-engineer Stepan Tymoshenko, theater actor Mykhailo Vodyany, and soldier of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Hero of Ukraine Maksym Lyakh were born on this day.
Today is the official holiday - the Day of the Military Personnel of Operational Control, which is also known as the Day of Staff Specialties and Special Communications. These military personnel are responsible for planning operations, managing units, and continuous communication. Their work is rarely noticed in everyday life, but without it the functioning of the army is impossible. This is actually the "brain" of the army, ensuring the coherence and effectiveness of actions at all levels.
What church holiday is today?
According to the new church calendar, the martyr Fedul of Crete is commemorated on December 23. Believers turn to him with prayers for the health of domestic animals and success in everyday affairs. According to the old style, the martyrs Hermogenes, Mina, and Josaphus are commemorated on this day.
What holiday is it in the world today?
Snowboarding Day is celebrated around the world on December 23. Fans of this sport compete, show off tricks, or simply spend time on the mountain slopes.
This date also marks Christmas Movie Day, Inner Light Day, Baking Day, and Family Tree Day — events that symbolize family comfort, creativity, and preparation for the winter holidays.
What is the national holiday today?
There are numerous folk signs associated with December 23. It is believed that rain on this day portends a rainy March. If hares often appear in winter, then the winter will be harsh. A clear sky promises increasing frosts, and abundant snow - a bountiful harvest in the coming year.
Our ancestors actively prepared for Christmas Eve and Christmas on this day. They put their homes in order, washed windows, and stocked up on food. Housewives soaked wheat for kuty. Working on December 23 was considered not only permissible, but also mandatory.
There was also a special ritual for good luck: you had to bake a cookie or cake in the shape of an animal and eat it. It was believed that this would bring good luck for the whole year and protect the livestock from disease.
What not to do today
The prohibitions on this day are connected both with church beliefs and with the approach of Christmas. On December 23, it is not recommended to be lazy and postpone household chores, because the house should be in order before the big holidays. Also, you should not refuse those who ask for help.
People who work with sharp or heavy objects were warned separately: according to legend, injuries sustained on this day can take a long time to heal, so you should be especially careful.
