December 26 is considered a special date for the female part of society. This day combines international initiatives, church traditions and folk beliefs, which have long been associated with caring for women and children. The holiday has Christian roots, and is also accompanied by good customs associated with gifts and family well-being.
In Ukraine, December 26 does not have an official state status. For most citizens, it is an ordinary working day, although some Ukrainians continue to celebrate Christmas holidays. At the same time, the date is known for the names of prominent Ukrainians who were born on this day, including writer Mykola Arkas, poet Yevhen Pluzhnyk, architect Yuriy Aseev, as well as servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Heroes of Ukraine Svyatoslav Horbenko and Yuriy Sodol.
In the world, December 26 is celebrated under the sign of good deeds. It is on this date that International Gift Day falls, which encourages giving attention and presents without a reason - to friends, acquaintances or those who need it. Also celebrated on this day are Thank You Letter Day, Candy Cane Day, Complainant Day, Croupier Day and African American Culture Day. In addition, world-famous figures were born on December 26, including poet Thomas Gray, mathematician Charles Babbage, writer Henry Miller, actor and musician Jared Leto.
According to the new church calendar, on December 26, believers celebrate the Cathedral of the Most Holy Theotokos. On this day, Christians turn to the Virgin Mary with prayers, asking for family happiness, prosperity and health of children. Previously, according to the old style, several Christian martyrs were honored on this day, in particular, Eugene, Orestes, Mardarius and Eustratius.
Folk traditions also attach special importance to this date. Since ancient times, it was believed that the weather on December 26 determines the character of January. A cold snap promised a late and cold spring, the cheerful chirping of tits foreshadowed a thaw, and magpies rummaging in the grass - a warm New Year. The day was considered favorable for women: in ancient times, it was customary to pray to the Virgin Mary, honor women in labor and midwives, thanking them for the birth of children. They were brought pies and dumplings as a sign of respect. There was also a custom on this day to have babies' hair cut for the first time, believing that this would strengthen their health.
Along with good customs, there were also prohibitions. Women were advised not to work hard, wear dirty clothes, or use cracked dishes. Men, according to legend, were not supposed to refuse the requests of pregnant women. In addition, the day was considered unlucky for fishing.
