The date of January 4 has long had an ambiguous reputation. According to popular beliefs, at the beginning of the year, evil spirits roam the earth, so this day was considered dangerous for everyday affairs. At the same time, in the church and international calendars there are several occasions for prayer and symbolic honor. Read on to find out what holiday today is, what traditions exist, and what is not recommended to do.
According to the new church calendar, on January 4, Orthodox believers celebrate the Council of the 70 Apostles. Also on this day, they honor the memory of the Monk Achilas of Kiev-Pechersk and the Monk Martyr Zosima. In prayers to the apostles, they ask for protection from evil, strengthening of faith, and deliverance from harmful habits. According to the old style, which the Orthodox Church of Ukraine has not used since 2023, this date was the date of the commemoration of the Great Martyr Anastasia of Serbia.
Internationally, January 4 is Newton Day. It is on this day that the outstanding physicist Isaac Newton , whose discoveries — the law of universal gravitation, the three laws of motion, and the theory of light — became the foundation of modern science. In addition, today the world celebrates World Braille Day — a writing system for blind people that allows you to read text by touch.
Also, on January 4, the world unofficially commemorates Hypnosis Day, Charts Day, Flower Basket Day, Trivia Day, and Hazelnut Day.
There are no official public holidays in Ukraine on this day, so it is an ordinary Sunday. However, famous Ukrainians were born on January 4, including ballet dancer Gennady Baukin, linguist Pavlo Zhitetsky, football player Hryhoriy Yarmash, and head of the Main Intelligence Directorate Kyrylo Budanov.
According to folk beliefs, the weather was closely monitored on January 4. Wet snow was considered a harbinger of a warm January, dry snow - of prolonged frosts. An orange sky before sunset promised strong winds, the movement of clouds against the wind - heavy snowfall, and the absence of stars at night - a quick thaw.
The traditions of the day are associated with the veneration of Saint Zosima, who was considered the patron saint of beekeepers. Therefore, dishes with honey were placed on the table - for the health and good offspring of bees. There was also a tradition of expelling evil spirits: the owner would go around the house clockwise with an icon and a prayer. To attract prosperity, it was advised to feed homeless animals and fill bird feeders. Women on this day were engaged in needlework, in particular, they embroidered towels for an upcoming wedding or the birth of a child.
At the same time, January 4 was considered undesirable for important decisions. People believed that on this day you should not start new business, make large purchases, conclude deals, change your place of residence or get a job. Quarrels, envy, condemnation of others and excessive pity were prohibited. It was also not recommended to swear and mention evil spirits out loud, so as not to invite trouble.
