December 31 is a day with a rich religious and folk context. Today, Saint Melania of Rome and Saint Peter the Grave are commemorated according to the new style. At the same time, many believers continue to celebrate religious holidays according to the old style. In addition, this day is popularly associated with the holiday of Malanka, the Generous Evening, and numerous signs and traditions.
New church calendar and modern changes
In 2023, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine switched to the new Julian calendar. As a result, the fixed dates of holidays were shifted 13 days earlier. However, many believers still adhere to the old Julian style, in particular, this remains the right of religious communities and monasteries.
Saints remembered on December 31
Saint Melania of Rome was a noble Roman woman who lived in the 5th century and became famous for her devotion to God. After losing her children, she and her husband gave their inheritance to charity and dedicated their lives to monastic service.
Saint Petro Mohyla is the Metropolitan of Kyiv and Galicia, a prominent religious and educational figure of the 17th century. He actively fought for the rights of the Orthodox during the times of Catholic expansion, founded the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, and restored a number of churches and monasteries, including St. Sophia Cathedral.
According to the old style, today we honor the memory of Saint Modestus, Patriarch of Jerusalem.
Folk omens for December 31
This day is traditionally considered the Generous Evening or the Malanka holiday. Main signs:
- Heavy snow - to warm winter days.
- What is the weather like in Malanka - this is what July will be like.
- If the snow doesn't crunch under your feet, wait for the thaw.
What you can and can't do
You cannot:
- Swearing, fighting, and wishing evil.
- Giving or borrowing can lead to financial problems.
- Sit at the festive table wearing black clothes.
You can:
- Pray to Saint Melania for an easy birth and healthy children.
- Set a rich festive table, prepare kutya and treat guests.
- Leave grain with coins on the table as a symbol of abundance.
- Do a good deed: help the needy or treat generous people.
Angel Day
Name days according to the new style are celebrated by: Vasilyna, Vasyl, Melania, Mykhailo, Petro.
According to the old style: Vera, Volodymyr, Danylo, Zoya, Ivan, Ilya, Mykola, Sofia, Yuri and others.
