December 31 is a day with a rich religious and folk context. Today, Saint Melania of Rome and Saint Peter's Tomb are commemorated in a new style. At the same time, many believers continue to celebrate religious holidays in the old style. In addition, this day is associated with the holiday of Malanka, Generous Evening and numerous omens and traditions.
The 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 the holidays were shifted 13 days earlier. However, many believers still adhere to the old Julian style, in particular, it remains the right of religious communities and monasteries.
Saints who are remembered on December 31
Saint Melania the Roman is a noble Roman woman who lived in the 5th century, became famous for her selflessness in the service of God. After losing her children, she and her husband gave their inheritance to charity and devoted their lives to monastic service.
Saint Petro Mohyla is the Metropolitan of Kyiv and Halytskyi, an outstanding religious and educational figure of the 17th century. He actively fought for the rights of the Orthodox during the Catholic expansion, founded the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and restored a number of churches and monasteries, including St. Sophia Cathedral.
According to the old style, the memory of Saint Modest, the Patriarch of Jerusalem, is commemorated today.
Folk omens for December 31
This day is traditionally considered the Generous Evening or the holiday of Malanka. Main signs:
- Big snow - to warm winter days.
- What is the weather like in Malanka - this will be July.
- If the snow does not crunch under your feet, wait for the thaw.
What can and cannot be done
You cannot:
- Cursing, quarreling and wishing evil.
- Giving or borrowing - this can attract financial problems.
- Sit at the festive table in black clothes.
You can:
- Pray to Saint Melania for easy childbirth and the health of children.
- To set a rich festive table, prepare kutyu and treat guests.
- Leave grain with coins on the table as a symbol of prosperity.
- Do a good deed: help the needy or treat the generous.
Day of the Angel
Name days are celebrated in a new style: Vasylyna, Vasyl, Melania, Mykhailo, Petro.
According to the old style: Vera, Volodymyr, Danylo, Zoya, Ivan, Ilya, Mykola, Sofia, Yuriy and others.
