December 16 is a special date in both the church and folk calendars. On this day, according to the new style, the holy prophet Haggai is honored, one of the twelve minor prophets, and among the people it is Haggai's Day, associated with winter signs and traditions.
Church holiday in the new style
According to the New Julian calendar, which the Orthodox Church of Ukraine began using in 2023, the holy prophet Haggai is commemorated on December 16.
Haggai lived more than 500 years before Christ. He was one of the last Old Testament prophets to call on the people to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem after the return from Babylonian captivity. Haggai’s speeches inspired the people to complete the construction of a second temple, which, according to his prophecies, would surpass the grandeur of the first.
The prophet Haggai is also known as a protector of the hardworking and a mentor who helps people find the right path in life.
Old-style holiday
For those who follow the Julian calendar, December 16 is the feast day of Saint John the Silent, Bishop of Colonia. He was renowned for his devotion to God and his special gift of silence, which helped him avoid conflict and maintain spiritual peace.
Folk omens on December 16
- bullfinches are actively chirping this day , there will be a thaw.
- The cat is looking for a warm place - expect frost.
- There's a lot of frost on the trees - the holidays will be snowy.
- If a star falls at night, it portends cold weather.
This day is also called the Aegean winter indicator because the nature of the winter holidays was judged by the weather on December 16.
What to do on December 16
Saint Haggai is considered the patron saint of infants, so on this day it is worth praying for the health and well-being of children, as well as asking the saint to preserve faith, get rid of laziness or bad habits. The people believed that he helps those who work, so it is advisable to spend the day in labor.
What not to do on December 16
- To quarrel and conflict. The Church always condemns conflicts, backbiting, and envy.
- To be lazy. It was believed that Saint Haggai did not like lazy people.
- Talking across the threshold. Folk omens claim that this can lead to a quarrel.
- Breaking the Christmas fast. On this day, it is important to observe fasting food restrictions.
Name Day December 16
According to the new calendar, the day of the angel is celebrated by Sophia, Peter, Ilya, Nikolay, Makar, Arkady, Vladimir, Pavel, Alexander.
According to the old style, Andriy, Varvara, George, Ivan, Nikolay, Sava, Fedor, Kirill.
