On December 27, according to the new church calendar, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church commemorates the memory of the holy apostle, archdeacon, and protomartyr Stephen. This date is associated with ancient folk customs, signs, and prohibitions, by which the weather and well-being of the coming year have long been judged.
Saint Stephen is considered the first Christian martyr. He lived in the 1st century in Jerusalem and was one of the seven deacons called to care for the poor and needy. Later, Stephen became an archdeacon and openly preached the Christian faith. For this, he was accused of blasphemy against the prophet Moses and brought to trial. During the trial, Stephen preached a sermon and testified that he saw the open heavens and Jesus Christ. After that, he was stoned and died a martyr's death.
According to the old, Julian calendar, the memory of Saint Stephen is celebrated on January 9. At the same time, on December 27, according to the old style, the church commemorates the great martyrs Philemon, Apollonius, Arian, and Theotichus.
In prayers on this day, believers turn to Saint Stephen with requests for strengthening faith, peace of mind, health of relatives and well-being in the home. In folk tradition, he is considered the patron saint of livestock, especially horses. The day is popularly known as Stepan's Day.
Traditionally, honey gingerbread was baked on St. Stephen's Day. Refusing to eat the treat was considered a bad omen, as it was believed that it could bring bad luck for the whole year. There was also a rite "for abundance": a large bill was placed in a beautiful box, placed in a prominent place and not spent until the next year, believing that this would bring financial stability.
The Church, as on other days, does not approve of quarrels, slander, envy, gossip and revenge. Laziness and refusal to help people or animals are considered sins. Since the Holidays are in progress, according to popular beliefs, it was not recommended to engage in heavy physical labor. Also, on this day, bread crumbs were not thrown away, because it was believed that material well-being could leave the house with them.
Weather signs were also associated with December 27. Frost in the morning foreshadowed snow, a warm day - a hot summer, snowfall promised a rich harvest of mushrooms and berries. If crows sat on the tops of trees, they expected a prolonged cold, and fog was considered a harbinger of a thaw. The most favorable sign was considered to be a strong frost and clear weather - this promised a fruitful year and a calm summer without sudden changes in the weather.
