On Sunday, November 16, Ukrainians celebrate several important dates at once - from professional holidays to international days established by the UN. The church calendar commemorates the apostle and evangelist Matthew, and folk signs advise not to take too many risks with money on this day.
What is the holiday in the world today
Since 2005, November 16 has been celebrated as International Day Against Anorexia. This is an unofficial but important social day designed to draw attention to eating disorders. Its purpose is to remind people of the dangers of exhausting diets, toxic beauty standards, and that anorexia is, first and foremost, a serious mental illness, not a “fad” or “willpower.”
On the same day, the UN celebrates the International Day for Tolerance. It calls on society to respect and tolerate other people – their views, culture, and way of life – and emphasizes the importance of cultivating tolerance from childhood.
In addition, on November 16, several thematic dates related to culture and everyday life are held around the world. This day is celebrated as Button Day, Flamenco Dance Day, Needlework Day, and Icelandic Language Day. Also, the third Sunday of November is the Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims - an opportunity to honor those whose lives were taken by road accidents and to remind people of the importance of following safety rules.
What is the holiday today in Ukraine
On the third Sunday of November, Ukraine traditionally celebrates Agricultural Workers' Day. This is a professional holiday for farmers, agrarians, employees of agricultural companies, and everyone who takes care of the Ukrainian land and provides the country with food. Even during the war, under shelling and in front-line areas, thousands of people continue to sow, harvest, and maintain the country's food security.
Another important professional holiday is November 16 – Radio, Television and Communications Workers' Day. Congratulations are received today by journalists, TV and radio presenters, cameramen, directors, editors, communications engineers, technical specialists and everyone who ensures the country's information space and the uninterrupted operation of media and communication networks.
What is the church holiday today
According to the new style, the Orthodox calendar honors the apostle and evangelist Matthew on November 16. He is known as one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ and the author of one of the four Gospels. In church tradition, Matthew is considered the patron saint of people in creative professions and those involved in finance and accounting, so he is addressed with prayers for wisdom, prudence, and success in business.
In the old church calendar, this date commemorates the martyrs Akepsimus, Aifal, and many other Christians who suffered for their faith.
What is the national holiday today and what was advised to do on this day?
In the folk calendar, November 16 was the day to wait for the first real signs of winter – snow and ice. Our ancestors carefully watched the weather and drew their own conclusions:
They said that if the puddles were covered with ice, "winter was already at the door";
they believed that when the tits and sparrows fell silent and huddled together, it would soon get very cold;
if a fisherman returned without a catch, it was considered a sign of a quick deterioration in the weather;
if fog fell in the morning, they expected warming.
The day was considered favorable for quiet household activities: visiting relatives, doing needlework, mending clothes, preserving food for the winter, cleaning the house and cellar. Since the Christmas fast was in progress, only lean dishes were to be on the table.
What is not recommended to do today
In popular belief, November 16 is an unlucky day for large financial transactions. It was not recommended to lend or borrow, start trading, make expensive purchases, or count coins - it was believed that this could "take" money out of the house.
Also forbidden were envy, alcohol abuse, laziness, and revenge. It was believed that negative emotions, insults, and quarrels committed on this day could "last" for a long time.
