November 17 is marked by a number of important international, medical and folk events. On this day, students are congratulated in Ukraine, believers turn to Saint Gregory of Neocaesarea with prayers, and folk signs tell what the winter will be like. Several thematic dates are celebrated around the world, aimed at informing about health, culture and healthy habits.
International Holidays November 17th
This day marks International Cervical Cancer Awareness Day. Its goal is to spread information about the prevention and treatment of this dangerous disease. Doctors emphasize that teenage girls are recommended to be vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV), and adult women are recommended to undergo annual testing.
Another important date is Premature Infants' Day, designed to draw attention to the problems of premature birth and the provision of quality medical care to babies born prematurely.
The world also celebrates Excursion Day, Butter Day, Shogi Day, Philosophy Day, and No Smoking Day, which traditionally reminds us of the dangers of nicotine.
What is celebrated in Ukraine today?
November 17 is Student's Day, a holiday that unites young people from all Ukrainian universities. On this day, it is customary to wish students easy learning, inspiration, interesting discoveries, and successful sessions.
The date is also associated with a number of famous Ukrainian birthdays. Today, Catholic priest Klymentiy Sheptytskyi, actress Ruslana Pysanka, politician Oksana Korchynska, writer Sofia Andrukhovych, and football player Roman Zozulya are remembered.
Church holiday November 17
According to the new style, Christians honor Saint Gregory of Neocaesarea, a famous miracle worker and bishop. Believers believe that prayer to him helps women get pregnant and brings protection and good health to children.
In the old calendar, this day was previously celebrated as the memory of Metropolitan Pavel of Tobolsk.
It is important to remember that the Christmas fast is ongoing. Orthodox Christians are advised to limit their consumption of meat and dairy products in order to prepare spiritually and physically for Christmas.
Folk customs and signs of November 17
Among Ukrainians, the day was called Grigoriy Zymovkazivnyk, because the weather today was considered a harbinger of winter:
• if the puddles are covered with ice - there will be a cold winter;
• many ducks remain on the rivers - the winter will be mild;
• abundant clusters of mountain ash promise a snowy season.
Our ancestors avoided long journeys, believing that they might encounter evil spirits or get stuck in the autumn mud. Instead, the house was filled with household chores, cleaning, visiting the bathhouse, and spending time with the family. Hot water treatments were recommended for health on this day.
There was also a special custom for good luck: you had to make a promise to yourself and be sure to keep it.
What you can't do today
Smoking, alcohol, and any bad habits are prohibited - it's no wonder today is No Smoking Day. You shouldn't borrow money or take out loans to avoid financial difficulties. It's also forbidden to go out in dirty clothes - it was believed that this harms your reputation.
