The date November 24th has several meanings at once - from church events to international scientific holidays. Today is also a special day for women, as it is associated with the honoring of Saint Catherine, who has long been considered the patron saint of girls, family, and marriage.
Church holiday November 24
In the new church style, today we honor Saint Catherine of Alexandria, an educated girl known for her brilliant mind and unwavering faith. She was executed for Christianity, but among the people Catherine became a symbol of wisdom and feminine strength.
In the old style, this day we remember Saint Theodore the Studite. People turn to him with prayers for the protection of the house from fires and disasters.
International holidays
On November 24, the world celebrates Evolution Day, an event that is important primarily for scientists. Its goal is to popularize the theory of evolution and emphasize its importance for modern science.
Red Wine Day is also celebrated today, during which lovers of the drink remember its beneficial properties and taste different varieties.
Other international dates include Conjoined Twins Day, Unique Talent Day, Twins Day, and Making Friends Day.
Folk signs and traditions
In ancient times, the end of November was already a tangible reminder of winter, so people carefully monitored the weather. Among the folk signs for November 24:
- if geese and ducks are still swimming in the water, ice will not appear soon;
- hoarfrost on trees promises frosts;
- sudden warming portends a warm end to the month;
- fog means a thaw.
On St. Catherine's Day, girls traditionally guessed their fate and their betrothed. One of the popular rituals was to put a broken cherry branch in water - if it bloomed by the New Year, they expected a wedding the following year. In prayers to St. Catherine, people ask for a happy marriage, peace in the family, the health of children, and wisdom in raising them.
Prohibitions on November 24
Today, people are advised to refrain from laziness, envy, and quarrels, and not to lift anything from the ground - it is believed that this can lead to illness.
Additional prohibitions apply to women: they should not wash their hair, sweep the floor, or lift heavy objects.
Also, three famous Ukrainians were born on November 24 — football player Ivan Shariy, track and field athlete Hanna Ryzhykova, and Hero of Ukraine, aerial reconnaissance officer Danylo Podybaylo.
