The date of December 18 is of special significance for Ukrainians, as this day combines important church, state, and international events. The Christian calendar honors a prominent church figure, folk traditions advise putting things in order at home, and in Ukraine, the professional holiday of Security Service employees is celebrated.
According to the new Orthodox calendar, on December 18, Saint Modestus is honored, who went down in history as the restorer of the destroyed Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. He is considered the patron saint of domestic animals, so believers turn to him with prayers for good health and prosperity of the household. According to the old church style, on this day they remember the miracle worker Sava the Sanctified, to whom they pray for family well-being and peace in the family.
In Ukraine, December 18 also has national significance. This day is celebrated as the Day of Military Counterintelligence of the SBU. The holiday is dedicated to specialists who are engaged in the detection and neutralization of enemy agents. During a full-scale war, the role of military counterintelligence has become especially important, because it is these units that counteract Russian spies and collaborators, preventing sabotage and other crimes.
December 18 is also known as the birthday of many prominent Ukrainians. Among the most famous birthdays on this day are writer Mykola Kulish, artist Petro Kholodnyi, poet Yuriy Kosach, and literary critic Mykhailyna Kotsiubynska.
The world celebrates International Migrants Day on December 18, established by the United Nations. Its goal is to protect the rights of migrants, combat discrimination, and improve the living conditions of people who have been forced to leave their homes. For Ukrainians, this date has a special meaning, because millions of citizens are currently abroad due to the war.
In addition, the world celebrates Arabic Language Day, Cookie Baking Day, Gift Giving Day, Twins Day, and Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Day today. It was on December 18 that such famous personalities as artist Paul Klee, guitarist Keith Richards, director Steven Spielberg, actor Brad Pitt, actress Katie Holmes, and singers Christina Aguilera and Billie Eilish were born.
Folk traditions of this day are associated with many years of weather observations. It was believed that if smoke from a chimney rises upwards, one should expect a cold snap, and if it spreads over the ground, there will be warming. A large amount of snow promises a bountiful harvest next year, and a strong wind portends blizzards and snowfalls. A west or south wind, according to legend, brings improved weather.
Our ancestors cleaned, repaired their homes, and insulated their roofs and windows on December 18. There was a custom for abundance and satiety: to buy a new broom and throw away the old one, so that with it they would get rid of poverty and misfortune.
There are also certain prohibitions on this day. It is not recommended to be lazy, break promises, be jealous, or quarrel. It is considered a bad omen to throw away leftover food - it is better to give it to the birds. It is also not recommended to count or borrow money, so as not to cause financial difficulties. In addition, the Christmas fast continues, so it is forbidden to eat meat, dairy products, and eggs.
