Today, June 17, is not an official public holiday in Ukraine. However, this day is full of religious, cultural, and environmental events, both in the church calendar and internationally.
Church holiday
In the Orthodox calendar, June 17 is the day of remembrance for the martyrs Manuel, Ismail, and Savelius. They are prayed for harmony in the family, understanding between loved ones, and reconciliation with those with whom relations have soured. According to the old style, it is also the day of remembrance for Saint Metrophanes of Constantinople.
In church tradition, there are also restrictions on this day. Believers are not advised to envy, take revenge, condemn others, refuse help, or break the Peter's fast without a good reason.
Holiday in the world
Internationally, June 17 is celebrated as International Karate Day, a martial art that has become not only a sports discipline but also a way of self-improvement. This day is also dedicated to environmental issues: events are held to commemorate the Day to Combat Drought and Desertification, as well as Crocodile Protection Day.
In a number of countries, today has a special meaning. For example, in Iceland it is Independence Day, in Romania and Armenia it is Aviation Day, in Latvia they remember the victims of the Soviet occupation, in Spain they celebrate Tapas Day, and in the USA it is Apple Strudel Day.
Folk traditions
In the folk calendar, June 17 was considered an auspicious day for cleaning the house and getting rid of unnecessary things. People sought to bring order to the space around them. At the same time, there was a belief that evil spirits were activated on this day, so one should not get involved in arguments or conflicts.
Signs
A number of weather signs have also been preserved. If the sky is red in the west, expect a strong wind. If the apple trees have not yet bloomed, the summer will be long. The chirping of cicadas indicates the approach of heat, and the appearance of a rainbow after rain - to dry weather at the end of the month.
