January 5 is a special day in the church and folk calendar of Ukraine. On this day, the Eve of the Baptism of the Lord is celebrated according to the new church calendar, also known as Epiphany or Hungry Day. We offer an overview of the traditions, signs and prohibitions associated with this date, as well as information about the old calendar style.
In 2023, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine switched to the New Julian calendar, so most non-transitional holidays are now celebrated 13 days earlier. According to the new style, January 5 is the Eve of the Baptism of the Lord, which concludes the Holidays and prepares believers for the great feast of the Epiphany.
On this day, evening services and a great consecration of water, which symbolizes the cleansing of sins, are held in temples. The consecrated water is considered special, it is taken home and kept all year.
According to the Julian calendar, on January 5, the memory of St. Feodulus of Crete and the nine martyrs is celebrated. The day also has its symbolic significance and is still celebrated by those who follow the old calendar.
Traditions of the day
- Corner on the table . For dinner, they serve "hungry kutya" - a fasting dish made of grains, honey, poppy seeds and nuts. Uzvar and other sweet dishes are also prepared.
- Visiting the temple . Believers go to the evening service, consecrate the water and sprinkle the house with it.
- Prayer . It is believed that on the Epiphany night the sky opens, and you can ask God for your most sincere wishes.
Signs for January 5
- Snow without wind - the summer will be fruitful.
- The chickens are worried - a blizzard should be expected.
- The stars in the sky are a good harvest of wheat and peas.
- What the weather is like today, it will be like this on Shrovetide.
Bans of the day
- You can't quarrel, slander or wish evil on others.
- It is forbidden to refuse help.
- You shouldn't do cleaning - all things must be completed the day before.
Name day on January 5
According to the new style, birthdays are celebrated:
- Polina, Tatiana, Lukyan, Hryhoriy, Yosyp, Roman, Yevgenia.
According to the old style - Vasyl, Ivan, Makar, Naum, Pavlo, Feodul.
This day is a symbol of purification, spiritual preparation and the end of the festive period. May January 5th become special for you and bring peace, harmony and blessings.
