January 5 is a special day in the church and folk calendar of Ukraine. This day is celebrated as the Epiphany Eve according to the new church calendar, also known as Epiphany Eve or Hungry Kutya. 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-transitory 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 Christmas season and prepares believers for the great holiday of Epiphany.
On this day, evening services and a great consecration of water are held in churches, symbolizing the cleansing of sins. The consecrated water is considered special, it is taken home and kept all year round.
According to the Julian calendar, January 5 is the day of Saint Theodosius of Crete and the Nine Martyrs. This day also has its own symbolic meaning, and is still celebrated by those who follow the old calendar.
Traditions of the day
- Kutya on the table . For dinner, “hungry kutya” is served – a lean dish made from grains, honey, poppy seeds and nuts. Uzvar and other lean dishes are also prepared.
- Visiting the temple . Believers go to the evening service, bless the water and sprinkle it around the house.
- Prayer . It is believed that on Epiphany night the sky opens, and one can ask God for the most sincere wishes.
Signs for January 5
- Snow without wind - the summer will be fruitful.
- The chickens are worried - a blizzard should be expected.
- Stars in the sky - a good harvest of wheat and peas.
- What the weather will be like today, what it will be like on Maslenitsa.
Bans of the day
- You cannot quarrel, curse, or wish evil upon others.
- It is forbidden to refuse help.
- There's no need to clean up - all chores should be completed the day before.
Name days on January 5
According to the new style, name days are celebrated by:
- Polina, Tatyana, Lukyan, Grigory, Joseph, Roman, Evgenia.
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 be special for you and bring peace, harmony, and blessings.
