Armed Forces Day and St. Nicholas Day: what is celebrated in Ukraine on December 6
6 December 00:29
on December 6, Ukraine will celebrate the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and St. Nicholas Day. Read about the holidays and signs of this day in the article Komersant ukrainskyi
Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
This holiday is dedicated to all military personnel serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and those who laid down their lives for the country’s independence and sovereignty. The history of the holiday dates back to 1991, when Ukraine gained its independence.
Initially, on December 6, 1991, a holiday was established to honor the creation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which became the basis for the defense of the newly independent state. The date was not chosen by chance – it was on this day that the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted the Law “On the Armed Forces of Ukraine”.
The holiday became especially important after the outbreak of the war in eastern Ukraine in 2014 and after the start of the full-scale war in 2022, when the military of the Armed Forces of Ukraine continued to defend the country from external aggression, and this day gained additional significance to honor the heroism and courage of the Ukrainian military.
What kind of church holiday is today?
december 6 is the feast day of St. Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra of Lycia, in the church calendar. For the second time, we will celebrate St. Nich olas Day on December 6, along with Christians of the Western rite, according to the Gregorian calendar.
St. Nicholas, also known as St. Nicholas the Wonderworker or St. Nicholas of Myra, was a real person who lived in the third and fourth centuries in what is now Turkey. He is known for his charity, love for children, and helping those in need. Among the miracles attributed to him are saving sailors, helping the poor, and protecting the innocent.
St. Nicholas was the bishop of Myra (modern-day Demre) in Lycia, where he spent most of his life. His mercy and generosity became known far beyond his diocese. He once secretly threw a bag of gold through the window of a poor family to save them from slavery. After his death, St. Nicholas was canonized and became one of the most beloved saints in the Christian world.
According to legend, on this day the good wizard brings sweets and gifts to children under their pillows.
Traditions on December 6
On St. Nicholas Day, one had to make peace with all enemies, forgive all insults and misunderstandings. Even real enemies could become best friends on this day.
On this day, girls prepared for matchmaking and cleaned their chests, preparing outfits for a meeting with matchmakers.
In some regions, people used to tell fortunes to find out what the girl’s family would be like.
It was believed that dreams were prophetic on St. Nicholas Day.
What not to do on December 6
Do not sew, repair or do laundry.
Do not quarrel with loved ones.
It is forbidden to give and take loans.
Folk signs for December 6
Our ancestors had many interesting signs for this day:
- they looked at what day it was: the wind was sweeping snow off the road – the roads would not be clear (until the thaw);
- frost on the trees – expect a rich harvest next year;
- as much snow fell on St. Nicholas Day, so much grass will be in May;
- frost and sun – there will be a poor harvest next year.
St. Nicholas has long been considered the most favorite character among children. At night, he brings gifts under the pillow to obedient children, and gives naughty children a whipping.
