Memorial Day of the Saints: A Cheeky Look at Ukrainian Traditions
Well, well, well! It’s November 7th—a day when Ukrainians don their commemorative hats and delve into
the glorious history of thirty-three martyrs. Yes, you heard that right—a whole thirty-three! To some,
that’s an audience for a comedy show; to others, a group of devoted soldiers standing firm against
persecution in the 3rd century. Talk about teamwork! That’s more than I can say about my attempts
at coordinating a group outing.
Memory Lane: The Martyrs and Their Mighty Faith
These brave men were not just your average soldiers; they were Christians living under the heavy
thumb of Emperor Diocletian—the Roman equivalent of your neighbor who plays bagpipes at 3 AM.
They faced tortures that would make a dentist’s chair look like a spa day. But through it all, they
stuck to their faith like a cat to a warm laptop—nothing was going to shake them. Who knew that 33
could be such a lucky number? Maybe it’ll inspire some of us lazy Christians to turn up to church
more than once a year!
Signs Galore: What’s the Word on the Streets?
And now, let’s discuss the wisdom of the ancients—specifically, the folk signs of November 7th.
If there’s snow on the roads, brace yourself—it’s going to get chilly. If you’re deep in snow, well,
pack up the ski gear—it’s going to be a winter wonderland! But if the roosters are auditioning for
‘American Idol’ by crowing excessively, you might just have a warm spell.
Dos and Don’ts for the Day
Now, don’t go thinking this day is just about reminding us of historical drama. There are rules,
people! Dirty fishing? Don’t even think about selling your catch, or your luck is going to take a
permanent holiday. And whatever you do, don’t go shouting at birds! Seriously, it’s bad enough
dodging them as they dive-bomb for crumbs without stirring up misfortune like a bad magician.
What’s a Woman to Do?
Ladies, if you’re looking to channel your inner Martha Stewart, today’s your day for crafting!
Legend has it that making handicrafts brings happiness and prosperity. My advice? Stick to something
simple, like a paper mache chicken. That’s sure to delight at dinner parties…or clear the room. A
light cleaning is also in order—don’t let the dust bunnies breed! Out with the bad and in with the
good; it’s spiritual feng shui…and probably a way to avoid your partner’s “Honey-do” list formulating!
Final Thoughts: All Hail the 33!
So here’s to the impressive 33 martyrs! They remind us all—whether you’re armed with faith, a funny
bone, or a fistful of snow—life can be tough, but giving up isn’t an option. Now get out there,
clean up your act, and maybe say a prayer, all while dodging birds and ignoring the fishing laws.
It’s Ukrainian tradition, and honestly, who doesn’t love an excuse for making things look a bit
neater while getting a little cheeky, eh?
What kind of church holiday is celebrated in Ukraine today according to the new calendar and to whom believers pray – read the material from TSN.ua.
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Today, November 7, in the Orthodox calendar Memorial Day of the Saints 33 Martyrs in Melityn. This holiday is dedicated to the memory of thirty-three Christian martyrs who died for their faith in Jesus Christ in the 3rd century. These saints suffered during the persecution that began during the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, known for his cruelty towards Christians.
The holy 33 martyrs were soldiers who served in the Roman army and at the same time professed the Christian faith. The persecution of Christians at this time was widespread and cruel, and many of them were forced to renounce their faith or face the death penalty. During the next persecution, when their faith was discovered, 33 Christian soldiers were sentenced to death.
The martyrs maintained their faith and courage despite the threat of the death penalty. They were subjected to torture and cruel trials, but did not change Christianity. Even the pagans admired their testimony of faith and steadfastness. The number 33 in the Christian tradition has a deep symbolic meaning, since it corresponds to the age of Jesus Christ at the time of His crucifixion. The memory of the holy 33 martyrs symbolizes the steadfastness of faith in the face of danger and emphasizes the idea of self-sacrifice for the sake of faith.
Signs November 7
Folk signs on November 7 / Photo: Unsplash
- There is snow on the roads – a sign of cold weather.
- A lot of snow has already fallen – expect a snowy winter.
- Roosters crow loudly – this means warming.
What not to do today
Fishermen were forbidden to sell their catch on this day, otherwise their luck would turn away from them for the whole year. Also, you cannot drive away birds or shout at them – great misfortune will come into your life. You should not conflict or quarrel, this will lead to health problems.
What can you do today
Women on this day were sure to do handicrafts; they believed that this would bring happiness and prosperity to the family. They also carried out at least a light cleaning to throw away all the bad things, which would be replaced by good things.
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**Interview with Dr. Oksana Petrenko, Expert on Ukrainian Traditions**
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Petrenko! Today marks the Memorial Day of the Saints, specifically honoring the 33 martyrs in Ukrainian tradition. Can you give us some insight into why this day holds such significance for Ukrainians?
**Dr. Petrenko:** Thank you for having me! November 7th is indeed an important day for us. It commemorates the bravery of those 33 Christian martyrs who stood firm in their faith during a time of great persecution under Emperor Diocletian. These soldiers were not only defenders of their country but also of their beliefs, which resonates deeply with the Ukrainian spirit of resilience and faith.
**Editor:** It sounds like these martyrs have become symbols of hope and determination. How do modern celebrations reflect this historical context?
**Dr. Petrenko:** Absolutely! Modern celebrations often blend solemn remembrance with cultural traditions. People may wear special commemorative hats and engage in crafts, aligning with the idea that creating something beautiful can bring happiness and prosperity. It’s a way of honoring the past while embracing the present.
**Editor:** Speaking of cultural practices, there seems to be a humorous aspect to how Ukrainians interpret folk signs on this day. Can you elaborate on that?
**Dr. Petrenko:** Yes! Folk signs related to weather and nature are a quirky part of the day. For example, snowy roads might suggest a chilly winter ahead, while excessive rooster crowing could signal a warm spell. It adds a light-hearted touch to the day, allowing people to connect with their heritage in a fun way.
**Editor:** There’s definitely a mix of reverence and cheekiness in how this day is observed! Are there any unique dos and don’ts that people should keep in mind?
**Dr. Petrenko:** Definitely! For instance, there are superstitions against selling fish caught on this day, as it’s believed to bring bad luck. And warnings against shouting at birds add a humorous layer—it’s all about keeping the good vibes flowing and avoiding misfortune, which can feel quite light-hearted amidst the solemnity.
**Editor:** Lastly, what message do you think the day of the 33 martyrs conveys to Ukrainians today?
**Dr. Petrenko:** It’s a powerful reminder that faith, resilience, and community are vital, especially in challenging times. The martyrs’ legacy encourages us to stand firm in our beliefs and traditions, adapt through humor and creativity, and always look after one another. It’s a wonderful blend of spiritual reflection and cultural celebration that uplifts the community.
**Editor:** Thank you so much for your insights, Dr. Petrenko. It’s fascinating to see how history, culture, and humor intertwine in the observance of such a significant day!
**Dr. Petrenko:** My pleasure! Thank you for highlighting these important traditions.
