The Enigmatic Holiday of October 25 in Ukraine
Ah, October 25! A day that sounds like a sweet spot between Halloween excitement and longings for the ghosts of yesteryears—because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t want an excuse to cry a little and still call it a holiday? Or as the locals affectionately call it, Didivski plachi, Pravedna Tavifa, and Andron-zvizdar—which, I suspect, are also the names of some obscure Eastern European indie bands!
Honoring the Departed: A Day for the Deceased
So, here we are, on October 25, where the living pay tribute to the dearly departed. This is like the original ‘Remember Me’ feature but with more candles and slightly fewer pixels. Ukrainians are expected to head to cemeteries, scrub the graves, plant flowers, and light a few candles. It’s a wholesome family affair—so wholesome that even the ghosts might be tempted to stick around for a good old-fashioned clean-up!
The Martyrs and Mourning
According to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, today we honor martyrs Markian and Martyrius, along with the righteous Tavifa. Now, if you thought that was just a random collection of names, welcome to my world! Just imagine hosting a dinner party and inviting these guys—talk about a dramatic evening of storytelling! And here’s a pro tip: on this day, feeling a little sorry for yourself and shedding some tears is considered therapeutic. Who would’ve thought that crying could be a community event?
And What About the Stars?
Before you think it’s all about tears, our ancestors also had a cosmic side. They believed that star-gazing on this particular night would reveal if winter would arrive early. If it was a clear, starry night, you were in for a chilly surprise. So don’t forget to bundle up or risk a chilly night—because nothing says “I care” like catching hypothermia while counting stars!
Scorpio Season, Baby!
Now, if you or someone you know was born on this fine day, congratulations! You’re a Scorpio! This means you’re feisty, maybe even a bit reckless, but like a cat with nine lives, you’ll manage to pull it together. Just remember: with great power (or great stubbornness) comes great responsibility—not to mention a very specific set of expectations about your emotional outbursts!
What Not to Do Today
Now, to keep the spirits quaking in their graves, here are a few do’s and definitely do-nots: First, laughing too loudly is prohibited. Imagine being reprimanded for a giggle – that sounds like a plot twist in a sitcom! You also risk incurring the wrath of the universe if you engage in deception or gossip. Here’s a tip: if you’re planning to renovate the house, perhaps postpone those repairs for a later date. Trust me; even fixing a loose tile could summon a poltergeist!
So there you have it! October 25, a perfect blend of reverence and a healthy dollop of superstition. Whether you’re mourning, gazing at stars, or indulging in a little self-pity, just remember to do it with style—and perhaps a hearty baked potato on the side!
The national holiday on October 25 is known under the names Didivski plachi, Pravedna Tavifa, Andron-zvizdar.
What a holiday in Ukraine today / UNIAN collage, pixabay photo
On October 25, our ancestors honored their deceased loved ones and mourned their fate, and also did good deeds. Find out what holiday Ukrainians are celebrating today, what is prohibited and what are the known signs about the weather.
What is celebrated on October 25 is a holiday in Ukraine
According to the new style, on October 25, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine honors the martyrs Markian and Martyrius, as well as the righteous Tavifa. According to the old church calendar, martyrs Prova, Hadronikos and Tarach are commemorated today. Earlier we told which church holiday of October 25 is celebrated in the old and new style today.
This date is popularly known as Grandfather’s cries. According to ancient customs, on this date you can cry a little, feel sorry for yourself, mourn your grief. Such actions will bring mental relief.
Also, on October 25, it is customary to go to the cemetery and pray for the repose of deceased loved ones. At the cemetery, you should clean the grave, plant new flowers and light candles. People believed that if they do this today, the soul of a loved one will find peace.
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Often, December 25 was the end of the midsummer summer and the real harsh autumn began. Frosts were already coming at night, and migratory birds finally flew south. On the holiday today, people went outside in the middle of the night and counted the stars. According to omens, if the sky is full of bright stars, then winter will be early and cold.
Our ancestors tried not to deceive or offend anyone on this date. People used to say that bad deeds will boomerang back. On December 25, they tried to do a good deed – donate to charity, help the poor.
What a holiday on October 25 / photo sharkolot, Pixabay
Who was born on October 25 – a sign of the Zodiac
A person born today has a Scorpio zodiac sign. Birthday people on this day have a fiery nature. They are prone to reckless actions that they later regret. People born on October 25 know exactly what they want from life and persistently go to their goal. They never quit what they started.
What not to do on October 25
On this day, it is undesirable to laugh loudly and a lot, as well as to have fun noisily, so as not to invite trouble.
You can’t deceive, flatter, embellish, spread gossip. Any deception will surely be revealed in the future.
The holiday of October 25 is not suitable for repair, construction, fixing broken things.
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Interview on the Enigmatic Holiday of October 25 in Ukraine
Editor: Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Sofia Ivanenko, a cultural anthropologist specializing in Eastern European traditions, to delve deeper into the fascinating holiday celebrated on October 25 in Ukraine. Welcome, Dr. Ivanenko!
Dr. Ivanenko: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: This holiday, known as Didivski plachi or Grandfather’s Cries, seems to be a unique blend of mourning and honor. Can you tell us what the significance of October 25 is to the Ukrainian people?
Dr. Ivanenko: Absolutely! October 25 is a day of remembrance and tribute to the deceased. While it may sound bittersweet, it embodies a wholesome family tradition where people visit graves, clean them, and light candles. It’s a time when families come together to reflect and connect with their lost loved ones, which is integral to Ukrainian culture.
Editor: You mentioned the honoring of martyrs Markian, Martyrius, and Tavifa. What role do these figures play in the observance of the holiday?
Dr. Ivanenko: They represent resilience and strength in faith. The Orthodox Church encourages believers to reflect on their stories, and by commemorating these martyrs on this day, Ukrainians find comfort and inspiration in their sacrifices. It’s a way to engage with one’s spiritual heritage.
Editor: I found it intriguing that there’s an expectation to shed tears as a form of therapeutic release. Can you elaborate on that?
Dr. Ivanenko: Yes, it’s fascinating! The act of mourning and feeling sorrow isn’t just accepted; it’s celebrated. Crying is seen as a natural and important part of the healing process. As a community, sharing this experience brings people closer together, illustrating that it’s okay to express vulnerability.
Editor: On a lighter note, it’s said that star-gazing on this night can predict the winter weather. Is there a cultural significance behind this belief?
Dr. Ivanenko: Indeed! Our ancestors were very attuned to nature. They believed that a clear sky on October 25 indicated a harsh winter ahead, which was crucial for survival. This belief connects the community to the cycles of nature, blending the spiritual with the practical.
Editor: There are some fun rules about what not to do on this day, like prohibiting loud laughter. What’s the story behind that?
Dr. Ivanenko: That’s part of the folklore! It’s believed that engaging in too much frivolity can disturb the spirits. The day is about reverence and respect, so loud laughter could be seen as disrespectful. It’s a whimsical way of reminding people to maintain a somber atmosphere while still being able to share in the experience.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Ivanenko. It’s clear that October 25 is not just a holiday; it’s a rich tapestry of culture, emotion, and tradition. Any final thoughts?
Dr. Ivanenko: Just that it’s a beautiful celebration of life and remembrance. Despite the somber moment, there’s a warmth that comes from connecting with family, honoring the past, and looking toward the future together.
Editor: Well said! Thank you for shedding light on this enigmatic holiday in Ukraine.
Dr. Ivanenko: Thank you for having me!
Editor: And to our readers, don’t forget to explore and perhaps partake in the gentle reverence of October 25. Until next time!
Re, reinforcing the importance of respecting and understanding the environment in which they live.
Editor: That’s truly fascinating! Now, I understand there are specific do’s and don’ts associated with this holiday. Could you share a few of those customs?
Dr. Ivanenko: Certainly! For instance, laughter and loud merriment are generally frowned upon to maintain the solemnity of the day. It’s believed that excessive joy may disturb the spirits of the departed. Additionally, acts of deception or gossip are strictly avoided, with the belief that any malice will come back to haunt the perpetrator. Instead, people are encouraged to focus on good deeds, charitable acts, and cleaning their loved ones’ graves as a sign of respect.
Editor: How interesting that community and caution are intertwined in such rituals! Lastly, for those born on October 25, they fall under the Scorpio zodiac sign. Does this cultural observance have any impact on how these individuals celebrate their birthdays?
Dr. Ivanenko: Surprisingly, yes! While Scorpio traits like intensity and passion shine through their celebrations, those born on October 25 often carry a sense of introspection on their special day due to the holiday’s somber nature. They might find ways to blend the joy of their birth with the respectful observance of the holiday—perhaps by reflecting on their personal journey while remembering loved ones.
Editor: Thank you so much, Dr. Ivanenko, for this enlightening conversation! It’s clear that October 25 holds deep meaning for the people of Ukraine, blending remembrance, reflection, and even a touch of superstition.
Dr. Ivanenko: Thank you for having me! It was a pleasure to share the richness of this holiday with your audience.