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Tag Archives: Julian Calendar

Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus???

Saint Nicholas was the “gift-giver” I was familiar with as a child.  He had a white beard, was dressed in bishop’s garbs, carried a crozier, and arrived on a white horse. On December 6th, he visited well-behaved children and placed candy and cookies under their pillows. If you were really good, then he would drop off more goodies on Christmas Eve. You were expected to know your Catechism, in case he decided to quiz you, before leaving you a gift.  We recited prayers and songs dedicated to St. Nicholas, rather than leaving milk and cookies for him.

Ukrainian New Year Celebration – Julian Calendar

Christmas celebration on December 24-25, and New Year on December 31-1,(Gregorian calendar), are well-known dates to the majority of the population, however, per the Julian calendar, Christmas was celebrated on January 6-7, some called it Orthodox Christmas, and the New Year was celebrated on January 13-14.

As of this year, 2024, Catholic and Orthodox Ukrainians in UKRAINE and around the world joined together, separated themselves from their oppressor Russia, and began celebrating these holidays according to the GREGORIAN calendar. 

Ukrainians call this New Year “Malanka”, the day of St. Melania, or “Generous Eve” (Shchedryi Vechir).

Saint Nicholas – Ukrainian Tradition

While most children are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the big, jolly fellow in a red suit, who sneaks into their houses through the chimney with presents for everyone, or at least this is how the legend has it, Ukrainian children get their small gifts on December 6th, from Saint Nicholas.

Christmas Celebration – January 6th and 7th

On January 6th, a Christmas Eve is observed by many Ukrainians, Greeks, Orthodox Christians, and others, who follow the Julian calendar.