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Find out the main features, traditions and prohibitions of today
On December 1, 2023, the Orthodox Church in Ukraine honors the memory of the holy prophet Nahum. Read about what you can and absolutely cannot do, and who to congratulate on their name day.
Traditions for December 1
Our ancestors considered Saint Naum the patron of sciences and literacy. There was even a saying: “Nahum guides the mind.” On this day, people traditionally turned to the saint for important advice and resolution of a difficult situation.
On this day the whole family went to church for worship. Children and parents in prayer asked permission to study, and after that they prepared to meet with the teacher: the boy made three prostrations to the teacher (from now on all classes begin with them), and in response received three symbolic blows with a whip.
After the first lesson, the teacher received a loaf of bread and an embroidered towel as a gift. On this day, it was customary to present food to the mentor as payment.
The main signs of this day
- Naumah carefully observed nature. So, if the wind blew from the north or changed its direction from south to west, they said that frost would soon break out.
- The stars shimmer in the night sky – soon the blizzard will swirl.
- If dogs begin to bark dully on Naumov’s day, you should expect snowfall.
- The starry sky is a sign that severe frost will strike the next day.
- If the crows start cawing, wait for a snowstorm.
What is prohibited to do on this day
- You should not eat while reading. So you can eat all the knowledge. For the same reason, you cannot leave the book open, because all the information will disappear from your head.
- It is not recommended to look in the mirror when signing important documents. Otherwise, the agreements will be empty.
- It is better not to leave the house after sunset. They believed that evil spirits were walking the streets at this time.
- If you give alms to a beggar, do not look him in the eyes.
Who celebrates name day
Today, congratulate Anastasia, Dmitry, Naum, Porfiry and Filaret on Angel Day.
