On January 6 (December 24, old style), according to the folk calendar, Christmas Eve is celebrated, sometimes called Nomad or Holy Evening. This holiday refers to Christmas Eve - the day before the birth of Jesus Christ. The main event on Christmas Eve was family gatherings around the common table. Adult children came to celebrate the holiday with their parents, then went to their godparents. Just in time for the evening of Christmas Eve, the Great Advent Lent ended. In the morning, people went to church for a prayer service and lit a candle for health. In the evening, when the first star appeared in the sky, a festive table was set. It consisted of 12 different dishes, symbolizing the 12 months of the year. Along with them they were served compote of dried fruits and the main dish - sochivo (kutia), consisting of cereals, honey, nuts and poppy seeds. Eating richly, people paid tribute to the holy martyrs, who refused the dishes of the pagans and ate the gifts of the earth. Since the summer, we have been preparing a decoration for the house - didukh - for Christmas Eve. It was a sheaf of straw on which dried flowers, ribbons, and bells were tied. The composition symbolized fertility and the manger of the newborn son of the Lord. 2 weeks of caroling began on Christmas Eve. The youth changed into costumes prepared in advance and went to all the houses singing cheerful songs and carols. They wished well-being and happiness to the owners, and in return they had to thank the carolers with sweets and small change. Walking past someone's house was considered ignorance, and if someone kicked carolers out of the yard, trouble awaited them. It was important to have time to finish all household chores so as not to work on the holy evening. Then take a steam bath and cleanse yourself of dirt. It was worth dressing as smartly as possible, avoiding black clothes, so that the year would pass in celebration. It was forbidden to quarrel with each other, and forgive and forget all insults. The night before Christmas I had prophetic dreams. It was also the best time for fortune telling, since at Christmas time their reliability was greatest. Unmarried girls gathered in groups and told fortunes using mirrors, wax, coffee grounds, and the behavior of animals. According to signs on Christmas Eve, people predicted the year's harvest. So a strong frost meant a rich harvest in the summer. The starry sky at night foreshadowed abundance of forest harvests and a good offspring of livestock. The blizzard promised a large swarm of bees in the apiary. A decent harvest of buckwheat was expected if the paths on the street were trampled to blackness. The barley harvest was checked by boiled kutia at the table - the more swollen it was, the more abundant it was harvested in the summer. The Christmas Eve weather predicted similar weather for the following December.

The Feast of the Epiphany was included in the church calendar in the middle of the 2nd century and was initially celebrated together with the Nativity of Christ. But in the 4th century, the Catholic Church began to celebrate Christmas not in January, but on December 25, but Epiphany remained the same date - January 6. It is not only one of the oldest, but also one of the most revered Christian holidays. It has slightly different meanings among Orthodox and Catholics. The first associate the Epiphany with the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. The second - with the gospel events following Christmas, in particular the worship of the baby Jesus by the Magi. Therefore, Epiphany is also called the Feast of the Magi. In accordance with Western tradition, solemn masses are held in churches on the day of Epiphany. At the same time, incense and chalk are blessed. Their parishioners will take them home to write at the entrance to their houses (usually on the doors) the initial letters of the names of the Magi “K+M+V”. In this way, the memory of the pagan kings Caspar, Belshazzar and Melchior is honored. It was they who came to Bethlehem with gifts for the baby Jesus. Catholics believe that letters written near the entrance to a home will scare away evil forces, become an obstacle to bad thoughts and any misfortunes, and protect residents from harm. They will become the key to well-being and mutual understanding in the home. Blessed chalk should not be thrown away. It will be kept in the house all year, just as the Orthodox keep blessed water. For Catholics, the celebration of Epiphany includes attending mass. This is usually done by the whole family. Then the relatives gather at home, at the table, and congratulate each other. In the evening, a “Christmas log” is burned in the fireplace. This is a special log that remains from a tree cut down a year ago and is stored in a dry place until the holidays. It is placed entirely in the hearth and set on fire. The Christmas log symbolizes the rebirth of the sun after the winter solstice. According to legend, if it burns completely to ashes, then next year will be prosperous for the family. If some part remains, you should be prepared for trouble. It is customary to collect the ashes and scatter them in the field for twelve nights. This should ensure a good harvest. The feast of Epiphany brings especially much joy to children, because they receive gifts. It's also symbolic. Gifts to younger family members represent the gifts that the Magi presented to Jesus Christ who came into our world. The festive table does not leave anyone indifferent. In a number of countries (Belgium, France, Spain, England) there is always a “magi pie” on it. It's a pie with a "surprise" baked into it. Initially it was a bean, in our time it is usually replaced by a figurine of the infant Christ or an angel or a coin. It is believed that the one who gets the surprise will have good luck in business throughout the next year, wealth and prosperity await him. In some Western countries, the tradition of lighting bonfires on the evening of January 6 has been preserved. They symbolize the “epiphanic lights” that illuminated the path of the Magi to the baby Jesus. Such fires have another meaning. This is the personification of the light with which Jesus Christ illuminated those who were previously in darkness. Therefore, Epiphany is also called Enlightenment. In general, Epiphany does not involve a noisy celebration; it is a family event. Of course, you can invite friends or neighbors to visit, but it’s better to do without wild fun. An affordable way to celebrate in a traditional, but not over-the-top way is caroling. Carolers dress up in costumes of kings and take with them a long pole decorated with a star.

As a result of armed conflicts, millions of children are deprived of their parents. Orphans become street children, forced to live from hand to mouth, wandering the streets of populated areas. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which came into force in 1989, affirms that children's rights must be respected in times of peace and war. Their interests are protected during periods of armed conflict, when adults resolve conflicts through violence. This is called for by World War Orphans Day, which is held annually on January 6th. The initiator of the celebration of World Day for War Orphans is the French humanitarian organization SOS Enfants en Detresse. According to the report "War on Children" from Save the Children, one in six children in the world grows up in a war zone. Stress, psychological and physical trauma, the loss of a breadwinner to a minor is the main social problem of any country, especially if he has lost two parents. World War Orphans Day is intended to draw attention to this situation. Tens of thousands of girls and boys from conflict-ridden countries are victims of violence and abducted by armed groups to serve as soldiers. The trafficking of children for sexual slavery and the removal of internal organs for transplantation are the harsh realities of any war. One of the problems is the forced marriage of girls in Muslim countries. Today, the most dangerous countries for children, according to Save the Children, are Ukraine, Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Congo, Nigeria, Yemen, Mali, Somalia, the Central African Republic and other African states. For a young child, losing one or both parents is a great tragedy. Orphans are forced to starve and wander, live under occupation, without access to education and medical care. Some of them have to take care of siblings, which makes their plight even more unbearable. World War Orphans Day is intended to draw attention to these and other problems. On January 6, posts are posted on social networks dedicated to the plight of boys and girls from around the world left without parents due to armed conflicts. World War Orphans Day calls on all caring people to help victims of conflict by improving their living conditions. In honor of World Day for War Orphans, volunteers collect donations through fundraisers and other events. According to UNEXO, more than 150 million children around the world are orphans. Some of them lost their parents due to armed clashes. World War Orphans Day is intended to provide moral and material assistance to the most vulnerable segment of society.

In Russia, the baptism of Christ is celebrated on January 19. It is believed that on this day Jesus of Nazareth entered the waters of the Jordan “for the remission of sins.” The baptism of the Son of God by John the Baptist refers to the first day of the creation of the world. The Gospel details how Jesus, renewed and washed, emerges innocently from the waters of the river and sees the Holy Spirit descend from heaven. Epiphany is the third most important Orthodox holiday after Christmas and Easter. In Bulgaria, Epiphany is celebrated according to the old style on January 6. The holiday is also called "Jordan's Day", "Vodytsi" and "Vodokrysht". On January 6, a festive service is held in churches, after which the clergyman throws the Holy Cross into the nearest body of water. Young men, despite the low air temperature, dive for the Christian symbol. It is believed that a person who takes out the cross will be successful and healthy throughout the year. Bulgarians bathe in icy, blessed water, washing away sins and strengthening their body and spirit. Icons are washed with it, and rural residents sprinkle their pets. After bathing near a river or lake, and sometimes in the water, they begin to sing and dance. Round dances are held to the sound of drums, with participants holding Bulgarian flags in their hands. On Jordan's day they tell fortunes and predict the weather. So, if the cross, which was taken out of the water, freezes and becomes covered with frost, then the year will be fruitful and prosperous. On Epiphany, people gather around the table for a solemn meal and light the candles left over from Christmas Eve. The menu on Jordan's Day includes exclusively lean dishes: rolls and flatbreads, beans, sauerkraut in grape leaves, pepper topped with rice and feta cheese, nuts and wine. In some families, according to an ancient tradition, they eat Bulgarian pork ribs and other delicacies. Residents of the Rhodope Mountains, a mountain range located in southeastern Europe, throw newlyweds into a river or lake on Jordan Day. In this way, couples who got married in the past year are symbolically charged with health. If there are no natural bodies of water nearby, haskars, specially trained people, wash the newlyweds with water from a spring or well. On January 6, Bulgarians celebrate not only Epiphany, but also the birthday of national hero Hristo Botev. The revolutionary and major political figure took an active part in the liberation of the people from the oppression of the Ottoman yoke. 2 years after the death of H. Botev in 1876, Bulgaria gained independence. Over time, the revolutionary turned into a mythological figure and symbol of national revival, which in its significance and historical role is not inferior to Jesus Christ.

Persimmon is not just a tasty berry, but also a berry that is beneficial for human health. It has a tonic and general strengthening effect on the body, improves appetite, increases efficiency and calms the nerves. All lovers of sweet and juicy persimmon pulp annually celebrate Khur-khrum-day on January 6th. In honor of the holiday, a record number of fruits are eaten and desserts are prepared - smoothies, pies, jellies and candied fruits. Despite the astringent taste due to the large amount of tannins, the berry is liked by both adults and children. The word “persimmon” is translated from Latin as “heart apple”, and from Greek as “divine fire”. Someone compares this fruit of the ebony tree, a source of valuable wood, with a small sun that can warm you in cloudy autumn and cold winter. China is the birthplace of persimmon, although according to tradition it is considered the national fruit of the Land of the Rising Sun. The berry is grown in countries with warm and dry climates - India, Korea, Israel, Burma, Pakistan, and southern Russia. There are more than 300 varieties of persimmon, which in taste and appearance are reminiscent of quince, tangerine, apricot and apple. The most popular are "Sharon", "Korolek" and "Bull's Heart". What are the benefits of persimmon? The delicacy is an antioxidant - it contains 110% of the daily value of vitamin C and a large amount of beta-carotene. Lutein and vitamin A from persimmon improve vision, skin, nails and hair. The exotic fruit also contains iodine, which is deficient for residents of many regions of the planet, as well as potassium and magnesium. The berry is a source of vitamin B, which improves the condition of the central nervous system and is responsible for metabolic processes in the body. The tannins contained in the fruits give them a tart taste and have an astringent effect. Therefore, persimmons should not be eaten by people with gastrointestinal problems. In order to neutralize tannins, the fruit is placed in the freezer. Low temperatures remove the tart taste from persimmons, making them sweeter and juicier. It is recommended to place unripe fruits in a paper bag with apples and bananas. These fruits actively emit ethylene, which will accelerate the ripening of persimmons. The berry is 80% water and contains a lot of dietary fiber. They slow down the absorption of sugar, which is why endocrinologists allow patients suffering from diabetes to eat persimmons. Magnesium contained in its pulp relieves spasms from blood vessels, catechins strengthen capillaries, and potassium removes excess fluid from the body and reduces blood pressure. This means that persimmon is useful for hypertensive patients and people with heart disease. Khur-khrum-day calls for paying tribute to this delicious berry in winter for good reason. Being a storehouse of minerals, vitamins, macro- and microelements, persimmon replenishes their deficiency in the body during the cold season. Like any orange fruit, it also helps get rid of depression, which is most often observed in autumn and winter. Persimmon Lovers Day is an excellent reason to crunch to your heart's content and enjoy the delicacy, which was not for nothing called the food of the gods in ancient times.

Not a single gardener will question the need to grow the most popular crop of temperate latitudes on the plot - apple trees. The spring flowering of this fruit tree is in no way inferior in beauty to Japanese sakura and gives indescribable aesthetic pleasure. The taste of apples pleases both in late summer and autumn during harvest, and in winter. This fruit is a favorite of housewives, who make juices from it, make jams and compotes, and add it to salads, pies and other dishes. A holiday has been established in honor of perennial trees and shrubs of the Rosaceae family. January 6th is Apple Tree Day. It is no coincidence that Apple Tree Day falls on New Year's celebrations and Christmas. Christians celebrate Jesus Christ and his birth not only in churches, but also while sitting at home with their family at a richly laid table. The main Christmas dish of Catholics in Germany and other European countries is a goose stuffed with apples, which are an Old Testament symbol of sin and temptation. According to the Bible, Eve and Adam tasted this forbidden fruit, growing on the tree of knowledge in the Garden of Gethsemane, for which they were expelled from paradise. Mentions of apples are also found in pagan beliefs. Historians claim that people began cultivating this fruit tree 8,500 years ago. One of the world-famous ancient Greek myths is the story of Persia giving the goddess Aphrodite a golden apple with the inscription “The Most Beautiful”. This event caused the start of the Trojan War. And thanks to the Roman historian Justin, the expression “apple of discord” began to be used to figuratively designate an insignificant thing or event that could lead to large-scale and destructive consequences. The fruit is often found in Russian fairy tales and legends. Thus, rejuvenating apples from the Serpent were eaten by Bogumir, the son of Madder and Dazhdbog. The ancient Greek Hercules went on a campaign to get golden fruits from the garden of the Hesperides, which bestow eternal youth. In Scandinavian mythology, the secret of the immortality of the gods of Asgard was the regular consumption of the fruits of Idunna's apple tree. The name of the fruit is found in various areas of human life. So, Adam's apple is called Adam's apple in men. In horse breeding, the fruit is used to indicate the color of horses whose coat color contains dark round spots. In ophthalmology, the apple is the spherical body of the eye. The symbol of the American corporation Apple is a reference to the biblical tree of knowledge and its bitten fruit. In honor of Apple Tree Day, it is customary to prepare dishes and drinks with this juicy, aromatic and tasty fruit. It contains vitamins A, C, B1, B2, PP, E, as well as minerals: magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, iron, selenium, iodine, potassium and calcium. Apples not only saturate the body with useful substances, but also cleanse it of poisons, help improve digestion, and reduce blood sugar levels. The benefits of eating this fruit are obvious, and as many people as possible should know about it. Therefore, Apple Tree Day was established in honor of apples.

Holy Christmas and Epiphany in Armenia

Maroon Day in Jamaica (Maroon Festival)

Orthodox holidays January 6:

January 6 – Christmas Eve for Eastern Christians. This day ends the Nativity Fast. Christmas Eve is the Eve of the Nativity of Christ, one of the most important Christian holidays, established in honor of the birth of Jesus Christ. On the night of Christmas, a particularly solemn night service is served in the Temples, which turns into the morning Liturgy, with its end ending the 40-day Philippian fast. It is assumed that Christmas Eve got its name from the main dish - sochiva, eaten on the strictest day of fasting. Sochivo - boiled grains of wheat or rice, seasoned with honey or soaked in water. On Christmas Eve, one meal is allowed after the evening service. Traditionally, the resolution to it is the appearance of the first star in the evening sky. The custom was established in honor of the Star of Bethlehem, which notified the Magi of the birth of the Infant Christ. On this day, Christians, having seen the first heavenly light, gather with the whole family at the festive table. Cover it with a clean white tablecloth. A bunch of hay is placed in memory of the manger where Christ was born. Sochivo is considered a festive dish, but not the only one; even wine and vegetable oil, fruit and berry infusions are allowed to be consumed. 12 dishes are placed on the table according to the number of apostles. The main thing is that all food is lean. On Christmas Eve, it is customary for Christians to give gifts to children, in memory of the acts of the Magi who presented gifts to the infant Christ. Installing and decorating the fir tree is also a tribute to the events associated with the birth of the Infant of God. According to legend, fir branches saved the baby from the cruel reprisal of the King of the Jews. At the end of the family meal and the presentation of all gifts, the adult generation usually goes to serve in the Temple. Young people have the right to start a fun activity - carols. You can celebrate, have fun, and sing carols for the next 12 days; they are called Christmastide, holy days and continue until Epiphany Christmas Eve on January 18. Christmas Eve before Christmas is the eve of a Christian holiday. Time that can and should be used to cleanse the soul and thoughts; fortunately, there are 40 days of Philip’s fast from November 28 to January 6. The family nature of the day and the significance of the subsequent holiday gives parents the opportunity to form spiritual and moral values ​​in their children, teach virtue, discipline, patience and selflessness. The more sincere the desire of adults to become purer and nobler in soul, the more likely it is that children will follow the example of their parents, and family values ​​will become a priority for them in life, charity is not just empty words, but necessary needs.

Memorial Day of the Venerable Martyr Eugenia of Rome

Memorial Day of St. Nicholas the Slav