When and how to celebrate Generous Evening: main customs, meaning of the holiday, omens and prohibitions

Generous Evening is a special winter ritual day when Ukrainian homes combine warm family traditions, festive customs, and belief in a happy new year. This holiday has its own history, unique rituals, omens, and prohibitions that are passed down from generation to generation. Learn more about the date of the celebration, traditions, omens, and what not to do on Generous Evening

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Recently, UNIAN reported on one of the most colourful Ukrainian winter folk holidays — one that combines ancient traditions, fun, rituals, and family warmth.

We are talking about Shchedryi Vecher (Generous Evening) — an event that has preserved the power of folk beliefs, symbols of prosperity, and the spirit of festive unity.

We explain when Generous Evening is celebrated, what is prepared for it, what rituals are performed, what should not be done, and what signs to pay attention to.

When is Generous Evening celebrated and where did it come from?

The holiday has two dates, which are related to differences in calendars.

Today in Ukraine, it is usually celebrated on 31 December according to the new style, but some people still adhere to the old tradition — 13 January, on the eve of the Old New Year.

During these days, the church honours the holy martyr Melania, and the next day — Basil of Caesarea. This is where the well-known folk combination of Malanka and Vasyl comes from. In Ukrainian tradition, these characters are associated with images of water and the moon, and the holiday itself combines pre-Christian beliefs with Christian symbols.

Photo: reporters.media

What to do on this evening: family dinner and fun

The holiday begins with a rich dinner, which symbolises prosperity for the whole of the coming year. The table must include a generous kutia, dressed with dairy products, as well as uzvar. In addition, meat dishes are traditionally prepared, including pork, aspic, sausages, lard, blood sausage, and pies. The family gathers at the table, and it is customary to bring kutia to godparents.

Photo: Pixabay

After dinner, it is time for entertainment. Young people dress up in festive costumes, in which traditional holiday characters appear, greet people, sing songs, wish them happiness and prosperity, and the hosts thank them for the treats. Girls tell fortunes on this evening — although the church does not approve of this, such customs have existed in folk tradition since time immemorial.

The next morning, people traditionally greet each other with the arrival of the new year and go sowing — and, according to custom, it is boys and men who must do this.

What should you not do on Generous Evening?

The holiday also has a number of prohibitions that Ukrainians have long tried not to violate. On this evening, it is not recommended to:

– mention the number 13 aloud;

– count small change or lend it to others;

– quarrel or swear;

– wear dark or old clothes;

– cook fish and poultry, so that ‘luck does not fly away’.

These rules have more of a symbolic than a practical meaning — they are intended to ‘not scare away’ the happiness and prosperity of the coming year.

Folk omens of Generous Evening

Ukrainian tradition associates many predictions with this evening and night. Particular attention is paid to the wind:

– south wind — a good grain harvest;

– east wind — abundant fruits and berries;

– west wind — a good catch and milk.

It is also believed that a quiet starry night promises a successful, peaceful and prosperous year.

Generous Evening is a combination of family warmth, colourful rituals, delicious food, faith in goodness and the power of folk traditions. It continues to live on thanks to people who follow customs, pass them on and welcome this evening with hope for a generous and happy new year.

Reminder! Ukraine is a country with an extremely rich cultural heritage, and this is especially noticeable during the New Year holidays. Each region has its own unique traditions that reflect the history, ethnography and worldview of local communities. We tell you about New Year traditions in different regions of Ukraine at the link.

Photo: Depositphotos

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