January 12 – Tatiana's Day: history of the holiday, rituals, signs, and prohibitions.

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church celebrates Tatiana's Day on January 12. This holiday honors the memory of the holy martyr Tatiana. On this day, all Tatianas and believers of the church celebrate the holiday.

When to celebrate Tatiana's Day in 2025

In 2025, Tatiana's Day falls on January 12, which is a Sunday.

It is important to note that starting from September 1, 2023, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church switched to the New Julian church calendar, which means that all fixed-date holidays are celebrated 13 days earlier.

Who is the holy martyr Tatiana

Saint Tatiana was the daughter of a Roman proconsul who was a Christian. She also accepted Christianity and later became a woman deacon dedicated to God. The prefect of Rome learned about this and ordered Tatiana to be tortured. She was subjected to brutal torture, but did not renounce her faith. Eventually, she was killed by the sword. The day of her death, January 12, became Tatiana's Day.

Traditions and rituals

• Students are recommended to go to church, light a candle for Saint Tatiana, and ask for help in their studies and understanding.
• On Tatiana's Day, it is not recommended to quarrel or refuse work. It is advisable to wish everyone well and harmony. Additionally, it is better to drink herbal or green tea instead of alcohol.
• Traditionally, on this day, hostesses bake bread and cookies in the shape of the sun to bring closer the arrival of spring and make the sun brighter and warmer. Each family member should try a piece of such bread.
• Also traditionally, a tasty lunch is prepared on Tatiana's Day, and a plate of food is left on the table for those who are absent.
• On this day, it is recommended not to refuse anyone, especially if they ask for food.
• On Tatiana's Day, one can find a high place in the area and make a wish while looking at the sun. If the wish is sincere, it will come true.

Folk signs

• If it snows on Tatiana's Day, many rains are expected in summer.
• A warm wind on Tatiana's Day may indicate a dry summer and a poor harvest.
• Clear and frosty weather on this day may indicate a warm summer without sudden temperature fluctuations.
• If the sun shines brightly on Tatiana's Day, it means the arrival of spring and the return of birds.
• Large snowdrifts on Tatiana's Day indicate a rich harvest of grain.
• A blizzard and strong winds on this day may mean drought, insufficient harvest, and unsuccessful fishing.

Prohibitions

• One should not boast about their position or talk about unachieved heights, as this may lead to a rapid decline in their career.
• It is not recommended to wear clothes borrowed from others on Tatiana's Day, as this may lead to negative consequences and attract someone else's fate.
• On this day, it is advisable not to engage in extreme sports or take risks, as January 12 is dangerous for health.