Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God 2025: new date, traditions, and strict prohibitions.

The Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God is one of the most important and revered holidays in the church calendar. It symbolizes the end of the earthly life of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, and her ascension to heaven. In 2025, Ukrainians will celebrate it for the second time on a new date, so it is worth knowing when the holiday will take place, what traditions are associated with it, and what is strictly prohibited to do on this date.

Novyny.LIVE tells about the history and significance of the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God, folk omens, and the complete list of prohibitions to help you celebrate this day correctly and with respect.

When is the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God celebrated in 2025

Since September 1, 2023, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church have switched to the new Julian calendar. This has resulted in a shift of most church holiday dates by 13 days earlier.

The new date for the celebration of the Dormition is August 15 (every year). According to the old style (Julian calendar), the holiday is celebrated on August 28.

The Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God — history and spiritual significance of the holiday

The Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God is among the 12 greatest Christian holidays. The word 'dormition' means a peaceful, righteous completion of the earthly journey and emphasizes the belief that the Virgin Mary did not die in the ordinary sense, but peacefully transitioned to eternal life, being taken up to heaven with body and soul.

According to church tradition, before her death, Mary saw the Archangel Gabriel, who informed her about her transition to the Heavenly Kingdom. The apostles miraculously gathered to bid her farewell. Three days after her burial, upon opening the tomb, they found no body — only fragrant flowers, which became a symbol of her ascension.

Traditions and customs for the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God

Faithful people must visit the church to participate in the divine service, pray to the Mother of God, and bless the fruits: bread, honey, nuts, fruits, and grains.

After the divine service, families gather at the festive table. It is on the feast of the Dormition that the Dormition fast ends, so on August 15, believers can taste festive meat and dairy dishes for the first time after the fast.

What is allowed to do on the church holiday on August 15:

• attend divine services and sincerely pray;
• ask the Virgin Mary for health, peace, and protection in prayer. It was believed that women are forgiven all sins of the year on this day, provided they repent sincerely;
• engage in charity: help the needy, treat those in need with food;
• spend time with family in peace and harmony;
• prepare festive dishes and share them with loved ones.

What is prohibited on the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God

This is a great church holiday, so there are strict prohibitions:

1. to perform heavy physical work: sew, wash, clean, work in the fields or garden (exception — watering plants if needed after divine service).
2. to quarrel, curse, gossip, wish evil to someone.
3. to consume alcohol and overeat.
4. to celebrate loudly, visit entertainment establishments.
5. to start a fire or bonfire.
6. to use sharp tools unnecessarily.
7. to walk barefoot on wet grass (it was believed that dew symbolizes the tears of the Mother of God).
8. to wear old or uncomfortable shoes (to avoid difficulties in life).
9. to cut hair and nails.
10. to start new business.

Folk omens for August 15

From generation to generation, Ukrainians have passed down observations of nature on the day of the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God. These omens helped predict the weather, harvest, and even the course of winter or autumn:

• If there is a thunderstorm on the holiday — autumn will be rainy and early.
• A rainbow on August 15 — for a warm autumn.
• Good weather on the First Cleansing — for a wonderful autumn.
• Morning hoarfrost — for an early frosty winter.
• Hearing frogs — it will still be warm.
• Lots of cobwebs — winter will be cold.
• Morning fog — for a great mushroom harvest.

It was also believed that dreams on the night of the Dormition are prophetic, so extra attention was paid to them and efforts were made to interpret them correctly.

We also share with you a detailed church calendar of holidays and memorable dates for August 2025.

The Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God is a holiday that celebrates the end of the earthly life of the Virgin Mary and her ascension to heaven. It is one of the most important holidays in Christianity that unites believers in a common prayer celebration. During the Dormition, it is important to remember both the traditional customs of celebrating the holiday and the prohibitions that help preserve its special spirit and significance.