Until September 1, 2023, Ukrainians celebrated the Feast of the Presentation on February 15. However, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church have transitioned to the new Julian calendar.

As a result, the dates of most religious holidays have changed. Specifically, they have shifted back by 13 days. This also applies to the Feast of the Presentation, which is now celebrated annually on February 2.

Feast of the Presentation-2025: History of the Holiday

In Church Slavonic, the word for the Presentation can be translated in two ways – "meeting" or "joy." This is precisely what the holiday symbolizes. Let’s delve a bit deeper.

This feast is part of the twelve major feasts in Christianity. The Gospel describes how on this day the infant Jesus was brought to the Jerusalem Temple, where he was met by the elder Simeon. He recognized the child as the Savior, and from this day forward, it symbolizes the meeting of humanity with God.

To elaborate further, tradition states that on the 40th day after Jesus' birth, his parents went to the temple to fulfill the law's requirements. There, they were awaited by Simeon the God-receiver, who had been told that he would not die until he had seen the Savior. Thus, the elder lived to be 360 years old.

When he took the infant Jesus in his arms, he immediately proclaimed him the Messiah. This moment is considered the dividing line between the Old and New Testaments, and this day marks the encounter between people and the Messiah.

It is important to note that the Feast of the Presentation has been celebrated since the fourth century, making it one of the oldest holidays.

Feast of the Presentation-2025: Traditions of the Holiday

The traditions of the Feast of the Presentation are not significantly different from those of similar holidays, but there are some particular features.

Of course, the most important aspect is to attend the festive service at the church, which will be held in the morning and evening. Additionally, every believer tries to visit the church not only to pray but also to light a candle. Interestingly, this tradition has been preserved among both Western and Eastern Christian rites.

It is believed that lighting such a candle can protect one's home from evil forces and all natural disasters. For this to work, the candles needed to be kept at home and only lit during prayers.

There is also another intriguing tradition involving water. Yes, on the Feast of the Presentation, water could be blessed, but it was done differently than on Epiphany. One simply needed to collect icicles and wait for them to melt. The water from these icicles was considered holy and equated to that which could be obtained on Epiphany. It was said to have healing properties and to protect the home and all its inhabitants from illness and evil forces.

Moreover, young people would celebrate the Feast of the Presentation with large and lively festivities, regardless of what day of the week it fell on, often continuing until morning.

Feast of the Presentation-2025: Signs of the Holiday

As folklore suggests, the Presentation represents the meeting of the Old and New Testaments, and it is believed that February 2 is the meeting of winter and spring. Thus, many signs exist to help predict the weather ahead.

  • If the night sky is clear, it indicates a good fruit harvest.
  • If it is warm on the Feast of the Presentation, spring will not arrive soon.
  • If there is a strong wind on the holiday, it means poor crop yields.
  • Clear and calm weather on the Feast of the Presentation suggests a warm and quick spring.
  • A warm and sunny Feast of the Presentation indicates a warm spring.
  • If there are icicles under the roofs on the Feast of the Presentation, it means a good corn harvest this year.
  • If water drips from the roofs, it will be a prolonged spring if warm; if it does not drip, spring will be early and dry.
  • Wind on the Feast of the Presentation indicates a good harvest of fruit trees.
  • If it is cold on the Feast of the Presentation, spring is on its way.
  • If there is hoarfrost on the trees, buckwheat and potatoes will yield well.
  • A clear day on the Feast of the Presentation suggests excellent flax.
  • Clear and calm weather on this day predicts a good harvest from the fields and a good bee swarm.
  • As water drips from the roofs, so it will drip from the beehives.

These are perhaps the most important signs of the Feast of the Presentation, but let us not forget that all significant Christian holidays come with numerous prohibitions, and ours is no exception.

Feast of the Presentation-2025: Prohibitions of the Holiday

On the Feast of the Presentation, it is strictly forbidden to miss the solemn service in the church. Leaving without a candle is also not allowed.

Moreover, people are advised not to work on this day or embark on long journeys, as these could end poorly.

Arguing and quarreling on the Feast of the Presentation is also prohibited, as negative thoughts will only harm you.

Bathing in a bathtub or in the ice hole is categorically forbidden.

All folk rituals, including divination, are also strictly prohibited.

Additionally, it is important not to lend money on this day. Doing so may lead to significant losses, and your family may suffer throughout the year.