What religious holiday is celebrated on July 4?
On July 4, Orthodox Christians in Ukraine honor Saint Andrew, Archbishop of Crete—one of the most famous theologians and authors of church hymns. In folk tradition, this day is also known as “Andriy Nalyva,” and it is associated with important omens, customs, and taboos, including the need for caution during the early hours of the day.
According to the new church calendar, July 4 (July 17 according to the old style) is the day on which Saint Andrew, Archbishop of Crete, is commemorated in Ukraine. He lived in the 7th–8th centuries and went down in history as the author of the Great Penitential Canon and numerous liturgical texts.
According to church tradition, Andrew displayed remarkable aptitude for learning and theology from childhood and later became Archbishop of the island of Crete. He is considered one of the founders of the canon genre in church poetry.
What Is Celebrated According to the Old Style
According to the Julian calendar, on this day we honor the martyr Julian of Tarsus, who suffered during the persecutions of Christians in the Roman Empire.
Traditions of the Day
In the church tradition, believers turn to Saint Andrew with prayers for the strengthening of faith, the forgiveness of sins, and spiritual purification. They also ask him for healing from various ailments.
Among the people, the day was called “Andriy Nalyva,” because it was during this period that the grain began to fill out, and summer entered the active phase of the harvest’s ripening. People worked more in the fields, harvested hay, and prepared for the harvest. It was also traditional to prepare oat-based dishes in the morning—porridge or jelly—believing that they would give strength and health to the whole family.
What Not to Do on July 4
Folk beliefs regarding this day were quite strict about the morning hours. It was believed that before noon, one should not start new projects, make important decisions, set out on a journey, or enter into agreements, because anything begun in the morning might not go as planned.
It was also advised to avoid arguments, envy, slander, and conflicts on this day, as they could drag on for a long time. People were specifically warned against rushing and fussing, which, according to popular belief, bring unnecessary problems. Everyday taboos also included financial caution—it was not recommended to borrow money, so as not to create difficulties for oneself in the future.
Folk Signs for July 4
According to our ancestors’ observations, the weather on this day could indicate what the summer—and even the winter—would be like. If the sky was cloudy, it would soon warm up and clear skies would set in. Thunder foreshadowed rain and possible hail. Yellow leaves on the trees during this period were considered a sign of early fall, while an abundance of berries in the forest was seen as a hint of a harsh winter. Rain was considered a special omen: it was associated with a good harvest and the fertility of the land.
Name Day on July 4
On this day, people named Andriy celebrate their name day. According to folk beliefs, people born on this day were considered reliable, calm, and responsible—people who know how to support their loved ones during difficult times.
