On Sunday, May 31, Ukraine celebrates Trinity Sunday
This year, Orthodox Christians and parishioners of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church will celebrate Trinity Sunday on Sunday, May 31. On Trinity Sunday, churches hold festive liturgies and recite prayers for the deceased and for salvation.
Trinity Sunday is considered one of the most important holidays after Easter. Another name for Trinity Sunday is Green Sunday, as homes are decorated with protective herbs on this day.
Trinity Sunday, Pentecost, or Green Sunday is a special holiday whose celebration is linked to Easter. Therefore, its date changes every year. Trinity Sunday is observed on the 50th day after the Resurrection of Christ, which gave the holiday its second name—Pentecost.
The Holy Trinity symbolizes the unity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. According to the events recorded in the New Testament, on the fiftieth day after the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit appeared to his disciples. After that, the apostles received the gift of healing from him, learned all languages, and began to spread Christianity throughout the world.
Holiday Traditions
If you wash your face with dew on Trinity Sunday, you can maintain your health and preserve your beauty. Herbs gathered on Trinity Sunday have healing powers—they can be boiled and used for medicinal purposes throughout the year.
Unmarried girls should be friendly to everyone so they can get married sooner.
If the day is rainy, there will be a bountiful harvest and plenty of mushrooms. Sunny weather on Trinity Sunday means the summer will be hot and dry. A rainbow on Trinity Sunday means there will be happiness in the home.
Prohibitions on Trinity Sunday
- You must not clean the house or work—this is considered a grave sin;
- You must not get a haircut or undergo cosmetic procedures;
- You must not weave, knit, or embroider;
- It is strictly forbidden to work on the land (digging, planting, mowing, pruning, or chopping wood)—it is believed that disturbing the earth on its “name day” will bring misfortune and trouble;
- You must not swim in rivers or lakes—according to ancient beliefs, on this day, evil spirits rage in bodies of water and can drag a person to the bottom;
- Weddings are not held on Trinity Sunday—it is considered a bad omen. However, it is acceptable to propose marriage during the Trinity festivities;
- You must not walk alone in the forest or fields—evil spirits may lead a traveler astray;
- On this festive day, one must not display negativity, swear, or use foul language. One must not quarrel, make complaints, or provoke conflicts;
- You must not be envious or take offense.
As a reminder, the holiday on May 30—today the world celebrates Women’s Emancipation Day.
On May 30, Ukraine celebrates the holiday of printers and publishers.
