Sviatky, or Christmastide — the two weeks between Christmas and Epiphany — have long been considered the best time for fortune-telling. On these winter evenings girls tried to learn about their future husbands, families about the harvest and prosperity, and young people gathered for lively parties. Today these customs are above all a charming folk tradition and a reason to get together with friends. Here is how and when our ancestors told fortunes.
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Fortune-telling has roots in pre-Christian winter rituals linked to the solstice and the start of a new year. The Church always condemned it, but the customs were handed down through generations and survive as part of folk culture. In the past a girl’s whole life depended on a good marriage, so most divinations concerned a future husband, as well as the harvest, health and wealth.
In Ukraine the main nights are St Andrew’s Eve and the evenings of Christmastide: Holy Eve, Generous Eve before St Basil’s Day, and Epiphany Eve. On St Andrew’s Eve people also play “kalyta”, a merry game with a honey cake.
Melted wax or a candle is poured into a bowl of cold water (or milk) and the set shape is interpreted: a flower means a wedding, a ring an engagement, a road or stripes change and travel, stars success at school or work, an animal a rival, a human figure a new friend. Take care with hot wax and open flames.
Girls threw a boot over the gate: wherever the toe pointed, that was where matchmakers would come from. If it pointed back at the house, there would be no wedding that year.
At midnight a girl sat in front of a mirror by candlelight and gazed into the “corridor” of reflections, hoping to glimpse her future husband. It was the spookiest divination, and many preferred more cheerful ones.
Four playing-card kings are placed under the pillow with the words “my destined one, appear in my dream”. The king you dream of describes your future husband: hearts — young and in love, diamonds — the one you desire, clubs — reliable and businesslike, spades — older and jealous.
Several onions are labelled with admirers’ names and placed in water. Whichever sprouts first names the future husband.
In summer, flower divinations are popular — see flower fortune-telling.
Fortune-telling is part of culture and a fun game, not a way to see the future. Enjoy it with a sense of humour — we still shape our own fate.
From Christmas Day (25 December) to Epiphany (6 January) on the new church calendar.
Wax reading and the boot over the gate — simple, fun and great for a group.
Yes — St Andrew’s Eve (29 November) is one of the main fortune-telling nights in Ukraine.
Winter holidays are a lovely excuse to surprise loved ones: bouquets are available with delivery in Kyiv from UFL.
Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
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