St. Andrew’s Vespers The Feast of St. Andrew the First-Called is one of the greatest New Year’s holidays, which were celebrated with special respect by our ancestors, and its celebration traditions have reached the present day. one year, the feast of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called falls on November 30, so we offer to learn more about this magical holiday, its history and traditions of celebration in Ukraine and the Carpathians.
The story of Andrew the First-Called It is believed that the Apostle Andrew was the brother of the Apostle Peter and a disciple of John the Baptist. Later, being called by Jesus, he becomes his first disciple, and goes on missionary journeys preaching the word of God. One of these journeys passed through Scythia, where, climbing higher and higher along the Dnieper, the apostle blesses the lands he sees. That is why Saint Andrew the Apostle is considered the patron saint of Ukraine and is revered by our people to this day.
Celebration customs Traditionally, on the night before St. Andrew’s Day, St. Andrew’s Vespers took place – fortune-telling with which many interesting rituals are connected. Unmarried girls gathered together in a large house, knitted, embroidered, prepared traditional meals and sang songs. However, the most interesting entertainment was the traditional evening fortune-telling. Usually, an older and happily married woman “witch” was invited to divination, who led all the rites, if there was no one in the village – the girls chose an “elder” among their own.
The main purpose of such divination was to find out which of the young women will soon marry and to whom.
For this, the following rites were used:
1. Divination by the red boot. The girls put on red boots at the party, and then took turns throwing their boots over their shoulders. It was extremely important to look carefully where exactly the boot fell, because it was from this direction that the future husband would come!
2. Divination on mirrors. Another interesting rite was divination on mirrors – a young woman sat in front of three small mirrors between which a candle was placed, thus, in the corridor of candles, the girl could see her future husband.
3. Divination by gossip. Balabushok – less often, pampuh, girls baked at the evening parties themselves.
The finished product was hidden under a donkey, and a cat or dog was let into the house. Whose chatter was eaten faster by the invited “guests” – that girl was supposed to get married sooner than everyone else. If the animal dragged the find into the cat, it was believed that such a young woman would leave her native village with a new chosen one. Another interesting divination that has reached the present day is divination by name. The girls went out and asked the name of the first man they met on their way, because this is the name most likely the future husband will have!
And while the girls gathered for fortune-telling, the boys meanwhile went to the houses of unmarried girls and did “damages” – mischief. Traditionally, boys and girls spent the end of the evening together. As soon as the boys entered the girls’ house, various fun was arranged: games, dances, singing and biting of kalita. Kalita is a traditional ritual bread in the shape of a circle, which was generously decorated with seeds and nuts and baked specifically for St. Andrew’s Eve.
Such pastries were tied by a ribbon to a bastard, or to a long stick held by the so-called Kalitynskyi. However, this character didn’t just hold the kalita, his main task was to prevent him from biting off a piece! If you still managed to take a bite from the bread, it was a lucky sign that spoke of a wedding and a happy, prosperous marriage. Such gatherings not only entertained young people, but also introduced young people to each other, not infrequently, it was after St. Andrew’s Vespers that young people started relationships that later grew into marriage.
St. Andrew’s Eve celebration in the Carpathians It is not surprising that the wonderful tradition of evening parties has reached our days and has not undergone any changes. As before, the girls get together for fortune-telling rituals, while the boys make all kinds of trouble for them. Young people love to celebrate St. Andrew’s Eve, especially in the Carpathians, where the incredible atmosphere allows you to immerse yourself in a real sense of magic and fairy tales. Instead, instead of the usual houses, they now choose cozy houses and cottages, where a group of friends can not only have fun together, but also relax comfortably. If you are planning to visit the traditional St. Andrew’s evenings, we invite you to TAOR Karpaty Resort & Spa.
It is here that you will be able to bite a piece of kalyta, take part in fortune telling, sing traditional songs and enjoy the real atmosphere of St. Andrew’s Vespers. Fabulous views of snow-capped mountains and hundred-year-old spruce trees, cozy, modern cottages, delicious cuisine, clean air and peace – memories of such a vacation will stay with you for a long time!
