In mid-December, many Ukrainians are already looking forward to celebrating the New Year and Christmas. However, we should not forget that other memorable events await us before these dates. So, in this material we will answer the question of what holiday is December 16th according to the new calendar, which Ukraine switched to in 2023. We will also name men’s and women’s name days, tell you signs and what zodiac sign falls on this date.
What a holiday is December 16th but according to the new calendar
On December 16, according to the church calendar, the memory of the Prophet Haggai is honored.
The Prophet Haggai is a figure from the Old Testament of the Bible who prophesied after the return of the Israelites from Babylonian captivity to Palestine, around 520 BC. The book of Haggai is included in the Twelve Minor Prophets in the Hebrew and Christian Bibles.
The prophet Haggai addressed the people who were building the temple in Jerusalem, urging them to strengthen their faith and emphasizing the importance of building the temple. He reminded the people of their obligation to God and encouraged them to work to build the sanctuary.
The Book of Haggai consists of four chapters, and it contains God’s calls to the people of Israel, as well as accounts of the people’s response to those calls. The prophet is trying to inspire and motivate the people to pay more attention to the spiritual aspects of their lives and the construction of the temple.
In general, the message of Haggai in the Bible focuses on the importance of devotion to God, doing His will, and building the temple as a symbol of the divine presence.
What is celebrated on December 16 in Ukraine and the world
On December 16 there are two interesting holidays: the Day of World Silence and Silence and the Day of Conquering Peaks.
- Day of World Silence and Silence:
- History and origin: This day was chosen in honor of St. John the Silent, who was a monk and hermit. He is famous for the fact that for 27 years of his life he refrained from talking, observing silence in order to delve deeper into spiritual practice.
- Traditions and customs: On this day, people try to talk less, spend time in prayer and thoughtfulness. This is a time for self-reflection, reflection on the meaning of life and peace of mind.
- Summit Day:
- History and origin: This holiday was originally celebrated among mountaineers, mountain climbers, to celebrate their achievements in conquering peaks. Over the years it has become more widely popular and now invites everyone to join.
- Traditions and customs: People celebrate this day by conquering peaks, whether in reality or symbolically. It could be climbing a mountain, conquering your fears and overcoming difficulties. The holiday calls for courage, determination and striving for new heights.
Both holidays provide opportunities for inner growth, introspection and overcoming difficulties, whether on a spiritual or physical level.
Folk signs on December 16
Many interesting signs were passed down among our ancestors for December 16th:
- We studied the brightness of the stars of this day: if they sparkle especially brightly, expect a snowstorm.
- On this day, December 16, birds sing loudly if there is a thaw.
- If there is already snow on the ground on this day, then next year will probably bring a bad harvest.
- Low flight of birds on December 16 promises weather troubles.
December 16: name day for women and men
Let’s talk a little about each of these names and the traditions associated with them:
- Benjamin: The name Benjamin has Hebrew roots and is translated as “son of the right hand.” In the Bible, Benjamin was one of the twelve sons of Jacob.
- Athenodorus: This is an ancient Greek name that can be translated as “bower of flowers” or “gifted by the gods.”
- George: The name George is of Greek origin and means “farmer” or “worker of the land.” Saint George is one of the most revered Christian saints, the patron saint of agriculture and peasants.
- Egor: Derived from the Greek word “jaeger,” which means “guardian of the earth.” Egor is a fairly common name in Russian-speaking countries.
- Ivan: The name Ivan has Hebrew roots and means “God is merciful.” This is one of the most common names in the Christian world.
- Marco: The name Marco is a form of the Latin name Marcus and means “warrior”, “courageous”. Very common in culture of Roman origin.
- Markel: Derived from the Latin Marcellus, which means “dedicated to Mars” (the god of war in Roman mythology).
- Laurentius: Name derived from the Latin word “laurentius”, which translates to “bright” or “beautiful”. Often associated with the martyr of St. Lawrence.
- Thaddeus: The name Thaddeus is of Greek origin and is translated as “gift of God.”
- Yuri: Comes from the Greek “georgios” and is also associated with the cult of St. George. The name Yuri translates as “farmer” or “land worker.”
- Theophilus: This is a Greek name translated as “beloved of God” or “friend of God.”
- Anna: The name Anna has Hebrew roots and means “mercy” or “grace.” In Christian tradition, Saint Anne is the mother of the Virgin Mary.
- Hortensia: This name is of Latin origin and is associated with the Latin word “hort”, which means “garden”. It may also be related to the English word “garden”.
Birthday names can usually be associated with historical figures, saints, and also have meaning according to the culture in which they are used.
December 16: what zodiac sign, what decade, compatibility
December 16th in the zodiac sign – Sagittarius. The Sagittarius sign is active, energetic and has a sense of adventure. This sign is ruled by Jupiter, which gives it optimism, generosity and an interest in knowledge.
As for the ten-day period, December 16 falls in the last ten-day period of Sagittarius. People born during this period (from December 11 to 20) receive the influence of the Sun, which makes them more purposeful and self-confident.
Regarding compatibility, Sagittarians usually get along with other fire signs such as Aries and Leo. They can also find common language with air signs – Gemini, Libra and Aquarius. Sagittarians value freedom and independence, so they are best suited to partners who share their sense of adventure and understand the need for personal space.
It should be noted that astrology provides general characteristics and actual relationships may depend on many factors such as each person’s personality traits, experiences and perceptions.