On November 15, the world celebrates the International Day of Writers in Prison and the European Music Therapy Day. According to the church calendar, the saints Guria, Samon, and Aviva are remembered, and the Christmas Fast begins.
Glavcom shares details and traditions of the holidays celebrated on November 15, 2025.
Contents:
- International and National Holidays
- Religious Holidays and Their History
- Folk Beliefs and Omens
- Historical Events
- Name Days
International and National Holidays
International Day of Writers in Prison
This holiday originated thanks to the international organization PEN International in 1981. Its aim is to draw attention to persecuted writers and intellectuals who fight for freedom of speech.
European Music Therapy Day
November 15 celebrates the profound impact of music therapy on the health and well-being of people, emphasizing its significance in treatment and rehabilitation.
Religious Holidays and Their History
Beginning of the Christmas Fast
From November 15, a 40-day Christmas Fast begins, aimed at spiritual and physical purification before the celebration of the Nativity of Christ.
Feast of the Holy Martyrs Guria, Samon and Aviva
Traditionally, on this day, people address the holy martyrs Guria, Samon, and Aviva with requests for family well-being and protection from evil.
Folk Beliefs and Omens
November 15 is considered 'Guriev Day', when prayers have special power for family protection.
- The snow that falls on this day will remain until spring.
- Low clouds indicate the quick onset of frosts.
- Strong winds are a warning of a cold winter.
Historical Events
- 1492 – Christopher Columbus mentions tobacco;
- 1837 – the system of shorthand is developed;
- 1881 – Alexander Mozhaysky receives a patent for an airship;
- 1884 – opening of the International Conference in Berlin on African issues;
- 1887 – the zinc battery is created;
- 1889 – the Emperor Pedro II's well in Brazil;
- 1904 – a patent is issued for a razor with replaceable blades;
- 1918 – the beginning of the uprising against hetman Skoropadsky;
- 1919 – members of the Directory of the Ukrainian People's Republic go abroad with diplomatic missions;
- 1920 – the first meeting of the League of Nations;
- 1940 – bombing of Coventry;
- 1945 – founding of the Ukrainian Free Academy of Sciences;
- 1957 – the first flight of the Tu-144 aircraft;
- 1960 – the release of the first submarine with nuclear missiles;
- 1971 – the sale of the first Intel 4004 microprocessor;
- 2004 – the first open debates of presidential candidates in Ukraine.
Name Days
Today, those celebrating their name day are Gregory, Dmitry, Nikita, Nicholas, Peter, and Philip.
Ukraine marks the International Day of Writers in Prison and the European Music Therapy Day on November 15. Additionally, according to the church calendar, this is the day the Christmas Fast begins and the memory of the holy martyrs Guria, Samon, and Aviva is honored. Traditionally, November 15 is considered favorable for prayer charms and beliefs that prophesy future weather and the development of events. Furthermore, from a historical perspective, this date is marked by numerous important events that have been celebrated worldwide over the years.