St. Andrew's Day 2025: traditions of the holiday and fortune-telling for the beloved

On November 30, 2025, Christians celebrate St. Andrew the Apostle's Day – a holiday in memory of the first disciple of the Son of God, who brought the Christian faith to the lands of Rus and predicted the emergence of a great city in the Kyiv hills.

On this day, believers come to churches, remember the life of the apostle, and pray for peace, protection, and spiritual resilience. Especially today – when Ukraine is going through the trials of war – St. Andrew is often asked for courage, strength, and endurance.

In folk traditions, St. Andrew's Day has long been considered the best time for love and destiny fortune-telling. According to the signs of this holiday, winter weather could be predicted.

History of the holiday

According to the Gospel tradition, Andrew, originally from Bethsaida (Galilee), was the closest disciple of the prophet John the Baptist, who baptized Jesus Christ. St. John himself directed the future apostles Andrew the First-Called and John the Theologian to Jesus, pointing out that he is the Lamb of God.

Traditions of St. Andrew's Day

• Andrew was eagerly awaited by all unmarried girls, as it was customary to fortune-tell about the beloved on the night of December 13 according to the new style.
• On this day, all unmarried women pray to Andrew the First-Called to grant them good suitors.

What not to do on Andrew's Day

Starting from Andrew's Day, prohibitions come into force until the New Year or Epiphany on all types of sewing and spinning threads, to prevent 'the beasts from straying near the pens'. It was believed that violating this prohibition could bring trouble upon the whole family.

Also, according to traditions, in a house where the Day of Andrew is celebrated with special reverence, a good and bountiful harvest is expected.

What to do on Andrew's Day

• In ancient times, it was believed that if one bathes well the day before St. Andrew's Day, they can rid themselves of all diseases for the whole year.
• It is known that St. Andrew the First-Called is the patron saint of professions related to the sea. People pray to him for the protection of those who go to sea. The saint also protects translators and foreign language teachers.
• Fathers of daughters and girls on St. Andrew's Day specially ask St. Andrew the First-Called for a successful marriage.

St. Andrew's Day is an important Christian holiday associated with traditions, prayers, and fortune-telling. Believers honor the memory of the first disciple of the Son of God and also glorify the saint for his protective qualities and patronage.