The main tradition of the holiday - to give gifts on St. Nicholas Day - has come down to our days. From year to year, children are waiting for surprises under their pillows on this day. And those who have been naughty all year receive a rod or an ember.
In ancient times, this holiday was also expected by adults. On this day, people gathered at the festive table, brewed beer and had fun. Then they harnessed the best horses to the sleigh and rode around the village to see "how slippery the snow" fell. In some regions of Ukraine, kutya and uzvar were cooked so that next year there would be a good harvest. In the Kiev region, the owners sprinkled the cattle with holy water and a potion.
Saint Nicholas was asked to save the household and the whole family from misfortune and disaster.
St. Nicholas Day was also important for girls. On this day, those who were preparing to go down the aisle had to put things in order in the chests in advance, prepare clothes and jewelry in which they would meet the matchmakers.


Happy Holidays everyone!!!!!!!