Probably everyone has heard since childhood that the feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the most important twelve holidays in Christianity, symbolizing the good news for all humanity. Despite the transition of the OCU and the UGCC to the new Julian calendar, many believers in Ukraine continue to celebrate the Annunciation on April 7 according to the old style .
In this article, our editorial team will tell you why the difference in dates arose, what powerful traditions are associated with this day, and what is strictly forbidden to do so as not to bring trouble.
Read also: Easter basket 2026: what to put in it and what is strictly forbidden to bless
Why is the Annunciation celebrated according to the old calendar?
Although all those who celebrate according to the new calendar have already celebrated the Annunciation on March 24, 2026 , the essence of the holiday for those who will celebrate the Annunciation according to the old style remains unchanged : on this day, the archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary and brought her the joyful news (good news) that she would become the Mother of the Son of God. This holiday is always celebrated exactly 9 months before the Nativity of Christ.
- According to the new (New Julian) calendar , which the Orthodox Church of Ukraine switched to in September 2023, the Annunciation is celebrated on March 25, respectively, and Christmas falls on December 25.
- According to the old (Julian) calendar , which is still followed by some parishes and believers according to their own custom, the feast of the Annunciation falls on April 7 , and the Nativity of Christ is celebrated with a shift of two weeks – on January 7.
It is important to note: The Church does not forbid believers to commemorate this bright event on April 7, especially if it is a long-standing family tradition. The main thing on this day is sincere prayer and pure thoughts.
Main traditions: what to do on the Annunciation
Among the people, the Annunciation was considered the third, final holiday of the meeting of spring (after the Meeting and the Forty Martyrs). But since ancient times it has been believed that on this day the Lord himself blesses the earth, opening it for sowing. At this time, work began in the fields and around the house. Our ancestors began to plow and sow for the harvest.
What you should definitely do on the feast of the Annunciation on April 7:
- Visit the temple. The main tradition of this holiday is the festive liturgy. Believers pray to the Virgin Mary for health for the family and children, peace, intercession, and healing from illnesses.
- Releasing birds. An ancient and very beautiful tradition that for some reason has begun to be forgotten is releasing white doves or other birds into the sky. They symbolize the Holy Spirit and the liberation of the soul.
- Prepare “Annunciation salt.” People believed that salt fried in a pan on the day of the Annunciation acquired healing properties. It was stored for a year and used for illnesses and pains.
- Relaxation of fasting. Since the holiday falls during the Great Lent period, it is permissible to relax on this day, but you cannot eat fish-based dishes; instead, you can add oil to dishes.
What you absolutely must not do on April 7th (so as not to scare away good luck)
The Annunciation is associated with many strict prohibitions that are often intertwined with pagan customs and rituals in which our ancestors believed.
Yes, our ancestors used to say in ancient times: “On the Annunciation, a bird does not build a nest, a maiden does not weave a braid . ”
It is strictly forbidden on this day:
- Work on the land: You cannot dig, plant plants, or prune trees. The land is still “resting” and receiving blessings.
- Doing needlework and housework: sewing, knitting, washing and heavy cleaning should be postponed. The thread in the hands on this day symbolizes fate, which can be “tangled”.
- Getting a haircut and washing your hair: it is believed that this can wash away your luck and lose vital energy.
- Lending money or taking something out of the house: together with the borrowed thing, you can give away family well-being.
- Wearing new clothes: according to signs, they will quickly deteriorate or tear.
Folk omens for April 7: what will spring and harvest be like?
Our older generation of great-grandmothers carefully watched the weather on the Annunciation, as it served as an accurate forecast for the entire year.
- What the weather was like on the Annunciation, will be like that on Easter.
- If it rains on the Annunciation, autumn will be rich in mushrooms, and summer will be rich in rye harvest.
- Sunny and cloudless skies on this day, April 7, promise frequent summer thunderstorms.
- And if the swallows have not yet arrived by this day, spring will be long and cold.
