In the church calendar, the holiday is referred to as the Feast of the Archangel Michael and the other Heavenly Hosts.
This feast is dedicated to the archangel Michael, who is the archistrategos, meaning the leader of the heavenly hosts.
Before transitioning to the new Julian calendar, Ukrainians celebrated this significant church holiday on November 21 according to the old style.
However, under the new style, non-movable holidays are celebrated 13 days earlier, which means that Michael's day in 2024 falls on November 8.
Traditionally, believers attend church in the morning.
In their prayers, believers ask Archangel Michael for protection from evil, healing, assistance during travels, and peace.
Archangel Michael is a symbol of the forces always ready to help those who seek protection.
According to folk traditions, on Michael's day, one should visit the bathhouse to wash away all sins.
Additionally, a lavish table should be set on this day for the entire family to gather, or one should visit friends and relatives with gifts.
It is said among the people that if a wedding is held on this day, the newlyweds will receive blessings from the angels.
There are prohibitions on Michael's day that people are cautious not to violate, so as not to anger Archangel Michael:
One should not work on this day – tasks should be postponed until the next day.
It is also forbidden to spend the day alone – one should invite guests or visit friends and loved ones. One must not refuse to help those in need.