Key dates for holiday celebrations are always significant, and 2025 brings notable occasions for Ukrainians and Russians alike. On May 11, Ukraine will celebrate Mother's Day—an emotional holiday deeply rooted in history and widely recognized worldwide. This holiday, observed on the second Sunday of May, honors mothers, reflecting their unconditional love and support.
The tradition of Mother's Day traces back ancient Greece and Rome, where reverence for motherhood was expressed through cults of goddesses. Over the centuries, these practices evolved, leading to the formal recognition of Mother's Day as we know it today. Initiated in the period following World War I and significantly endorsed by Anna Jarvis in the United States, this celebration has taken hold globally, including Ukraine, where it returned to observance after the fall of the Soviet Union.
Interestingly, around 122 million phone calls are made every Mother's Day, underlining its popularity, as families reach out to express love and gratitude. Mother's Day is also one of the most lucrative for the floral industry since about 25% of all flowers sold annually are purchased for this occasion.
On the religious front, Russians, and Ukrainians will also observe the Great Lent, which runs from March 3 to April 19, 2025. This fasting period, lasting 48 days, precedes Easter and calls for stringent measures to purify the soul before the joyous celebration of Christ's resurrection. The Great Lent reflects the trials faced by Christ during his time in the wilderness, where he fasted and was tempted. Traditionally, adherents engage in enhanced prayer and self-discipline during this time.
What sets this period apart are the rigorous dietary restrictions. Notably, the first and last weeks of Lent are marked with strict fasting, where believers are expected to abstain from all food on specific days.
Each day of Lent has specific guidelines, offering allowances for certain foods like fish or plant-based meals at designated times. While following these rules is considered pious, there’s also room for personal interpretation and adjustments based on guidance from local clergy, especially for the young, elderly, or those facing health challenges.
Both holidays—the emotional connection celebrated on Mother's Day and the solemn observances of the Great Lent—reflect fundamental aspects of community and identity within Ukraine and Russia. Mother's Day stands out for its focus on familial bonds, typified by the red carnation, which symbolizes love and admiration for mothers. Meanwhile, the Great Lent emphasizes collective reflection and preparation, encouraging pureness of heart leading up to Easter.
Together, these celebrations anchor Ukrainians and Russians within their cultural heritage, creating moments for family gatherings, messages of love, and reflections on faith. Whether it’s the heartfelt phone calls made on Mother's Day or the solemn prayers echoing through churches during Lent, these traditions instill unity among believers, reinforcing cultural values.
2025 is shaping up to be another year of shared moments, love, and spirituality as both nations engage deeply with their historical and cultural roots through these key holidays.