Today, March 10, Ukrainians observe National Anthem Day, a significant occasion dedicated to the national identity, while also commemorating the holy martyrs Kondrat, Cyprian, and their companions. The day holds both religious and cultural importance for the Ukrainian people, marked by traditions that reflect deep spiritual and national pride.
Church Observance: Commemoration of the Holy Martyrs
In the Christian liturgical calendar, March 10 is devoted to the memory of the holy martyrs Kondrat, Cyprian, and their fellow believers. These martyrs, who lived in the 3rd century, were martyred for their unwavering faith in Christ. Kondrat, a Christian preacher, along with his disciples—including Cyprian, Dionysius, Anectus, Paul, Crescentus, Victorinus, and others—endured brutal torture but steadfastly refused to renounce their faith. On this day, believers honor these saints with prayers, seeking their intercession and protection.
Prohibitions for March 10
Traditionally, March 10 carries several restrictions for the faithful:
- Avoid making large or significant purchases.
- Refrain from undergoing surgical procedures.
- Do not schedule dental visits on this day.
Folk Omens and Weather Predictions
According to Ukrainian folk tradition, several omens are associated with March 10:
- The return of storks signals the arrival of spring.
- Fluffy clouds in the sky predict warm but rainy weather.
- A large number of larks indicates the imminent growth of grass.
- A thunderstorm on this day is thought to foretell a bountiful harvest.
In addition, it was believed that people should pray for protection against floods, which, if they occurred, were seen as a form of atonement for sins committed in the previous year.
Name Days for March 10
On March 10, individuals named Viktor, Georgy, Denis, Dmitry, Ivan, Leonid, Mark, Mikhail, Pavlo, Anastasia, Vasilisa, and Galina celebrate their name days. For those born on this day, the amethyst stone is considered a talisman that enhances intuition and fosters harmony.
Notable Birthdays on March 10
- Ustym Karmelyuk (1787) – Ukrainian national hero and leader of the insurgent movement.
- Volodymyr Mykhalevych (1930) – Ukrainian scientist in the field of economic cybernetics.
- Taras Petrynenko (1953) – Ukrainian musician, best known for his song “Ukraine.”
Significant Historical Events on March 10
- 1098 – Baldwin I established the first Crusader state.
- 1535 – The Galapagos Islands were discovered.
- 1865 – The anthem “Ukraine is not dead yet” was performed publicly for the first time.
- 1876 – Alexander Graham Bell made the first telephone call.
Other Holidays on March 10
National Anthem Day of Ukraine: Established on February 7, 2023, this day emphasizes the significance of national symbols, including the Ukrainian national anthem.
Taras Shevchenko Memorial Day: Ukrainians honor the great poet and national figure by reading his poems and laying flowers at his monuments.
International Wig Day: An unofficial holiday celebrating the role of wigs in people’s lives.
International Day of Awesomeness: Created by programmer Kevin Lawless in 2007, this day celebrates the concept of awesomeness.
International Day of Women Judges: This day highlights the contributions and importance of women in the judicial system.
Commonwealth Day: A day that celebrates the unity of 56 countries with historical ties to Great Britain.
International Bagpipe Day: A celebration of one of the world’s oldest musical instruments.
For more details on other holidays and observances, you can read our previous article about March 9 and the traditions associated with that day.
