1 April 2026: a church holiday, taboos and superstitions of the day
1 April in the church calendar is the feast day of Saint Mary of Egypt.
According to tradition, she lived in the 6th century and led a sinful life for a long time.
One day, Mary came to Jerusalem but was unable to enter the temple. After prayer and sincere repentance, she decided to completely change her life.
After that, Mary went into the desert, where she spent many years in solitude, fasting and prayer. Her story has become a symbol of how a person can start afresh even after grave mistakes.
That is why this day is associated with purification, letting go of the unnecessary, and re-evaluating one’s own actions.
What not to do on 1 April and what superstitions exist
The main prohibition on this day concerns behaviour. It was commonly believed that on 1 April, one must not offend others, speak harshly, mock or humiliate. This was particularly linked to jokes, as on this day, according to popular belief, it is easy to cross the line and leave an unpleasant mark.
Our ancestors believed that insults spoken on 1 April could come back to haunt a person and affect their life. That is precisely why people were afraid to break this rule.
It was also advised not to be lazy on this day, to put off important matters, or to dwell on negative thoughts. It was believed that such a mindset could linger for a long time.
Furthermore, on 1 April, it was not recommended to quarrel, feel envy, organise noisy festivities, consume alcohol, or engage in gossip and negative conversations. As Lent is underway, believers are advised to exercise restraint in both their diet and behaviour.
On this day, people also paid close attention to signs in nature. If the willow had already blossomed, this was seen as a signal to prepare for busy work in the apiary. Frequent changes in the weather foreshadowed an unsettled April, whilst a warm night signalled a rapid rise in temperature.
It was also believed that the mood on 1 April could set the tone for the whole month.
Name days on this day are celebrated by Ivan, Makar, Maria, Serhiy and Yukhim.
