5 April 2026: what holiday is it today, notable dates, events of the day
Find out about the main traditions, customs and significant events of this day in history.
Church holiday according to the New Style
According to the New Julian calendar, today is the Twelfth Great Feast — Palm Sunday. In addition, the Church commemorates the martyrs Agathopodus, a deacon, and Theodulus, a reader. They lived in the 3rd–4th centuries and suffered for their faith in Thessalonica, becoming symbols of steadfastness and miracles (according to tradition, the sea returned their bodies to the shore unbound).
Church feast day according to the Old Style
According to the Julian calendar, today we commemorate the holy martyr Nikon of Sicily and the holy Nikon, abbot of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra.
Traditions and customs of the day
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Palm Sunday: The main tradition is the blessing of palm branches in churches. The blessed palm is considered a talisman and is kept at home throughout the year.
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Relaxation of the fast: On this day, it is permitted to eat hot dishes with oil and fish.
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Domestic customs: It is customary to air out the home and tidy up after the winter period.
What not to do today
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Swearing, insulting people and feeling envious.
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Start heavy physical labour (only light cleaning).
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Greeting or saying goodbye at the doorstep — this is considered a bad omen.
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Drink strong alcohol.
Superstitions for 5 April
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Clear weather on Palm Sunday — a sign of a bountiful summer.
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If the wind blows strongly — expect a windy summer.
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Frost on this day promises a good harvest of spring crops.
Name days today Name days according to the new calendar are celebrated by: Agathopodus, Theodulus, Mark, Plato, Theodora.
