Traditional practices and limitations on actions during May 2, according to Fedul Vetrenik
In the heart of Ukraine, a lesser-known folk holiday named Fedul Vetryanik is celebrated each year on May 2nd. This day, steeped in weather lore and traditions, is centred around the changing of the seasons and the arrival of spring.
Fedul Vetryanik, meaning 'Fedul the Windy' in English, is named after its focus on weather and winds. On this day, people engage in various rituals to welcome the warmth and bid farewell to the cold, such as opening their windows and doors to let in fresh air, keeping windows closed being a forbidden activity.
The day is also marked by observing nature. Peasants and modern-day celebrants alike look to the skies, the cherry trees, and the behaviour of birds to predict the upcoming weather patterns. If cherry trees bloom on Fedul's day, it is believed that warm weather is near. Similarly, if birds build nests on the sunny side, summer will be hot, while strong winds indicate a rainy summer and rain signals a bountiful mushroom season.
Housewives play a significant role in the celebrations, baking ritual pastries shaped like birds or the sun. These pastries are a permitted activity on Fedul Vetryanik Day, alongside singing songs and dancing in circles, where young people gather for festivities.
The Orthodox Church also honours Saint Theodosius of the Caves on this day. Bystinka's fountains are turned on, adding to the festive atmosphere.
However, it's important to note that there is no established significance of Fedul Vetryanik Day in mainstream Ukrainian culture based on current accessible data. It is possible that Fedul Vetryanik may be a regional figure or an erroneous or obscure term not covered by mainstream sources.
Despite this, the holiday continues to be celebrated in some regions of Ukraine, providing a unique glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage and folk traditions.
During the celebrations of Fedul Vetryanik, housewives bake pastries in the shape of birds or the sun, while the home-and-garden atmosphere is enlivened by singing songs, dancing in circles, and in some homes, the addition of fresh blooms and decorations, reflecting a change in the lifestyle associated with the arrival of spring. People also observe the behavior of nature, such as the blooming of cherry trees and the movement of birds, as part of their home-and-garden activities, hoping to predict the weather and the harvest season for the coming months.
