8 October: what holiday is today, traditions and prohibitions

8 October 2024 02:13

Today, 8 October, is World Biometrics Day and International Off-Road Day. Ukraine celebrates Lawyer’s Day. The Orthodox Church honours the memory of St Pelagia of Antioch. Read about the holidays, signs of this day and who has a name day on 8 October in the article "Komersant Ukrainian"

Ukrainian Lawyer’s Day

It is customary to celebrate the Day of Lawyer of Ukraine on 8 October. It is believed that it was on 8 October in 1016 that Prince Yaroslav the Wise of Kyiv issued the first code of laws, Russkaya Pravda.

The decision to celebrate the Lawyer’s Day in Ukraine was made on 16 September 1997 and approved by the Decree of the President of Ukraine Leonid Kuchma “On the Lawyer’s Day”, No. 1022/97. The initiators of the holiday were: The Ukrainian Bar Association, the Union of Lawyers of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine.

On this day, everyone congratulates lawyers, judges, attorneys, prosecutors, legal advisers, notaries, investigators and other professionals working in the field of law.

International Off-Road Day

International Off-Road Day is celebrated on 8 October and is dedicated to thrill seekers and adventurers who live for the durability and love of off-roading.

World Biometrics Day

World Biometrics Day is an important event aimed at promoting and supporting the development of biometric technologies and their application in innovative artificial intelligence and cybersecurity technologies.

What is the church holiday on 8 October

St Pelagia of Antioch lived in the fourth century. She was very beautiful, led a promiscuous lifestyle, and was a dancer. Her life changed after she heard Bishop Nonnus preach during a church meeting.

Pelagia was baptised, gave her wealth to the poor and became a nun. Adopting the name Pelagius and posing as a male monk, she remained a hermit for the rest of her life. Only after her death was it discovered that this hermit was a woman.

Folk signs for 8 October:

From Trifon-Pelagia, everything gets colder.
Trifon and Pelagia take out their fur coats and mittens.
Trifon mends the coat, Pelagia sews mittens.
The clouds are floating low in the sky – expect a cold snap.

What not to do on 8 October

The Church on this day, like any other, does not approve of quarrels, slander, gossip, slander and condemnation, as well as envy, greed, revenge and despair. Those who ask for help should not be denied.

On 8 October, people are forbidden to be lazy and idle, and it is also advised not to cut down old trees – according to belief, you will suffer from bone pain all year long.

What you can do on 8 October

St Pelagia is prayed to for the salvation of the souls of those who lead an unrighteous lifestyle, and is asked to guide drunkards and drug addicts to the true path.

The saint also helps with serious illnesses and decision-making in difficult situations.