Velesova noch – 2025: date, meaning of the holiday and folk rituals

On the last night of October, our ancestors celebrated Velesian Night, an ancient Slavic holiday associated with the transition from autumn to winter and the veneration of Veles, the god of wisdom, fertility and the afterlife. During this mystical period, when the boundary between the world of the living and the world of spirits is blurred, special rituals and rituals were held related to the memory of ancestors and protection from evil forces. Despite its similarity to Western Halloween, Velesian Night is unique in its deep Slavic symbolism and traditions, which are preserved today. For more information about the date, history and traditions of the Velesian Night— see the Izvestia article.

The story of the Velesian Night

Velesian Night has its roots in ancient Slavic mythology and pagan tradition. The holiday got its name in honor of Veles, an important god of the Slavic pantheon, who patronized animal husbandry, trade, magic and was a guide between the worlds of the living and the dead. Velesian Night symbolized a time when natural cycles slowed down, the earth fell asleep, and the souls of ancestors and spirits could move freely between worlds. Since ancient times, it was believed that the gates to the Nav opened — the afterlife, where the dead and spirits lived.

On this day, the Slavs performed rituals to honor their ancestors, left gifts and conducted fortune-telling, trying to receive Veles' blessing and protection for the difficult winter season. Over the centuries, Velesian Night has experienced a gradual change under the influence of Christianity and cultural transformations, but in recent decades more and more people are returning to the original pagan traditions, adapting them to modern conditions.

Velesova Noch – 2025: date of celebration and significance

In 2025, Velesian Night traditionally falls on the night from October 31 to November 1, coinciding with Western Halloween. However, in the Slavic tradition, this date has a different deep meaning — it is the time of the end of the autumn period and the beginning of the winter rest of nature.

It was believed that during the Velesian Night, the boundaries between three worlds were blurred: Reality (the world of the living), Reality (the world of the dead) and Truth (the world of the gods). This is a special moment when people tried to establish a connection with their ancestors, purify themselves spiritually and prepare for the coming trials of winter. The celebration is accompanied by rituals, fire, and autumn rituals aimed at awakening inner strength and embracing the cycles of nature.

Folk rituals and traditions of the Velesian Night

Folk rituals of the Velesian Night are traditionally aimed at protecting and strengthening the family, honoring ancestors and protecting against evil spirits. The ancestors believed that on this night, spirits — both good and evil — can freely enter the world of the living, and the well-being for the next year depends on how people greet them.

To protect the house, bonfires were lit, the flames of which were supposed to scare away evil spirits, and candles were also placed in the houses — they became a guiding light for the souls of the ancestors. Mountain ash branches were placed near doors and windows — they served as a talisman against evil spirits. The hostesses set extra dishes and treats on the table to show respect for the visitors from the Navi world and invite them to join the family feast. During the celebration, silence was observed so as not to attract unwanted guests from the other world.

Fortune-telling and predictions, which were considered especially reliable that night, were an important part of the celebration. People turned to Veles and other spirits for advice and support in the coming year, hoping for blessings and good luck. The holiday was a time of deep family unity, when deceased relatives were remembered and family ties were strengthened.

Nowadays, Velesova Noch is experiencing a resurgence of interest in both Slavic culture and spirituality. The holiday becomes not only an occasion for cultural and ethnographic events, but also an invitation to reflect on eternal values, the nature of the changing times and family traditions.