Silvest
Silvest is a traditional Slavic and Eastern Orthodox celebration marking the transition from the old year to the new, primarily observed on December 31 and January 1. The name derives from the Latin *Silvester*, honoring Pope Sylvester I, whose feast day falls on December 31. In many Slavic cultures, particularly in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, Silvest is celebrated with unique customs and rituals that blend pagan and Christian influences.
The evening before Silvest, known as *Vykuvannia* (Ukrainian) or *Kutia* (Russian), families gather for a festive
In Orthodox Christian communities, Silvest is often linked to the *Holy Supper* (*Sviata Vecheria*), a meal eaten
Regional variations exist; in some areas, people leave food outside for spirits or ancestors, while others perform