April 7, Orthodox Christians will celebrate one of the 12 major church feasts - the Annunciation. What is the history of this holiday, what you can do, and that is strictly prohibited?
Annunciation neperehodyaschy holiday, so every year, Orthodox Christians celebrate on April 7 and Catholics - 25 of March. From the Annunciation to the Nativity of 9 months - so much a woman bears a child under her heart.
How to decorate a house on the Annunciation / istockphoto.com
On this day, the angel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Marie and told her the good news that she would be the mother of God's Son, loosely conceived him by the Holy Spirit. Son, whom she Adam called Jesus, destined to atone for man's sins and grant salvation to people.
Annunciation - is a celebration of great joy, even the sun on this day of joy "to play." The personification of this holiday is the dove as a symbol of purity and innocence, and white lilies, which for the holiday believers decorate their homes.
What not to do on a holiday?
What not to do at the Annunciation / istockphoto.com
In this big celebration denied any physical work and heavy housework, and various crafts (knitting, embroidery, sewing, etc.). Even better than the food to cook on the eve of the great holiday.
On this day, the Lord blesses all growing on the ground, so you can not prune the bushes and trees, and in general to work in the garden or in the garden ..
Banned in this day anything to lend (money, clothes, food), otherwise it can lead to failure and problems in the family. Our ancestors believed that on this day you can not make anything out of the house.
At the Annunciation "bird nest is not Vietnamese, the girl plait does not spin," so it's best not to weave braids, not make elaborate hairstyles and the visit to the barber is required to move the next day.
According to the signs, it is impossible in this day to wear new clothes, because she will tear, soiled or quickly will become worthless.
What should be done at the Annunciation?
Annunciation salt / istockphoto.com
The Annunciation is considered women's holiday, so this day it is necessary to go to the service to the church and pray Blessed Virgin Mary of the good fortune, success, marriage, about children and their health, for protection and intercession in life.
On this day, the owners let the will of poultry from the cells and animals of their cribs, so that they "heard the spring." Annunciation is the third of the Presentation and after already precisely retreats and winter cold.
According to legend, if the Annunciation 40 times to call her husband "sweet", the whole year will be harmony, well-being and family happiness in the family.
Despite the fact that the Annunciation falls on Lent, the day is valid dispensation, believers can be eaten, fish, oil and wine.
At the Annunciation is necessary to prepare the salt, our ancestors believed that this salt can heal from any illness and misfortune. And in the church light wafer that are broken into small pieces and added to the food to sick people, for a speedy recovery.
On this day, the girls were wondering on birds, watching them if caught the eye of a sparrow - to peace; crow - to depression; doves - to grace; swallows - to success.
Folk omens on the Annunciation
Folk omens on the Annunciation / istockphoto.com
If at the Annunciation is very warm and sunny weather, the Easter, is likely to be cold and rain.
If the holiday suddenly lunge snow, the summer will be cold, rainy and barren.
Rain on the Annunciation to the mushroom autumn.
Also you will be interested to know that what prayer is to be read in Lent
