The Annunciation is one of the 12 most important church holidays. This bright event is celebrated exactly 9 months before, namely, April 7th. The Annunciation is a non-passing holiday, and therefore the date of its celebration is the same every year. Catholics celebrate the Annunciation according to the Gregorian calendar on March 25.
On this day, a slight relief is allowed for those who adhere to Great Lent - on the Annunciation, you can eat fish and red wine. At the same time, it is forbidden to work on this holiday, especially on the ground. It is believed that it is on this day that winter finally recedes and all nature begins to awaken.
history of the holiday
The Annunciation is the bright news of the imminent coming into the world of the Son of God, which the Archangel Gabriel told the Virgin Mary. According to the Gospel, Mary was promised to the Lord from childhood and until she was sixteen years old she was brought up in the temple in Jerusalem.
Then she was betrothed to Joseph, a God-fearing and honest man who was a distant relative of hers. After marriage, Mary, with the consent of her husband, still retained her purity and innocence, preserving herself for the Lord. She led a righteous life filled with prayers and good deeds.
Mary was familiar with the prophecy that the Savior of the human race would be born of a virgin, and she was ready to become the slave of that woman. However, she herself was destined to become the mother of the Son of the Lord. Having heard the message of the Archangel, Mary cast aside all fears and accepted her destiny, giving the world Jesus Christ.
The deeper meaning of the Annunciation is that the world was saved through the union of the power of God and human will. Thus, the coming into the world of Jesus Christ became possible only thanks to the consent of Mary - the Lord gave people free will, and if the Virgin had refused to accept her destiny, the Holy Spirit could not have descended on her.
Traditions for the Annunciation
The Annunciation is considered a day of freedom and peace, on this bright holiday even in hell for a short moment grace comes. On this day, you can not do any work, especially it is forbidden to work in the field. Our ancestors used to say that even a bird does not nest on the Annunciation. It is customary to cook even the simplest food on this holiday, which does not require much effort.
The Annunciation is considered the most unfavorable period for starting new business, since people, animals, birds, and the earth itself should rest on this day. There is a belief that once on this holiday the cuckoo decided to build a nest, despite the ban. As punishment, she lost the opportunity to create a family, and was doomed to throw her eggs in other people's nests.
In the villages there was a tradition to arrange a spring festival on the Annunciation. People sang songs, welcomed the arrival of spring and the awakening of nature, kindled bonfires, through which young people jumped to burn their sins. It was also customary to let the birds go free. If someone kept birds in a cage at home, then on the Annunciation he released them.
It is believed that on this day one cannot quarrel, so no misunderstandings were allowed in the house. The holiday, as a rule, was spent in the family circle, avoiding visits. On the Annunciation it is necessary to confess, repent and forgive all offenders.
Folk omens
Many folk signs are associated with the Annunciation, some of which have come from pagan times. So, it is believed that on this day you can not wear new clothes, because in this case it will quickly tear and deteriorate. Also, on the annunciation, unmarried girls did not comb their hair, so as not to confuse their fate.
Also, on this holiday, you can not borrow money, as this means giving away family well-being. But in order to repay the debt, this is a very favorable period.
In addition, our ancestors closely followed the weather on the Annunciation and predicted in this way what the harvest would be like. So, if the weather is cloudy on this holiday, then the harvest will be scarce; if a thunderstorm has passed, then the summer will be mild and warm; if the sun is shining brightly, then the summer will be dry with the possibility of fires.
Warm weather for the Annunciation promises continued frosts, and if frosts are noticed on this day, then heat can be expected soon. If there are no swallows on the Annunciation yet, then the spring will be cold.
Annunciation in modern conditions
Today, it is much more difficult to adhere to all the prohibitions and conditions of church holidays than it was in the days of our ancestors. So, if the Annunciation falls on a weekday, then it is simply impossible to completely refuse to work - the management may not understand.
Therefore, on this day, you should at least avoid making important transactions and not start new activities. Doing household chores should also be postponed. Laundry, cleaning, ironing, repairs - all this can wait another day. In addition, it is worth taking the time to go to church to confess and pray.
The main thing to remember is that the Annunciation is a bright holiday that symbolizes freedom, hope and the arrival of spring. Therefore, if circumstances do not allow you to celebrate it according to all the rules, then try to spend this day in peace with others and with yourself.
Do not allow quarrels, debates, and in general any conflicts, try to forgive your ill-wishers and let go of all grievances. If you yourself upset someone or greatly offended, then ask for forgiveness. Spend an evening with your family in peace and tranquility, and this will be the best option for celebrating the Annunciation.
Annunciation(Church-glory. Annunciation; tracing paper Greek. Εὐαγγελισμός [τῆς Θεοτόκου]; lat. Annuntiatio-proclamation) The Feast of the Annunciation is celebrated in commemoration of the appearance of the Blessed Virgin Mary by the Archangel Gabriel and the announcement by him of the mystery of the incarnation of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, from Her. Upon reaching the age of majority, according to the custom that had the force of law. The Blessed Virgin Mary, although reluctantly, left the temple of Jerusalem and was handed over to the aged carpenter Joseph the Betrothed, or the guardian of Her virginity. Joseph came from the same tribe as Her and took Her to him in order to be Her protector under the guise of marriage.
Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin:
Annunciation 2016 - April 7; Annunciation 2017 - April 7 ; Annunciation 2018 - April 7 ; Annunciation 2019 - April 7; Annunciation 2020 - April 7
Living in the Galilean city of Nazareth, in the house of Joseph, the Blessed Virgin spent most of her time in solitude and silence, engaged in contemplation and prayer, reading the Holy Scriptures and needlework.
Four months after her betrothal, during Her prayerful reflections, the Archangel Gabriel appeared before Her and said: “Rejoice, Blessed One! The Lord is with you, blessed are you among women." The appearance of the Archangel did not frighten Mary, but his greeting confused her with its unusualness. Wishing to reassure Mary and assure her of the truth of his greeting, the Archangel Gabriel informed her that by her deep humility of wisdom she had found the greatest grace from God - to be the Mother of the Son of God.
For greater confirmation of the Most Pure Virgin, the Archangel announced to Her the mystery of the incarnation of the Son of God in the same words in which the prophet Isaiah predicted this event: “And now you will conceive in the womb, and you will give birth to the Son, and you will call His name: Jesus. He will be great, and he will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father; and shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom shall have no end.”
Mary did not doubt the words of the Divine Messenger, but she showed bewilderment how a son could be born to one who doomed herself to virginity. In order to clarify Her humble perplexity, the Archangel revealed to Her the truth that he brought from Almighty God: “The Holy Spirit will find on You, and the power of the Most High will overshadow You; Therefore, the Holy One who is being born will be called the Son of God. Having comprehended the will of God and completely surrendering herself to it, the Most Holy Virgin answered: “Behold, the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word."
In Rus', the Annunciation is considered a great holiday; in the old days, the year began with it.. According to the pious belief of the Russian people, on this day, as on Easter, the sun “plays”, and sinners are not tormented in hell. In its grandeur, the feast of the Annunciation is not canceled even if it falls on Easter.
The Church famously sings the feast: The day of our salvation is the main thing, and the hedgehog from the age of mystery is a manifestation; The Son of God The Son of the Virgin happens, and Gabriel proclaims the good news. In the same way, we will cry out to the Theotokos with him: Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you. (Troparion, tone 4).
The Feast of the Annunciation, dedicated to the remembrance and glorification of the event described in the Gospel (Luke 1, 26-38), had various names among the ancient Christians: "Conception of Christ", "Annunciation of Christ", "Beginning of Redemption", "Annunciation of the Angel of Mary" , - and only in the 7th century it was forever given the name "Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos".
The establishment of this holiday belongs to the deepest antiquity. St. Athanasius (4th century), in his conversation on this holiday, calls it the first in a series of holidays and especially revered, since it recalls the beginning of the economy of saving people. In the 5th and 6th centuries, due to heresies that humiliated the face of the Mother of God and distorted the dogma of the incarnation of Jesus Christ, special motives appeared for the Church to exalt the triumph of the holiday, during which time the triumph of the holiday was enriched with many hymns in which the sacrament of the incarnation of the Son of God and the greatness of the Mother of God were revealed.
In pre-revolutionary Russia, there was a touching custom, especially in Moscow, in Annunciation Day, as on the day of the announcement of freedom to the whole world, to release birds from cages into the wild. To engage in any, even light, work on this day was considered a grave sin. But the legend that on this day, as on other great holidays, the sun plays at sunrise, you can check for yourself if you get up early.
Congratulations on the Annunciation! What kind of holiday this is, what traditions, signs and prohibitions this day has, will tell you.
Annunciation 2018
Today is the feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos - one of the main Christian dates, dedicated to the great and important news that the Immaculate Virgin Mary received from the Archangel Gabriel. The angel announced the conception and the imminent birth of the Son of God.
The Annunciation of the Virgin in 2018, as in other years, comes on the same day - April 7th. This event refers to non-passing church holidays. Moreover, both Orthodox and Catholics celebrate it at the same time.
Annunciation: rituals, customs and prohibitions of the holiday
Interesting customs and prohibitions have long been associated with the Annunciation among the people. It is believed that on the Annunciation “the bird does not nest, and the maiden does not weave braids,” and therefore the main prohibition on this day is to perform any work.
On the Annunciation, you can’t give anything from home and lend money to someone, so as not to give away your health and well-being.
On the Annunciation, you can not cut or even comb your hair, so as not to confuse your fate.
It is forbidden to sew and knit on the Annunciation of the Virgin, so that fate does not get tangled like a thread in the fingers.
It is not advisable to wear new clothes on the Annunciation, so that it does not deteriorate, is not torn or dirty.
On the Annunciation it was impossible to burn candles and torches to illuminate the house, so as not to miss the blessed light of the Angel.
On the Annunciation, you should not sow seeds and plant seedlings so as not to lose the harvest, but consecrating the seeds is a good sign for a rich harvest.
Proskura, consecrated on the day of the Annunciation, have the same healing properties as holy water.
Since the Annunciation 2018 falls on Great Lent, fast food cannot be eaten on this day.
People believed that on the day of the Annunciation, God could ask for glory, happiness and wealth. To do this, you need to find the biggest star in the sky in the evening on the Annunciation, make a wish and say: “God, give me great glory!”
Feast of the Annunciation: signs of the day
If warm weather sets in on the Annunciation, then it will definitely get colder on Easter.
Rain on the Annunciation promises a rich harvest of rye and mushrooms in the future, as well as prosperous fishing.
If swallows came to the Annunciation, we can hope for a warm winter.
If an unmarried girl finds a snowdrop in the morning on the Annunciation, then she will soon get married.
As you spend the feast of the Annunciation, so will the whole year.
Recall that we previously said what will be.
The Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos is an important holiday for the entire Christian people. This day is associated with the end of winter and two key church holidays - Christmas and Holy Easter.
The Annunciation is a non-transitory holiday that is celebrated worldwide by all Orthodox believers. In 2018, according to the church calendar, we will celebrate this holiday, as in previous years, on April 7th. The date of this celebration is connected with the day of the celebration of the Nativity of Christ and is celebrated nine months earlier than this event. On the day of the Annunciation, certain traditions and rules are observed that every Orthodox Christian needs to know about.
This day is dedicated to an amazing event in the life of the Most Holy Theotokos. It is known that the Holy Virgin devoted herself to the service of the Lord, being brought up in the Jerusalem temple. At the age of 16, the young Virgin Mary left the walls of the temple, marrying her distant relative, in order to remain forever pure and immaculate in the sight of God.
On April 7, the Archangel Gabriel brought her the news of the imminent birth of the Son of God. That is why the festival was called "Annunciation" - "bringing the good news." Throughout her life, the Virgin Mary took care of herself for a higher purpose, her destiny was to save people from darkness, giving the world a Savior. True, living in righteousness and knowing about the great prophecy, the Mother of God did not imagine that this would happen to her. The news of the angel delighted her - she accepted her fate without hesitation.
Each Christian holiday has its own norms and rules that must be honored and observed by all believers. The Annunciation is no exception. Prayer is considered to be an invariable attribute of any Orthodox celebration. Orthodox Christians must visit the temple of God or offer prayers to the Mother of God near her icons at home. On April 7, the prayers read by the clergy in the church tell about the sacrament of the Birth of the Son of God. A certain number of rules and principles are also observed:
- before the festive dinner, believers remember the life of the Most Holy Theotokos, thank her for her piety and faithful service to the Lord;
- on the Annunciation it is necessary to pray for all children: born or in the womb;
- On the Annunciation, people bake a traditional dish - prosvira, which they must bring to the temple to be consecrated. This is unleavened bread, which is kept near the icons of the Theotokos for a year, acting as a lucky talisman that protects against illness and unexpected problems;
- on the day of the great festival it is forbidden to quarrel, be at enmity, gossip and use foul language. On the contrary, if evil and hatred for another has settled in your heart, you need to go to church, repent and forgive the offender;
- It is also forbidden to work on holidays. “Even a bird will not build a nest,” says folk wisdom.
Compliance with church traditions distinguishes a person who sacredly honors the canons of the church and the will of the Lord. That is why on April 7, direct all your efforts to get closer to God. His support will become the strongest support in difficult life situations.
Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
7 April
In ancient times feast of the Annunciation gave different names: the Conception of Christ, the Annunciation of Christ, the Beginning of Redemption, the Annunciation of the Angel of Mary. About where and how it first appeared feast of the Annunciation, nothing is known.
It is known that in 560 Emperor Justinian indicated the date celebration of the Annunciation- (according to the new style).
Between Annunciation And
Merry Christmas
- nine months, that is, the period of bearing a child.
The name of the holiday is the Annunciation- conveys its main meaning: the announcement Virgin Mary good news of conception and birth by Her Divine Infant Christ.
Let's look at the icon of the holiday: an angel descends to the Virgin to proclaim the "Good News" to her. Archangel Gabriel brought Virgin Mary the biggest news God's Son becomes Son of man. Isaiah's prophecy is being fulfilled Mother of God responds with agreement to the angel's message: "Let it be to me according to your word." Without this voluntary consent God could not become human. He could not be incarnated, since God does not act by force, does not force us to do anything. Man is given complete freedom to respond to God with consent and love.
Church Tradition says that at the moment when The Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary, she read the book of the prophet Isaiah, just those words about the birth of the Messiah. “I am ready to become the last servant of the one who will be honored to give birth to the Messiah,” she thought.
This holiday is the only one of the Mother of God, which is mentioned in the Gospel (see the Gospel of Luke 1 chapter 26-38 verse):
26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee, called Nazareth,
27 to a virgin betrothed to a husband named Joseph, from the house of David; the name of the Virgin: Mary.
28 The angel, entering to her, said: Rejoice, full of grace! The Lord is with you; blessed are you among women.
29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his words, and wondered what kind of greeting it would be.
30 And the angel said to her, Fear not, Mary, for you have found favor with God;
31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb, and you will bear a Son, and you will call His name: Jesus.
32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father;
33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom shall have no end.
34 Mary said to the angel, How will it be when I do not know a husband?
35 The angel answered and said to her: The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore, the holy being born will be called the Son of God.
36 Behold, your relative Elizabeth, who is called barren, has conceived a son in her old age, and she is already six months old,
37 For with God no word will fail.
38 Then Mary said, Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word. And an angel departed from her.
Some ancient customs are associated with the Annunciation among the people.. They say that in Annunciation“The bird does not nest, the maiden does not weave braids”, i.e. all work is a sin.