We bring to your attention a selection of answers to the most common questions about the Annunciation.
Is it possible to eat fish on the Annunciation?
The Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos falls on the strictest post in the church year - Great. But in honor of this holiday, an indulgence is made in the gastronomic post - you can eat fish.
(Except for those cases when the Annunciation falls on Holy Week (as was the case in 2015). In this case, the charter allows food with vegetable oil).
What can you eat for the Annunciation?
In honor of the feast of the Annunciation, an indulgence is made in the gastronomic rules of Great Lent - you can eat fish. Meat, eggs, milk are still excluded from the meal.
(However, there are exceptions: if the Annunciation falls on Holy Week (as it was in 2015), fish is not allowed.)
Is it true that nothing can be done on the Annunciation?
This is a folk tradition, the main goal of which, rather, is to find a reason to justify one's inaction, failure to fulfill certain obligations.
In fact, there is no ban and cannot be. The Church says that on the day of the Annunciation, like other major church holidays, every believing Christian should try to put aside his affairs for the sake of being in the temple and praying. Further - a person is endowed with freedom and the right to choose. As an independent mature person, each of us has the right to reason and choose for himself what is best for him to do, based on his own capabilities and resources.
Also, we should think about our personal attitude to the holiday.
When a solemn event is planned for one of our loved ones, don't we try to postpone all our affairs as much as possible and spend this day with them?
Do we feel the same about the Annunciation? Do we perceive the Annunciation as a holiday? For many, unfortunately, this is just another event in the life of the Church and nothing more. We do not associate this holiday with ourselves ...
But still, you should always look at the situation. After all, no one knows what circumstances you are in. What are your obligations to your family or to your employer?
In any case, the main thing is not to get bogged down in fuss, worries, anger, irritation, etc. If possible, put aside everything that can prevent you from meeting this Holiday with joy and gratitude.
Is it possible to marry the Annunciation?
This year, the feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos falls on the 4th week (week) of Great Lent, and as we know, this is a special period of repentance and abstinence. Therefore, the church does not bless marriages on this day.
In rare cases, it happens that the Annunciation falls on Bright Week (the week after Easter), but even during this period weddings are not performed in churches.
We can say that Bright Week and Holy Week are a single period in the center of which is Easter.
On Holy Week, the last days of Christ's earthly life are remembered, and on Holy Week, the Church glorifies and sings of His Resurrection!
Therefore, all the attention of the Church is riveted to this great event.
In any case, if you just want to sign in the registry office, then state registration has nothing to do with the Church, here you have the right to make your own decision.
But if it is important for you to follow church traditions, then you can get married starting from the first Sunday after Easter - this is Antipascha (Anti means the opposite), popularly called Red Hill. Then you can safely get married and celebrate the event in a proper way, without conflicting with Orthodox traditions.
Is it possible to make a commemoration for the Annunciation?
On the Annunciation, as well as on other important and honored by the Church holidays, funeral services and prayers are not performed.
A holiday is a time of joy, so one should not be sad and sad on such a day. Especially if it falls during the period of fasting, when a person already does some work on himself.
In the life of the Church, everything has its place and time. There are days of special commemoration of the departed, when special prayers are made for the departed. And on ordinary days, certain prayers are read for the repose of the soul during divine services.
But you can also pray for your relatives and friends of the deceased on your own any day.
Is it possible to wash on the Annunciation?
The answer is unequivocal - you can.
Similar questions “Is it possible to wash on the Annunciation?” as a rule, they give rise to various folk wisdom, which are more related to paganism than to Orthodoxy.
This implies that on a holiday, as on any other significant day for the Church, it is necessary, if possible, to leave all worries, all the fuss and pay attention to the main event, in this case, the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos.
The Annunciation (that is, the good news) is the day when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary and announced to her the birth of the son of God Jesus Christ into the world. This is more than a worthy reason to put aside our less important affairs for the sake of temple attendance and prayer.
But if you walk around unwashed - this, of course, will give you a lot of inconvenience, irritation and all those unpleasant emotions that simply will not allow you to concentrate, and even more so to share the joy of this holiday with your loved ones.
Is it possible to work for the Annunciation?
In Rus', there was a tradition not to work on the day of the Annunciation. The peasants did not go to the fields, but devoted their entire time to the Orthodox celebration. But even then, in past centuries, and now, there is no prohibition to work as such. Another thing is that it is better to use the hours of this day for deeds of prayer and mercy. Go to the temple with the whole family, pray to the Lord and the Mother of God, share the joy of the holiday with other parishioners of the temple.
The Church also blesses on the Annunciation (as well as on other Orthodox celebrations) to help those who need it most. Visit your elderly relatives, go with volunteers to an orphanage, transfer a donation for an operation to a sick child.
Is it possible to embroider on the Annunciation?
In Rus', girls did not embroider on the Annunciation, because there was a tradition to put off all household chores for the sake of prayer and a joyful meeting of the holiday. In our time, this custom has been preserved only in part, but most often believers try to devote the whole day to God on April 7th. Go to the temple, gather the whole family at the festive table.
Is it possible to get a haircut on the Annunciation?
Doubt about whether it is possible to have a haircut on the Annunciation arose because of an old saying: "A bird does not nest, a maiden does not weave braids." This proverb, of course, is not a strict ban on having a haircut and combing your hair; rather, it says that on this important day for every Christian, it is worth putting aside all vain, everyday things and focusing on the meaning of the holiday. Read the Gospel, attend a church service, do something good for your neighbor, get together with your family and share joy with each other.
Is it possible to clean the house for the Annunciation?
In Rus', it was customary to do all the housework before the feast of the Annunciation, so that on April 7 (according to the new style) to wake up in a clean hut and not be distracted by the fuss. Believers both then and now try to devote this day to prayer and joyful fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ.
Is it possible to take communion at the Annunciation?
Of course, you can take communion at the Annunciation.
Is it possible to knit for the Annunciation?
Needlewomen in Rus' on the feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos put off their sewing and knitting until the evening. It was believed that on this day you can not do anything around the house.
In our time, the Church also recommends that Christians put aside worldly, vain deeds in order to dedicate this day to the Lord and the Mother of God. Pray at home and in the temple, do some good deed for your neighbor, gather relatives and friends at a solemn meal.
What can not be done on the Annunciation?
The Church does not give any specific prescriptions and prohibitions.
It is necessary to stop paying attention to signs, beliefs, which have nothing to do with the life and world of the Church.
Following contrived rules limits one's own freedom.
And in such a state, what kind of joy and gratitude can we talk about?
Orthodoxy is the religion of adults, mature people. No one is forcing or forcing us. We make our own choice. And only in this way can we consciously come to something, get deeply acquainted with traditions, with meanings.
When I understand the meaning for which I am doing something, then the attitude to what is happening will be completely different.
Is it possible to baptize on the Annunciation?
You can baptize on the Annunciation, as on any other day of the church year. The Sacrament of Baptism is performed on Lenten, on ordinary days, and on holidays. But on the twelfth and great holidays, the priests of many churches are very busy, so they may offer to postpone the baptism to another day. The date and time of the christening must be agreed in advance in a particular church or with a particular priest.
Is it possible to dig the earth before the Annunciation?
It is possible to dig the earth before the Annunciation, if weather conditions and soil conditions allow. There is no need to associate your household worries with the church calendar. The Annunciation is a non-transitory holiday, and, apparently, therefore, it is convenient for many to navigate precisely by its date. But do not forget that the day of the Annunciation is not the basis for building a schedule of agricultural work, but a reminder of the great event that marked the beginning of our Salvation.
Is it possible to plant before the Annunciation?
You can plant until the Annunciation. There is no need to associate the beginning of gardening with the church calendar. In these matters, you need to focus on climatic conditions, planting calendars, experience, etc. The church gives people more important guidelines than the date of sowing the beds. The church leads people for Christ. And even during the planting season, you should not forget about it.
Is it possible to put up a fence before the Annunciation?
You can put up a fence before the Annunciation. This and similar prohibitions (borrowing or lending, cutting or even combing your hair, putting on new clothes and starting new business on the Annunciation) are just superstitions. Moreover, among such absurd beliefs, there is even this: on the Annunciation, you must definitely steal something - and this will supposedly bring happiness. Sin cannot bring happiness. Belief in omens and superstitions is a sin that the saints have called to fear since ancient times. Relying on such "rules", a person completely forgets about God, His providence, His help and his own prayer.
Is it possible to cook on the Annunciation?
Of course, you can cook on the Annunciation. Otherwise, you risk being left alone and leaving your loved ones hungry.
The idea that it is impossible to cook on the Annunciation, apparently, originates in the folk "wisdom": "on the Annunciation, the bird does not build a nest, the maiden does not weave a braid." That is, it is assumed that nothing can be done on such a big holiday. In fact, the tradition of not working on holidays among our ancestors had a practical justification: holidays and Sundays should be dedicated to God, and not to daily fuss.
On the Annunciation, you can cook and do all the usual things, but at the same time you need to find time to go to the temple, pray and feel the meaning of this great and joyful event that marked the beginning of the entire gospel story.
Is it possible to sign the Annunciation?
You can sign the Annunciation, but, following the church rules, it is better to choose another day for painting.
The Annunciation always falls either on Great Lent or (very rarely) on Bright Week. These are special periods of the year when the sacrament of the wedding is not performed in the Church. The time of Great Lent is a time of repentance and prayer, Bright Week is the time of Paschal joy, the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ. Moreover, although weddings on the twelfth (that is, the main after Easter) holidays are not prohibited, they are usually not performed, as believers try to live this day with the Church, rejoicing in common joy.
If, for one reason or another, the newlyweds need to formalize their relationship in the registry office on the Annunciation, then they can do it. But the Church does not bless to celebrate a wedding, arrange a feast and start your married life from this very day.
Is it possible to clean the graves before the Annunciation?
You can clean up the graves before the Annunciation.
The Church does not have any strict instructions on which days it is necessary to put things in order on the graves of deceased loved ones. But believers do not go to the cemetery (with the exception of funerals) on major holidays, as well as on Holy Week and from Easter to Radonitsa, because during this period all the attention of a Christian is focused on the gospel events - the death of the Cross and the Resurrection of Christ.
During Lent, which usually falls on the Annunciation, there are three Sabbath days (Parental Saturdays) dedicated to the commemoration of the dead. On such days, you need to go and pray for them in the temple. But it is not forbidden to go to the cemetery after the memorial service. You can clean up the graves on any other day of fasting, but after Palm Sunday, they go to the cemetery only on Radonitsa - the day of special all-church commemoration of the dead, which falls on the second Tuesday after Easter.
The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated every year on April 7 (March 25 according to the church calendar) - exactly nine months before the birth of Christ.
“On this day, the Virgin Mary heard the joyful news of the heavenly messenger that She was chosen to become the Mother of the Savior of the world. “Hail, Gracious One,” the Angel greeted Her, and these words were, in essence, the first good news for humanity after it broke its connection with God as a result of the fall,” the site said. Priest Georgy Kalyadin from Nevinnomyssk.
The ancient Christians called the holiday differently: “Conception of Christ”, “Annunciation of Christ”, “Beginning of Redemption”, “Annunciation of the Angel of Mary”. Only in the 7th century was the modern name fixed - the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
What should be done on the Annunciation?
Among Orthodox Christians, it is customary to dedicate this day to God, and worldly affairs should be postponed. A Russian proverb about the Annunciation says: "The bird does not nest, the maiden does not weave braids."
“Of course, this is not about doing nothing that day and lying on the couch in front of the TV,” the priest explains. - You can comb your hair and braid a braid, you just shouldn’t give too much effort to everyday affairs. It is better to take care of the purity of the soul and devote time to the spiritual life.”
The Annunciation has been one of the favorite holidays of the Russian people since ancient times. It is closely connected with the change of seasons: it was believed that it was on this day that winter finally receded, therefore, after the holiday, the peasants began work, and the beekeepers often took out the beehives to the Annunciation.Before the revolution of 1917, it was customary to bring songbirds to temples and churches and set them free. Now the traditions are followed, as a rule, by priests: they release white doves from their cages, and the parishioners admire the birds flying across the sky. This ceremony is also carried out in the Stavropol Territory.
“There are several explanations for this tradition,” Father George shared. “Doves symbolize either the Holy Spirit, or the human soul, which languished in a cage of sin, but through the Good News received hope for freedom.”
How to fast on the Annunciation?
The holiday often falls during Lent. Since this is a special date, believers are allowed some indulgences, such as eating fish. It is worth preparing food in advance so as not to waste time on this holiday.
Like any major church holiday, the Annunciation has its own important rules and prohibitions, violating which you can anger the Lord. To prevent this from happening, find out what you can and can't do on April 7, 2019.
The full name of the holiday is the Annunciation of Our Most Holy Lady Theotokos and Everlasting Mary. This is a non-transitory celebration, that is, its date does not change. Every year the Annunciation is celebrated by the Orthodox world on April 7th. On this day, an archangel descended to the Mother of God with the good news that the Lord had chosen her to fulfill prophecy and free people from sin.
For hundreds of years, their own traditions of the holiday have developed, which are important to observe even now. Despite the fact that the feast falls on the time of Great Lent, a festive service is held in the churches and the rite of breaking bread is performed. On the Annunciation, believers pray before the icons of the Mother of God for help in various situations.
What not to do on the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
First of all, it should be noted that the meaning of various restrictions is not that people are forbidden to do something, but that a church holiday is a day that must be completely dedicated to the Lord and spiritual pursuits. It is important to get away from worldly fuss and turn your thoughts to God.
From time immemorial, the Annunciation has been considered a day of complete rest. It corresponds to humility, silent meditation, prayer, good deeds. Try not to overshadow this great day with sadness, strife, anger. You can’t swear, conflict, blame, swear, you need to show more warmth and love towards loved ones, help the poor and do good deeds.
Do not take on hard work. If you have a long trip planned for April 7, it is best to postpone it to the next day, and dedicate this one to prayers. On a holy holiday, household chores are prohibited if they go to the detriment of prayers and church attendance.
The ban is imposed on any work related to the land and plants. It is generally accepted that it is on April 7 that God blesses everything that grows, so trees cannot be cut. Also, under the ban on financial affairs, in particular, you should not lend any things or lend money - this can attract trouble.
On the Annunciation, the clergy do not hold weddings and do not serve requiems, so their dates are postponed to another time. The clergy urge believers not to abandon their usual daily routine, but to remember that it is important to adhere to religious canons on this holiday. Fun in noisy establishments, drinking alcohol, indulging in bad habits and temptations should be excluded.
What can you do April 7, 2019
Priests advise Orthodox believers to postpone important matters for another day in order to have time to visit the church and glorify the Mother of God with prayers. There are no work bans, but we must not forget that the main rule of any church holiday is going to church, and this should not be neglected.
On April 7, 2019, indulgence is allowed in the strict menu of Great Lent, and believers can afford dishes with fish.
The white dove became the symbol of the Annunciation. In many Orthodox churches on April 7, white doves are launched into the sky, which personify the happy news. It is believed that the birds will bring news of the good deeds of people to the Lord, as well as convey important requests.
Despite prejudice, on the day of the holiday you can wash. The Church does not prohibit hygiene procedures that are necessary. It is also not forbidden to do laundry and do small household chores.
It is not forbidden to baptize children on the Annunciation, however, on this day, priests are usually busy with festive services, which will require a lot of time to be spent waiting. Therefore, it is recommended to schedule the sacrament for another, freer day.
Everything related to work, needlework and household chores can be done if you devote due time to good deeds, prayers, and communication with your family.
When the day of the great feast comes, the task of the believers is to see to it that all the rules and instructions are fulfilled. This is necessary for a calm and happy life, as well as to attract well-being and support from Above. be happyand don't forget to press the buttons and
03.04.2019 05:42
On April 7, Orthodox Christians celebrate one of the main church holidays. This event was a turning point for...
Today, Orthodox Christians celebrate the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary - one of the 12 most important holidays in the church calendar. The editors of the St. Petersburg TV channel prepared a detailed information about the history and traditions of this day.
All Orthodox Christians today, April 7, celebrate the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was on this day that the Archangel Gabriel brought the good news to the Virgin Mary about the immaculate conception of Jesus Christ. The event is described in the Gospel of Luke.
history of the holiday
According to the law, the Blessed Virgin was brought up in the temple until she was 14 years old. After She was considered an adult and had to get married. However, the Mother of God wished to remain innocent forever, which she announced to God.
Then the priests betrothed Her to the 80-year-old elder Joseph, who was supposed to take care of Mary, take care of Her.
9 months before the Nativity of Christ, the Messenger of God, the Archangel Gabriel, appeared to the Blessed Virgin, who was reading the Holy Scriptures. He informed Mary that she had received the greatest grace and would become the Mother of the Son of God.
Traditions of the Annunciation
Traditionally, on April 7, priests and ministers of temples put on blue clothes, and believers go to church, where they light unleavened buns - prosphora. It is customary to bake them the day before, one piece per family member. They eat this bread on an empty stomach.
Another tradition is the release of birds. Feathers symbolize the good news and freedom from sin. However, in order not to cause harm to the winged ones, trained carrier pigeons are released into the sky, which make several circles and return to the nursery.
Women on the feast of the Annunciation pray for a successful marriage, family well-being and the birth of children.
Our ancestors on this day especially carefully watched nature. So, it was believed that rain, thunder and wind are the harbingers of a good harvest. And sunny and clear weather on April 7 speaks of a bad summer.
What can you do on April 7
It is customary to devote most of the day to prayer and communication with relatives. Orthodox must go to church and confess.
You can be baptized on the Annunciation. The church does not prohibit the ceremony on this day, but getting into the temple on April 7 is usually extremely difficult.
The Feast of the Annunciation falls on Great Lent, which lasts until Easter. For almost 7 weeks, believers adhere to special rules of behavior and nutrition: you can not eat meat, animal fat, dairy products and eggs. But on April 7, fasting people are allowed to eat fish.
Despite the fact that on Twelfth Feasts it is customary to leave all worldly affairs for later, on the Annunciation you can and even need to wash.
What is forbidden to do on the Annunciation
Orthodox on the day of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos should refrain from physical work. Doing housework, digging in the garden, knitting on April 7 is impossible. Cooking before evening is also not recommended.
Don't get married on this day. The Annunciation falls on Great Lent, which implies especially strict abstinence, so the church has a negative attitude towards marriages concluded at this time. The ban does not apply to the registry office: young people can sign, and come to church after the end of the fast.
On April 7, as on any other day, people should not quarrel, lose heart, gossip and slander. To protect yourself from failure, it is better not to lend money.
In addition, it is believed that women should not change their hairstyle. Haircut and coloring will have to be postponed.
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The Feast of the Annunciation, according to customs, occurs three weeks before Easter. The holiday itself, according to history, heralds a new era in the history of mankind, because according to legend, on this day the Archangel Gabriel came to Mary from Nazareth to announce to her the immaculate conception and the birth of the Son of God. What can and cannot be done on this day - read in our material.
The Feast of the Annunciation is celebrated exactly nine months before the Nativity of Christ and three weeks before Easter. At the same time, this holiday is celebrated every year at the same time - April 7 and does not depend on the church calendar. In addition, the Annunciation is considered one of the 12 most important Christian holidays. Many rules and beliefs are associated with this day in church traditions and folk beliefs.
What can and should be done during the Annunciation
On this day, the church is recommended to Orthodox believers to put aside all their affairs in order to visit the church and pray. On this day, you can work, but you can not overwork and forget about prayer. It is believed that on the Annunciation it is necessary to cleanse your soul of negativity, so you should not neglect the holiday.
In addition, on this day, an indulgence is allowed on the Lent menu and you can afford fish products if you follow the canons of fasting.
- On the Annunciation, it is allowed to tell fortunes for the future, since it is believed that today the divine forces themselves will show you the right path.
- You can wash and do other household chores.
- It is possible to perform baptism during the Annunciation, but usually on this day the clergy are busy holding a festive service and taking communion. Therefore, it is worth transferring the sacrament to another suitable day for this.
- Everything related to needlework, whether it be knitting, embroidery or other work, can be done if you devote due time to prayers and family.
- If on the Annunciation from morning to midnight you call your husband “dear” forty times, the whole year the husband will love and groom.
- Also on this day, you can “steal” something - for happiness. That is, take some small thing with you - a pen, pencil or other small things. They are believed to bring good luck.
- In addition, on this day you need to burn salt for happiness and health, and then scatter it in the wind - it is believed that this way you can get rid of diseases.
- On this day, funeral or memorial services and prayers are also held.
However, a number of prohibitions and prohibitions also apply to the Annunciation.
What not to do on the Annunciation:
- On this day, any household work is prohibited, as well as sewing and cooking. It is customary to finish all chores and cleaning the day before.
- On this day, it is advisable to stay at home and refuse to travel in order to be with your family and it is not recommended to borrow or borrow anything.
- In some regions, there is also a belief that new things should not be worn on the Annunciation, as they can deteriorate. And also not accepted to shave.
- On the day of the week that falls on April 7, no new business can be started throughout the year. They won't be successful.
- There is a belief that you can’t cut, dye or comb your hair on the Annunciation - you can confuse your fate.
- April 7, you can not work in the garden and cut trees. Many believe that it is on this day that the Lord blesses all plants so that they quickly sprout and turn green.
Earlier we talked about what other holidays and what signs exist on this day.
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