In the strict period of Lent, believers are given one day for rest and joy, giving strength and helping to pass the test of fasting to the end. It is about the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin. On this day it is allowed to slightly relax the ban on entertainment and diversify the meager lean diet.
The first mention of the Annunciation was attributed to the III century, and the first celebrations - to the VII century. Today it is almost the most important feast of the twelve, bearing a deep meaning and having immense significance for believing people of different countries. The meaning of the great holiday is concentrated in its very name. Humanity in the person of the Virgin Mary was the "good news" from the archangel Gabriel about the Virgin's immaculate conception and the subsequent birth of a savior. Mary agreed to obey the will of the Lord by showing the strength of faith and free will. This is the deep meaning of the holiday, which annually encourages every person: in the unity of the power of the Lord and the will of man!
Annunciation in 2016: what number are Orthodox and Catholics celebrating
The holiday of hope and joy of all mankind annually comes to us at different times. And what date should the Annunciation be expected in 2016? Orthodox - April 7, Catholics - March 25. That is, exactly 9 months before Christmas.
The main attributes of the holiday are still considered to be:
- the ray of light that the Holy Spirit descended upon
- spinning wheel, which Maria was engaged in at the time of the appearance of the Archangel Gabriel
- the branch of the palm tree with which Gabriel came to the virgin
- lily, personifying purity, purity, sublimity of feelings and thoughts
Annunciation 2016: what can not be done
After learning about the number of the Annunciation in 2016, it is also worth remembering the ancient signs and symbolic rituals. Many Christians still do not know: can one wash his head on the Annunciation or not, is it allowed to farm, prepare food, clean the house?
According to the gifts, on such a day it is strictly forbidden to do anything with hair. Otherwise, you can unintentionally confuse yourself with the fate and good intentions of the angels. It is also impossible to engage in any work on the day of the Annunciation of the Holy Virgin. So it's easy to lure mischief into your home. But you can rest, guess, perform rituals and observe the signs.
Signs on a bright church holiday
- No swallows - expect a cold summer.
- Rain on the Annunciation - to a good harvest of rye. Thunderstorm - to the abundance of nuts.
- Fog, frost or wind on a holiday is a good harvest in the season.
- How to spend the Annunciation, so the year will fly by. You will swear - will pass in litter.
You will do good in peace and prosperity.
Special rituals are enjoyed by rituals held on the day of the Holy Annunciation. Some of them are aimed at good health for the whole family, others - for well-being and a magnificent harvest. But all of them are interesting and peculiar in their own way:
- On this day, they made a lot of noise and rumbled. Thus, evil spirits and wild cattle were driven away for a whole year.
- Women tried to stock up the maximum amount of prosphora. It was chopped and eaten at dinner by all members of the family, crumbs left to livestock.
- Earlier on the day of the Annunciation, pigeons were released into the sky. The birds had to inform the angels about the good deeds of man and ask for rewards.
- On the night before the holiday, they "warmed up" the spring and urged her to come quickly, kindling large bonfires, throwing straw, garbage, old rags.
Annunciation 2016 is a great day, bringing joy to every person and reminding of the true essence of happiness and hope.