Today, on 25 March, Orthodox believers celebrate one of the main feasts of the new church calendar – the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. According to the old calendar, it was celebrated on 7 April, but after the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) switched to the New Julian calendar, the date changed. Komersant ukrayinsky tells about the holiday and traditions of this day.
The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the twelve most important holidays. It was on this day that the archangel Gabriel told the Virgin Mary that she would give birth to the Son of God. Due to the transition of the OCU to the New Julian calendar, the feast of the Annunciation was postponed from 7 April to 25 March.
History of the holiday
This is one of the most important holidays in Christianity.
After Mary’s wedding to Joseph, the archangel Gabriel came to her in Nazareth with good news and brought the glad tidings (good news) that she would soon give birth to the Saviour Jesus Christ and said the following words: “Rejoice, you who are blessed, the Lord is with you! Blessed are you among women. And blessed is the fruit of your womb!”
What to do on the Annunciation
On the feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as well as on other great Christian events, believers are advised to put aside all their affairs, go to church and pray.
People ask the Mother of God for peace, prosperity, good health and protection from disease, help in business, forgiveness of sins, and thank her for the benefits they have received.
At this time, Lent continues, but according to the church’s charter, it is allowed to relax its rules a little by adding fish and seafood, hot dishes with oil, and wine to the diet.
What is forbidden on this day
On this day, as on all major holidays, you should not engage in physical labour or housework.
Sewing, knitting, and embroidery are prohibited. Cutting flowers and pruning trees is also prohibited.
Among the prohibitions that cannot be done today are quarreling, swearing, cursing and insulting someone, as well as envying, condemning, and refusing help.
It is considered a good deed to give alms; it is a sin to pass by someone who asks.
On the Annunciation, one should not give away anything from home, otherwise fate will be such that poverty will come.
Signs of the day
The weather on this day indicates what kind of Easter it will be:
- the sun is shining – there will be a good spring harvest;
- it’s raining – a mushroom summer;
- there is a thunderstorm – there will be a lot of nuts;
- there are few stars in the sky – chickens will lay few eggs.