"Rejoice, blessed one, the Lord is with you! Blessed are You among women." It was with this phrase, according to the records of the evangelist Luke, that Archangel Gabriel greeted the Virgin Mary before giving her the good news - the news of the future birth of Jesus Christ. So it is not surprising that millions of Christian believers around the world now celebrate this event, known as the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. And Online.YUA will now tell you more about this holiday, its history and the traditions associated with it. And will also share appropriate congratulations in honor of this significant event.
When is the feast of the Annunciation
Due to the fact that from 2024 the Orthodox Church of Ukraine switched to a new calendar - the New Julian calendar, the dates of many holidays, including the Annunciation, have shifted. So now it is celebrated on March 25. Exactly 9 months before the official Christmas.
The essence of the Annunciation holiday
In general, the meaning of this holiday is not only that our Lord has his own plans for everyone, but also that people should humbly accept these plans - like the Virgin Mary. Yes, she asked a question, but after that she accepted what the angel said: "Here, the Servant of the Lord; let it be to Me according to your word."
The same applies to the Virgin Mary's husband - Joseph the Betrothed. After the same archangel Gabriel appeared to him in a dream, he also accepted the fate prepared for him.
Therefore, even modern people need to accept that some events just happen - and they cannot influence them. They must be accepted and continue to live on. Which is very similar to the recommendations of psychologists regarding the normal response to stress and anxiety-provoking events.
Traditions of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
According to historical data, the Annunciation was first officially celebrated sometime in the middle of the 6th century. However, mentions of it date back to the III century, so it is truly one of the oldest church holidays. And it is not surprising that many traditions have managed to form around him. Both church and folk.
On this day, some relaxation of the Great Fast is permissible - you can eat fish, seafood and oil. A small amount of wine is also allowed.
Of course, as on all twelfth holidays, it is necessary to attend a church service.
It is possible and even necessary to read religious texts independently, since, according to the apocrypha, on the day of receiving the good news, the Virgin Mary was reading the Book of the prophet Isaiah.
On this day, it is customary to release birds, especially white pigeons. But this is an official tradition, and ordinary people limited themselves to letting birds and livestock into the yard. Even domestic cats and dogs should be "walked" like this.
You can prepare "annunciation salt". That is, the hostess collected a pinch of salt from each householder in a bag, roasted it in the oven and kept it in case of illness. And a year later - before the new Annunciation, this salt had to be burned.
What can not be done on the Annunciation
You can't do physical work and housework. That is, yes, it is better to prepare and clean the house in advance.
It is absolutely impossible to sew or knit. Which is rather unusual considering that according to the apocryphal texts, on this very day the Virgin Mary was supposed to weave a new church veil for the Jerusalem temple.
You can't quarrel, argue, use offensive words.
It is not recommended to travel on this day.
Don't lend money.
You cannot cut or dye your hair - there is even a folk saying about this: "On the Annunciation, a bird does not build a nest, a girl does not weave braids." But you can wash your hair, if anything.
It is strictly forbidden to engage in work related to plants. That is, digging a vegetable garden, trimming trees, transplanting seedlings. It is believed that on this day the Mother of God blesses all plants, so you should not disturb her.
Signs of the Annunciation
In the folk calendar, this day is associated with the following signs:
If the night is warm, the spring will be warm.
Morning fog means a high chance of flooding and significant river flooding.
A combination of fog and wind - to a harvest summer.
A sunny and cloudless day - to a hot, stormy and fire-dangerous summer.
Migratory birds appeared - until early summer.
Thunderstorm and thunder - to a good harvest of nuts, and rain - to a bountiful harvest of rye and a large number of fish.
It is also believed that the weather on the Annunciation determines what the weather will be like on Easter.
Congratulations on the feast of the Annunciation
With the Annunciation! May the Mother of God protect you and your family from sorrows, troubles and illnesses, and also lead you by the hand through life, protecting you from sins and mistakes, may happiness and success always accompany you in all endeavors, may every morning be good, peace and well-being in family!
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Congratulations on the feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos! We rejoice at the good news received by the Virgin Mary from the Archangel Gabriel. May your life also bring only good news, protecting you from misfortunes, troubles and worries, so that peace of mind, human joys and happiness will always be with you.
Today, on this holy, bright holiday of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos, I want to wish everyone strong faith, warmth in the house, peace of mind and pious thoughts! May only peace and prosperity always reign around you, and may all troubles bypass your family and relatives!
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The Feast of the Annunciation has come to us,
I welcome you, friends, in the spring time!
The good news came on this significant day,
And after that, Easter will come later.
The Archangel announced that she was a "wife"
Holy Mary, chosen by God,
And she heard from the holy lips,
Who will give birth to a son and name him Jesus.
Good news and joy for all people -
Freedom from death on this momentous day!
May joy and goodness live in the heart,
Faith in God sprouts like a holy seed!
Conclusion
Twentieth holidays are considered the most important for every Christian for a reason - because they are directly related to key events in the life of our Savior - Jesus Christ, and his mother - the Virgin Mary. And the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos is the first of them. So, dear readers, Happy Annunciation to you! And let there be more good news in your life than sad news.
