On March 18, 2024, Great Lent begins, lasting 48 days and culminating in Easter. The first day of Great Lent will be Clean Monday. This event, significant for believers, is accompanied by numerous traditions and omens rooted in antiquity.
Clean Monday: What Should Be Done
The first day of Great Lent, known as Clean Monday, has several other names. In the past, it was called:
Jilyavy Monday;
Humpbacked Monday;
Sorrowful Monday after Maslenitsa;
Poloskizub.
Our ancestors began Clean Monday with church services. On this day, prayers for repentance are read in churches. This tradition has been preserved to this day. After the prayer, people returned home and started cleaning. After Maslenitsa and noisy celebrations, it was customary to tidy up, as Great Lent should be welcomed in a clean house.
Clean Monday requires neatness in everything. This also applies to appearance. In the past, people visited the bathhouse, washed with well water, and the bravest plunged into the icy water while wearing clean clothes. If there were no new clothes, they tried to ensure that old clothes had no wear and tear or holes.
Clean Monday is considered a good time for transplanting indoor plants. Ancient observations show that flowers take root well and grow actively on this day.
Leftover food from Maslenitsa was fed to pets and the homeless. It was forbidden to finish it, and throwing it away was also prohibited. Such actions could lead to family problems and illnesses.
What Food Can Be Consumed on Clean Monday
The first three days of Great Lent are considered the strictest. Believers observing the fast refrain from food during this time and drink only clean water. However, only healthy people can afford this. Those with health issues should avoid such restrictions and, in any case, consult a doctor.
Since Clean Monday is considered a continuation of Forgiveness Sunday, it is also customary to ask each other for forgiveness on this day.
Since ancient times, there has been a belief that if something is eaten on Clean Monday and the mouth is not rinsed, one may see unclean forces in a dream, become frightened, and fall ill.
The first week of Great Lent is considered the most difficult. A person needs to adjust not only in nutrition but also in daily habits. It is important to pay attention to the diet, excluding meat, fish, dairy products, eggs, and oil.
Clean Monday: Folk Omens
In the past, people believed that with Clean Monday, spring truly begins to assert its rights. If the weather is clear on this day, the summer will be bountiful. There will be enough wheat, vegetables, and fruits. If birds are noisy outside the windows, it indicates a thaw.
There was another omen related to household matters. On this day, people awaited who would be the first to enter the house. If it was a man, they rejoiced, as it meant that the year would be successful in all respects.
Clean Monday: What Cannot Be Done
Our ancestors knew that Clean Monday should be spent in labor. Therefore, one of the main prohibitions is idleness. During this time, it is forbidden to:
Be lazy, evade work duties — this leads to financial difficulties.
Leave dirty dishes after eating — the whole year can be spent in dirt.
Visit friends. This prohibition applies to women and children — they may fall ill.
Consume alcohol — this leads to ailments and financial problems.
On Clean Monday, it is forbidden to swear, argue with loved ones, or raise one's voice at elders. A clean day requires purity in relationships and respect.
