The Annunciation in Orthodoxy is included in the list of twelve major holidays, that is, twelve most important after Easter.
On this day, the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary and announced the good news – that she would become the mother of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. The appearance of the angel to Mary is described by the evangelist Luke: “Rejoice, highly favored one! – said Gabriel. – The Lord is with you! Blessed are you among women.” “Behold the maidservant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word,” was Mary's response.
Why April 7?
The Annunciation is celebrated every year on the same day, which is April 7 in Orthodoxy.
Counting from this date, it turns out that there are exactly nine months between the Annunciation and Christmas (which, let us remind you, is on January 7) – that is, the period during which a woman carries a child. For Catholics, the day of the good news is considered to be March 25.
The coincidence of the Annunciation and Easter is called Kyriopascha, but this happens very rarely. The last time this occurred was in 1991, and the next Kyriopascha will not happen until 2075.
In several countries – both in the West and the East – the Annunciation was used as the starting point for the new year. Such a calendar was adopted in England until the mid-18th century.
History and Name of the Holiday
In fact, the name of the holiday – the Annunciation – has only been in use since the 7th century (whereas the holiday itself has been celebrated four centuries earlier).
Before this, the church referred to it as the “day of greeting,” “announcement,” “Greeting of Mary,” “Conception of Christ,” “Beginning of Redemption,” etc. The full name of the holiday in Orthodoxy is: The Annunciation of the Most Holy Lady, our Mother of God, and Ever-Virgin Mary.
Church Traditions
On the Annunciation, an all-night vigil takes place in churches, beginning with the Great Compline, and the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is read.
Clerics wear blue vestments on this holiday – this shade is a symbol of the Mother of God.
During the service, the essence of the holiday and the appearance of the angel to Mary is explained to all who come to the church that day. By the way, the church festive canons that are still performed on the Annunciation were composed as early as the 8th century.
If the holiday does not fall on Holy Week before Easter, there are possible relaxations for those fasting. For example, eating fish is permitted. However, since this year the day falls during Holy Week, the rules of dry eating must be observed.
Believers bake prosphora – small unleavened breads – at home and then have them blessed in the church during the liturgy.
Prosphora are made for each family member, and they must be eaten on an empty stomach. In ancient times, crumbs from the blessed breads were also added to the feed of domestic animals and mixed with grain – it was believed to ensure a better harvest.
Additionally, on the Annunciation, birds are released from cages in cathedrals and churches after the service – as a reminder of freedom for every creation of God. This custom existed for hundreds of years until the October Revolution and was revived in the 1990s.
Folk Customs
In the folk tradition, the Annunciation was also perceived as a symbol of the arrival of spring. Therefore, the traditions on this day are related to future sowing.
Farmers would bless the prepared grain: they would place an icon next to the tub where it was stored and recite a special prayer for a bountiful harvest.
It was forbidden to work or engage in household chores. “The bird does not build a nest, the maiden does not braid her hair,” is a saying specifically about the Annunciation.
Even leaving for work was considered a sin. Instead, the day should be devoted to good deeds – for example, there was a custom to treat the needy on this holiday.
Signs on the Annunciation
Clear weather on the Annunciation foretells a rich harvest and a warm summer. If there is still snow on this day – do not expect good yields. Rain promised good fishing and a fruitful autumn.
It is not advisable to wear new clothes on the Annunciation – they will not last and will quickly tear.
For health, one should wash their face with melted water on the Annunciation.
It is not recommended to lend anything to anyone on this day or to give anything from home, as it was believed that this would result in losses in the future.
However, if you make a wish on the Annunciation, it will surely come true.
Yuri POZHIDAEV.
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