Is it possible to clean up on the feast of the Annunciation? What not to do on the Annunciation

Before the great holiday of Easter, all believers will have to celebrate another equally important and joyful day - the Annunciation. Annunciation is not moving holiday, and is celebrated annually on April 7th. If we consider the historical context of the holiday, then it was on this day that the Archangel Gabriel told the Virgin Mary the news that she would bear a fetus, which after birth would become the Savior of the whole world. Only after the Virgin Mary gave her consent did it happen virgin birth, which turned the whole story upside down. The significance of the holiday cannot be overestimated, and what cannot be done on the Annunciation and what can be done on this day?

How does the Annunciation take place?

Like many others religious holidays, is a special day that has its own traditions and signs. It is customary on this day to go to church, where the Most Pure Virgin Mary is glorified, prayers of gratitude to God are said, and the memory of the messenger of the good news, Archangel Gabriel, is honored. Also, in the church there is a consecration of the prosphora, which you need to take home. It is believed that if you store such prosphora at home, it will protect you from the troubles of disease and other misfortunes.

For a long time, on this day, after the service in the temple, white doves were released. Today, many churches adhere to this custom, which was only partially revived in small churches in 1995.

Also, there is a belief that on the Annunciation the sky is open to requests and prayers, so you can ask for what you really want, and it will certainly come true.
Therefore, for the Annunciation you need to go to church, bring home the prosphora, and also remember to pray and use your chance to ask something from the Lord. Also, on this day, despite the fact that it is a period of fasting, you can cook fish for a festive meal.

What not to do on Annunciation

Most main prohibition on the Annunciation is a ban on all work. You cannot work on this day, as it is considered a sin. Also, there are other signs that are associated with prohibitions on this day:

You cannot give or take anything out of the house for the Annunciation; this also applies to borrowing money, since if you give something away, your health and prosperity will go away along with it;
You cannot cut, dye or do any other manipulations with your hair during the holiday. It is believed that this way you can confuse your fate, this applies to both knitting and sewing. By the way, in ancient times, girls did not even comb their hair or put it in a braid for the Annunciation;
You cannot start any new business on April 7, as it will not turn out to be successful;
Also, you cannot put on new clothes, because once you get dirty on the Annunciation, you can’t wash off the stains;
So as not to miss the angelic light that was sent to the Virgin Mary good news, you can’t light lamps or candles in your houses when it gets dark.
You also cannot engage in land work, since planting a harvest will not bring good results.

On the Annunciation, the Lord blesses all life on earth, nature begins to wake up after a hard and cold winter, so you should not disturb it. The best thing that can and should be done on the Annunciation is to devote time to prayers and God, and also to spend the holiday in a cozy family circle, without quarrels, disputes and showdowns.

We present to your attention a selection of answers to the most common questions about the Annunciation.

Is it possible to eat fish on Annunciation?
Annunciation Holy Mother of God falls on the most strict fast in the church year - Great. But in honor of this holiday, there is a relaxation in the gastronomic fast - you can eat fish.

(Except for those cases when the Annunciation falls on Holy Week(as it was in 2015). In this case, the charter allows food with vegetable oil).

What can you eat on Annunciation?
In honor of the Feast of the Annunciation, the gastronomic rules of Lent are relaxed - you can eat fish. Meat, eggs, and milk are still excluded from the meal.

(However, there are exceptions: if the Annunciation falls on Holy Week (as was the case in 2015), fish is not allowed.)

Is it true that nothing can be done on the Annunciation?
This folk tradition, the main goal of which, rather, is to find a reason to justify one’s inaction and failure to fulfill certain obligations.

In fact, there is no prohibition and there cannot be. The Church says that on the day of the Annunciation, like other great church holidays, every Christian believer should try to put aside their affairs for the sake of being present in church and praying. Further, a person is endowed with freedom and the right to choose. As an independent mature person, each of us has the right to reason for ourselves and choose how best to act, based on our own capabilities and resources.

We should also think about our personal attitude towards the holiday.

When one of our loved ones has a special event coming up, don’t we try to put off everything we do as much as possible and spend the day with them?

Do we feel the same way about the Annunciation? Do we perceive the Annunciation as a holiday? For many, unfortunately, this is just another event in the life of the Church and nothing more. We don’t associate this holiday with ourselves in any way...

But still, you always have to look at the situation. After all, no one knows what circumstances you are in. What obligations do you have to your family or to your employer?
In any case, the main thing is not to get bogged down in vanity, worries, anger, irritation, etc. If possible, put aside anything that might prevent you from celebrating this Holiday with joy and gratitude.

Is it possible to marry on the Annunciation?
This year, the Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary falls on the 4th week (week) of Lent, and as we know, this is a special period of repentance and abstinence. Therefore, the church does not bless marriages on this day.

In rare cases, it happens that the Annunciation falls on Bright Week (the week after Easter), but even during this period weddings do not take place in churches.

We can say that Bright Week and Holy Week are a single period in the center of which is Easter.

During Holy Week we remember last days earthly life of Christ, and on Light Church glorifies and glorifies His Resurrection!

Therefore, all the attention of the Church is focused on this Great event.

In any case, if you just want to sign at the registry office, then state registration has nothing to do with the Church; here you have the right to make your own decision.

But if it's important for you to follow church traditions, then you can get married starting from the first resurrection after Easter - this is Antipascha (Anti means opposite), popularly called Red Hill. Then you can safely get married and celebrate the event in a proper way, without conflicting with Orthodox traditions.

Is it possible to have a funeral service for the Annunciation?
On the Annunciation, as well as on other important and revered holidays by the Church, funeral services and prayers are not performed.

A holiday is a time of joy, so one should not be sad or sad on such a day. Especially if it falls during the period of fasting, when a person already does some work on himself.

In the life of the Church there is a place and time for everything. There are days special commemoration the deceased when they are committed deep prayers for the deceased. And on ordinary days during worship, certain prayers are read for the repose of the soul.

But you can also pray for your loved ones who have died on your own any day.

Is it possible to wash on the Annunciation?

The answer is clear - you can.

Similar questions: “Is it possible to wash on the Annunciation?” usually give rise to different folk wisdom, which are more related to paganism than to Orthodoxy.

What is meant here is that on a holiday, as on any other day significant for the Church, it is necessary, if possible, to leave all worries, all vanity and pay attention to the main event, in in this case- Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Annunciation (that is, good news) is the day when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary and announced to her the birth of the son of God Jesus Christ into the world. This is a more than worthy reason to put aside our less significant affairs for the sake of visiting the temple and praying.

But if you walk around unwashed, this, of course, will cause you a lot of inconvenience, irritation and all those unpleasant emotions that simply will not allow you to concentrate, much less share the joy of this holiday with your loved ones.

Is it possible to work for the Annunciation?

In Rus' there was a tradition not to work on the day of the Annunciation. The peasants did not go to the field, but devoted their entire time to the Orthodox celebration. But even then, in past centuries, and now, there is no prohibition to work as such. Another thing is that it is better to spend the hours of this day on works of prayer and mercy. Go with the whole family to the temple, pray to the Lord and Mother of God, share the joy of the holiday with other parishioners of the temple.

The Church also blesses on the Annunciation (as, indeed, on other Orthodox celebrations) to help those who need it most. Visit your elderly relatives, go with volunteers to orphanage, transfer a donation for an operation for a sick child.

Is it possible to embroider for the Annunciation?

In Rus', girls did not embroider for the Annunciation, because there was a tradition of putting off all household chores for the sake of prayer and a joyful celebration of the holiday. In our time, this custom has only partially been preserved, but most often believers try to devote the entire day of April 7 to God. Go to church, gather the whole family at the festive table.

Is it possible to get a haircut for the Annunciation?

Doubts about whether it is possible to get a haircut on the Annunciation arose because of an old saying: “A bird does not build a nest, a maiden does not braid her hair.” This saying, of course, is not strict ban cutting and combing your hair, she rather says that on this important day for every Christian it is worth putting aside everything vain and everyday and focusing on the meaning of the holiday. Read the Gospel, attend a church service, do something good for your neighbor, get together as a family and share joy with each other.

Is it possible to clean the house for the Annunciation?

In Rus', it was customary to do all the housework before the Feast of the Annunciation, so that on April 7 (new style) you would wake up in a clean hut and not be distracted by the bustle. Believers, both then and now, try to devote this day to prayer and joyful communication with brothers and sisters in Christ.

Is it possible to receive communion at the Annunciation?

Of course, you can receive communion at the Annunciation.

Is it possible to knit for the Annunciation?

On the feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, needlewomen in Rus' put off their sewing and knitting until the evening. It was believed that on this day one should not do anything around the house.

In our time, the Church also recommends that Christians put aside worldly, vain affairs in order to devote this day to the Lord and the Mother of God. Pray at home and in church, do some good deed for your neighbor, gather family and friends for a solemn meal.

What should you not do on Annunciation?

The Church does not give any specific instructions or prohibitions.

We need to stop paying attention to signs and beliefs that have nothing to do with the life and world of the Church.

Following far-fetched rules limits your own freedom.

And in such a state, what kind of joy and gratitude can we talk about?

Orthodoxy is the religion of adults, mature people. Nobody forces or forces us. We make our own choices. And only in this way can we consciously come to something, become deeply acquainted with traditions and meanings.

When I understand the meaning of why I am doing something, then my attitude towards what is happening will be completely different.

Is it possible to baptize on the Annunciation?

You can baptize on the Annunciation, just like on any other day. church year. The sacrament of Baptism is performed on Lenten, ordinary, and holidays. But on the twelve and great holidays, the priests of many churches are very busy, so they may offer to postpone the baptism to another day. The date and time of christening must be agreed upon in advance in a specific church or with a specific priest.

Is it possible to dig the earth before the Annunciation?

You can dig the ground before the Annunciation, if weather conditions and soil conditions permit. Connect your household chores with church calendar no need. The Annunciation is an immutable holiday, and, apparently, that’s why it’s convenient for many to navigate by its date. But we should not forget that the Day of the Annunciation is not the basis for constructing a schedule of agricultural work, but a reminder of the great event that marked the beginning of our Salvation.

Is it possible to plant before the Annunciation?

You can plant before the Annunciation. There is no need to link the start of gardening work to the church calendar. In these matters, you need to focus on climatic conditions, planting calendars, experience, etc. The Church gives people more important guidelines than the date of sowing the beds. The Church leads people to follow Christ. And even during the planting season, you should not forget about this.

Is it possible to put up a fence before the Annunciation?

You can put up a fence before the Annunciation. This and similar prohibitions (borrowing or lending, cutting or even combing hair, wearing new clothes and starting new things on the Annunciation) are just superstitions. Moreover, among such absurd beliefs, there is even this: on the Annunciation, you must steal something - and this will supposedly bring happiness. Sin cannot bring happiness. Belief in omens and superstitions is a sin that saints have been calling to be wary of since ancient times. Relying on such “rules”, a person completely forgets about God, His providence, His help and his own prayer.

Is it possible to cook on Annunciation?

Of course, you can cook on Annunciation Day. Otherwise, you risk being left on your own and leaving your loved ones hungry.

The idea that you cannot cook on the Annunciation apparently originates in folk wisdom: “on the Annunciation, a bird does not build a nest, a maiden does not braid her hair.” That is, it is assumed that in such big holiday you can't do anything. In fact, our ancestors’ tradition of not working on holidays had a practical justification: holidays and Sundays should be dedicated to God, and not to the daily bustle.

On the Annunciation, you can cook and do all the usual things, but at the same time you need to find time to go to church, pray and feel the meaning of this great and joyful event, which marked the beginning of the entire gospel story.

Is it possible to sign on the Annunciation?

You can sign for the Annunciation, but following church rules, it is better to choose another day for painting.

The Annunciation always falls on either Lent, or (very rarely) on Bright Week. This special periods years when the sacrament of marriage is not celebrated in the Church. The time of Great Lent is a time of repentance and prayer, Bright Week- the time of Easter joy, the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ. Moreover, although weddings on the twelve (i.e., the main holidays after Easter) are not prohibited, they are usually still not performed, since believers try to live this day together with the Church, rejoicing in the common joy.

If for one reason or another the newlyweds need to formalize their relationship in the registry office on Annunciation, then they can do this. But the Church does not bless celebrating a wedding, having a feast and starting your married life on this day.

Is it possible to clean up graves before the Annunciation?

You can clean up the graves before the Annunciation.

The Church does not have any strict instructions on which days it is necessary to restore order at the graves of deceased loved ones. But believers do not go to the cemetery (except for funerals) on major holidays, as well as on Holy Week and from Easter to Radonitsa, because during this period all the Christian’s attention is focused on evangelical events – death on the cross and the Resurrection of Christ.

During Lent, which usually coincides with the Annunciation, there are three Saturdays (parents' Saturdays), dedicated to the remembrance of the dead. On such days you need to go and pray for them in the temple. But it is not forbidden to go to the cemetery after the funeral service. You can clean the graves on any other day of fasting, but after Palm Sunday People go to the cemetery only on Radonitsa - the day of special all-church remembrance of the dead, which falls on the second Tuesday after Easter.

The Christian holiday of the Annunciation was revived in honor of the fact that the Archangel Gabriel brought the good news to Mary, telling that very soon Jesus Christ would be born from her flesh! The Orthodox especially honor this joyful event and regularly celebrate this holy day in honor of respect.

Celebrate Orthodox holiday in all corners of Russia it is approximately the same. Already in the evening, on the eve of this glorious event, they try to complete all the major tasks around the house, housekeeping, prepare food and delicacies. Waking up early in the morning, they make sure to get themselves in order, eat, put on “non-work” clothes and go to the morning liturgy. After it they pray, spend some more time in the Temple with God and return home.

Do they work for the Annunciation?

Upon arrival from the Temple, a person has a lot of free time and, according to Slavic traditions, it should under no circumstances be spent on work. There is a belief that it is strictly forbidden to work on the Annunciation! This is a big sin, and in order to atone for it, you will have to pray a lot and ask the Almighty for forgiveness. However, work is different!

What kind of work is not done at the Annunciation? Regarding work on such a sacred day, we can say the following: you cannot do something that can wait until tomorrow. First of all, these are tasks such as chopping wood, sewing clothes, knitting clothes, cleaning around the yard or digging a garden, washing the floor or washing clothes, repairing a car, painting the floor, heating a bathhouse and washing, cutting someone’s hair. You are also allowed to do work for which you will be paid money (kalym). Each of us understands that such things can wait until “tomorrow” without any problems, or they could have been done yesterday!

What can you do on Annunciation?

However, it is possible to provisionally identify the following list of cases that are permitted. In addition, they must be performed on any Orthodox holiday, including the Annunciation. First of all, this is washing the dishes that remain after the holiday meal. Mountains of cups can't stand up to next day, especially when the family is large.

You can sweep near the table or stove if you end up with a lot of litter during the day. On such a day, as on any other, it is customary to manage animals; cattle cannot stand hungry in manure and unfed on Orthodox holidays. Such work cannot be considered a sin, because, first of all, it is a vital necessity, without which it is absolutely impossible!

It is important to understand that work can be of any kind and its implementation is not always necessary. Therefore, if you think that this task must be completed on this day, even though it falls on the Orthodox holiday of the Annunciation, then do it calmly, without reproaching yourself for anything.

In the end, the church absolutely does not prohibit working on church holidays. All that every believer must do is to carry out most of day with God, visiting the Temple and praying. The rest of the day can be spent doing business, but not specifically doing something really complex and significant! For example, you cannot, of course, pray and visit church in the morning, and then in the afternoon get on a tractor and plow a hectare of land because you have nothing to do!

Signs for the Annunciation are popular only among believers, because many do not even know what kind of holiday it is. From our article you will learn what to do and what not to do on the day when the Virgin Mary received the news of the coming Birth of Jesus.

In the article:

Signs for the Annunciation - what not to do

During many church holidays, you cannot engage in labor - sewing, knitting, or doing housework. The Annunciation is no exception. You will have to put aside all household chores. It is better to either postpone cleaning and cooking, purchasing ready-made food, or do it in advance. Mental work is also prohibited during this holiday. Children should not be allowed to study school lessons, you should do them earlier or later.

You especially shouldn’t sew or knit. Human life our ancestors associated it with a thread; they believed that if it was tangled or cut on a major church holiday, the same would happen to their lives. Instead of a sick old man, a child may die, a couple may separate, and relatives may quarrel. Therefore, in the old days, they tried not to even look at the threads, let alone pick them up. They had not yet lit the stove even in winter; they tried to heat the house in advance.

Folk signs for the Annunciation forbade starting sowing not only on this day, but also before it. Disturb the earth ahead of schedule was considered a great sin; in the past it was believed that it could ruin the harvest. Even on the day of the week on which this holiday fell, no new business was started for a year.

In the distant past, girls were even careful not to braid their hair and do their hair on this day. They braided their hair fairly tightly in advance. Signs were promised to girls braiding their hair for the Annunciation, not only short life, but also many different misfortunes, including fate old maid. Those wishing to get married never had their hair done during this holiday.

The secret meaning of this sign, according to some sources, is as follows. There is another superstition that guarantees hair loss and other hair problems that await girls who braid their hair on the Annunciation. Guys judged not only beauty, but also health based on the condition of their hair. future wife. Moreover, previously health came first, and girls with poor health were taken as wives very reluctantly.

Among the ancient signs and rituals that were performed on the Annunciation, one more has reached us. It states that candles, lamps and other lighting devices should not be used in homes. This belief has two justifications. Our ancestors believed that on this day angels go from house to house and watch how people live. It is believed that artificial lighting will show them all your sins, but will not let them see your good deeds. Another rationale is that in the darkness one can see the light that surrounds the angels and receive their blessing.

It is believed that on holidays one should wear new or even special, beautiful clothes. But the Annunciation is an exception. Our ancestors believed that if you put on a new outfit on this day, it would either tear or be damaged in some other way. There is an old village trick that our great-grandmothers used if they wanted to show off in new clothes for the Annunciation. They wore the outfit for about a week at home, without showing off to anyone. So he ceased to be new, the omen was followed, and no one had ever seen him.

You cannot give anything from home at the Annunciation, otherwise fate will turn out in such a way that poverty will come. It was also believed that by giving something on this day, a person distributes peace and quiet from his home. And it doesn’t matter what it is - borrowed money or even plain water from the tap. It’s not worth treating someone or helping friends or beggars on this day, just like letting strangers into your house.

As with most Christian holidays, there is a ban on sexual relations. It is believed that this will offend the Lord. Our ancestors believed that sexual relations during a church holiday could bring infertility, disease and a bad harvest. If a child is conceived on Annunciation or another holiday, he will become a sorcerer.

Annunciation - signs and rituals

There are many signs and rituals for the Annunciation that have come down to us from our ancestors. By following them, you can attract happiness and joy into your life, and also reap a good harvest if you garden. In the past, the celebration of the Annunciation was not limited only to church service. Our ancestors organized celebrations, sang songs, danced in circles, held competitions, jumped over the fire and played various games.

The main event of the day was the release of the birds. It was believed that if you give freedom to a bird, you can get whole year happiness and good luck. Now birds are released not only on this holiday, but also at weddings.

Jumping over the fire was not just entertainment either. In the past, people believed that this was how they burned away sins and all the negativity that had accumulated over the whole year, for example, which were caused by it. There were other cleansing rituals - burning old straw from the bed and fumigating winter clothes with herbal smoke.

Old and sick people tried to wash themselves with melted snow, which on the Annunciation had a special power that could save them from any illness. Sometimes such water was stocked up for future use in case of illness.

If you're going to church, you need to know that Annunciation prosphora protects against all diseases, so it is advisable to take it. And if you bury pieces of it in the corners of the plot, you will protect yourself from theft, the evil eye and envy, and also guarantee yourself a rich harvest. The water that was blessed in the church on this day has healing powers.

On this church holiday, salt was burned in the oven. They used to believe that she had special powers. With almost everyone Christian holiday Our ancestors associated salt, which should be burned in the oven. It relieves diseases and is used in magic. Salt was burned in a frying pan for 10 to 20 minutes. They did this early in the morning, before dawn, and bought it in advance. If you do not have time to use this salt before the next Annunciation, throw it into the fire of the fire before the holiday.

They also save the ashes that were in the stove on that day, despite the fact that it is considered a sin to heat the stove on that day. It is needed to fertilize plants that are sick and may die.

If you have chickens, they must be driven off their roost with a broom between Matins and Mass. This way they will lay eggs better and you will have a lot of eggs for Easter.

If unmarried girl she will go for water and find a primrose along the way, and in the fall she will get married. And the found snowdrop promised happiness. If you put it in water and wash your face with it, you can become more beautiful.

Thieves and those who wanted to, tried to successfully steal absolutely any item that was in poor condition. It is worth keeping an eye on your property on this day.

Weather signs for Annunciation

The signs of the weather were very great value for our ancestors, because it was on them that the harvest of the entire next year depended, the need for a supply of firewood and many other everyday issues. Usually they paid attention to the weather during major holidays, such as Easter. Weather signs for the Annunciation have also survived to this day.

Frosts foreshadowed a rich harvest, especially spring oats and cucumbers. They believed that if it was cold on Annunciation Day, it meant that there would be frost in the mornings for another forty days. Frost promises a good harvest of milk mushrooms.

Warm and sunny weather means fires. If there are no clouds in the sky at all, there will be a lot of thunderstorms in the summer.

Rain on April 7 meant a dry summer and a good harvest of rye and mushrooms. Some believed that rain on this day meant good luck in fishing.

The thunderstorm foreshadowed a warm summer and a good harvest of nuts.

Sunny weather means a large wheat harvest.

If there are few stars in the sky on Annunciation night, this is a sign that there will be few eggs this year. A warm night foreshadows a friendly spring. If there are a lot of stars, it means there will be a good hemp harvest.

The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the most revered holidays in Orthodoxy. It is one of the 12 most important after Easter and is timeless, meaning its date does not change from year to year. We will celebrate it on April 7, 2020.

As it says Scripture, on this day the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary from Nazareth to announce that the Virgin was to become the mother of the Son of God. “The Holy Spirit will come upon You, and the power of the Most High will overshadow You,” he said, to which Mary replied: “Behold, the Servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.”

In the old days, there were many customs dedicated to this holiday. Some of them are still observed by believers. We will tell you what you can do on the Annunciation and what you cannot do in order to attract good luck and prosperity.

What can you do on April 7, 2020, the day of the Annunciation?

On this day, believers visit temples. At the Annunciation, the Most Pure Virgin Mary is glorified, thanks are said to the Lord God and veneration is paid to his messenger Archangel Gabriel, who brought the good news to Mary.

In churches, the rite of breaking bread is performed, when illuminated bread and wine are distributed to believers. It is believed that the blessed prosphora, which is kept at home, protects family members from various troubles and misfortunes.

In the old days, after the liturgy, white doves were released into the sky. In our country, this custom was revived in some churches in 1995.

What is customary to do at the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary? According to beliefs, on this day the sky opens for requests and prayers. Some people believe that you can “beg glory from God. And if you have fame, you will definitely become rich and happy.” In the evening, if a big star is visible in the sky, you need to shout: “God, give me glory!”

What else needs to be done on the Feast of the Annunciation on April 7, 2020? The Mother of God is the intercessor of all living and comforter of the suffering. We offer prayers to Her, hoping for Her help and support in difficult times.

On this day everything will be appropriate Mother of God prayers, including petitions, repentance, thanksgiving, etc. Each prayer must be repeated three times, making the sign of oneself sign of the cross and trusting in the help of the heavenly intercessor. If you say them from a pure soul and with good intentions, then your requests will definitely be heard.

You can read the prayer that is read daily:

“Virgin Mother of God, Rejoice, O Blessed Mary, the Lord is with Thee; Blessed are You among women and blessed is the fruit of Your womb, for You have given birth to the Savior of our souls.”

What should you not do on Annunciation on April 7, 2020?

IN Orthodox churches They do not hold weddings or serve memorial services, so their dates are postponed to another time. It is possible to baptize children, but it is better to carry out this ceremony on a different day.

Is it possible to celebrate a birthday on the Annunciation? The church does not prohibit this, but it is still better to move the holiday to another date or arrange a small celebration with a Lenten table, inviting only the closest people to it.

As church ministers say, the meaning of such prohibitions is not that certain actions cannot be performed, but that an Orthodox holiday is, first of all, a time that is dedicated to God.

Believers need to take a break from worldly, everyday affairs and devote themselves to spiritual concerns. Try to show more warmth and care towards friends and loved ones, help poor and sick people.

On this day you cannot swear, quarrel, or judge anyone. Try not to overshadow the holiday with sadness and bad mood.

Is it possible to work for the Annunciation? As on other significant church holidays, you should not work around the house, do repairs, clean, sew, or knit. If you have a trip planned, it is better to postpone it to another time.

Work is also prohibited land plots. It is generally accepted that on April 7th God blesses all plants, so trees should not be pruned. Our ancestors perceived this holiday as the beginning of spring. It was believed that nothing could be planted or sown before this date, since the earth was still sleeping.

It is also believed that during the year one should not start new business on the day of the week on which the Annunciation fell. For example, if a holiday falls on a Tuesday, then business does not start on any Tuesday throughout the year, otherwise you should not expect success in business.

What else is prohibited on April 7, the day of the Annunciation?

It is not customary to wear new clothes, otherwise they will tear or become damaged. According to legend, girls who violate this prohibition will not get married until the next Annunciation. Therefore, in the old days, girls of marriageable age, if they wanted to show off new clothes for a holiday, discreetly put them on earlier (under their clothes).

Hygienic procedures, if necessary, are not prohibited. So washing your hair, taking a shower or bath on the day of the Annunciation is not forbidden.

Is it possible to get a haircut on Annunciation Day? It is believed that it is better not to visit the hairdresser and, if possible, not to comb your hair, otherwise your hair will fall out. As they say, on the Annunciation “the bird does not build a nest, the maiden does not braid her hair.”

The legend about the cuckoo is connected with this belief. According to him, this bird does not have a home due to the fact that it constantly violated the Lord's prohibition. Since then, she has been forced to throw her eggs into other people's nests and be persecuted by everyone.

You should not borrow money or any things to avoid incurring losses. It is believed that the one who gives something from home on the Annunciation spends it on strangers. family well-being and peace.

What can and cannot be eaten on Annunciation Day?

It is celebrated during Lent. However, on a holiday, if it does not fall on Holy Week, as in 2020, you can include fish, wine and fir in the menu. It is also customary to bake flour products from lean dough in the form of larks.

If the Annunciation falls during Holy Week, the requirements regarding compliance with the rules of fasting remain in force. That is, those who are fasting should not eat fish or eat vegetable oil; The ban also applies to wine.

People who have pets need to feed them properly on this day.

In former times, housewives, getting up before dark, heated salt in a large frying pan for at least 10-20 minutes, while reading prayers. Household members, even seriously ill people, were treated with this salt, adding it to food.