Easter is considered the main holiday among Orthodox Christians; it is called “the holiday of the holidays and the triumph of celebrations.” In 2018, the Day of the Bright Resurrection of Christ falls on April 8. How do they greet, how do they congratulate you on Easter, what can and cannot be done on this day?
The first Christians celebrated Easter weekly - Friday was a day of fasting dedicated to the suffering of Jesus, and Sunday was a day of joy in the risen Lord. Since the 2nd century, the holiday has become an annual event.
The word “Easter” comes from the name of the Old Testament holiday Passover (from the Hebrew “passover” - “passes by”). It was performed in memory of the exodus of the Jews from Egyptian captivity. Among Christians, the name of the holiday acquired a different interpretation - “the passage from death to life, from earth to heaven.”
Easter is a “movable” holiday; it is calculated every year according to the solar-lunar calendar. The question of the date was discussed at the first Ecumenical Council in Nicaea in 325. It was there that they decided that Easter should be celebrated on the first Sunday after the vernal equinox and full moon, after a full week had passed since the Old Testament Jewish Passover. Differences in the date of the celebration between Orthodox and Catholics arose in the 16th century after the introduction of the Gregorian calendar.
Celebration traditions
Easter service in all Orthodox churches starts on Saturday evening. Around midnight, believers make a religious procession - with banners, the Gospel, icons of the Resurrection of Christ and Mother of God and with the singing of the Easter canon.
The service consists of several rituals: the main prayer service, which usually lasts until 3-4 o'clock in the morning, the Easter morning prayer, at the end of which the Divine Liturgy is served. What is the meaning of Easter egg beating?
After the service, Easter cakes, curd Easter cakes, eggs, meat products, cheese, cottage cheese and artos are blessed - special leavened bread intended only for prayerful eating.
After the service, believers go to the refectory or home to break their fast. In Rus' there was a tradition - to take the Easter cake home as soon as possible. It was believed that the fastest would have the best harvest.
Happy Easter should be congratulated with the words “Christ is Risen!”, the answer is the phrase “Truly He is Risen!”. The believers then kiss three times and exchange Easter eggs.
Truly an adverb, written together. Its meaning is truly, truly, truly. The dictionaries note that this is a word of “high” style, that is, it gives speech a touch of solemnity and elation. Truly not an introductory word, it will not be separated by commas.
The church celebration of Easter lasts 40 days. The main Easter celebrations take place throughout the following week, called Bright Week, and end on the eighth day - Sunday.
What not to do on Easter
On the Day of the Bright Resurrection of Christ, you cannot be sad, walk gloomily and quarrel with your neighbors. At the same time, the church reminds that exemplary behavior is not limited to a day, because the celebration of Easter lasts a week.
You can't get married on Easter. The ban on marriage remains in effect throughout Bright Week. The attention of believers should be drawn to the joy of the resurrection of Christ, and not to personal affairs.
Also, you should not go to the cemetery. Archpriest Igor Fomin explained in the Orthodox magazine Thomas that this tradition appeared in Soviet years, when it was possible to meet the afterlife only at the graves of relatives. To remember loved ones, it is better to choose another day, for example, Radonitsa.
You should not throw away stale Easter cakes and egg shells consecrated in the temple. They need to be burned, for example, on a personal plot, and buried where people and animals will not trample underfoot.
Weather for Easter
People used the weather on Easter to determine how fruitful and successful the entire next year would be. If it is cloudy, then the summer will be cold, and if it is clear, then it will be sunny.
If it rains, then it will be like this all spring, and if there is a thunderstorm, it means that autumn will come late and will be dry. Frost on Easter predicts a good harvest. Cold, but not sub-zero weather means a dry summer. If the weather is clear on Tuesday after Easter, it will rain all summer.
Easter is an Old Testament institution. The Jews wanted to leave Egypt to return to their homeland. But the pharaoh, who had them captive, wishing to enrich himself with free labor, did not release them.
During the years of this captivity, the Lord more than once sent signs to Pharaoh through his servant Moses, so that Pharaoh would release the people to the Promised Land. The last thing God commanded the Egyptian people while the Jews were in their captivity was to slaughter an ang (that is, a lamb) and anoint the doorposts with his blood. This had to be done because the destroying angel was supposed to come in the night and kill all the firstborn of the land of Egypt. But if the blood of a lamb is on the door, the destroying angel will pass by the house.
Jesus Christ became such a lamb, but already in the New Testament. “Easter” is precisely translated as “procession by,” procession past death. On the feast of the Resurrection of Christ, we, partaking of the Body and Blood of the Angle of God, as Christ calls himself, become anointed with His blood. And death passes us by. Easter is eternal life, liberation from death. Christians have found the recipe that makes a person immortal.
Why bless food for Easter?
Archpriest Igor Fomin answers
The consecration of not only food, but also other material things surrounding a Christian is ancient tradition. When we sanctify something, we dedicate it to God and ask for God’s blessing on it.
On Easter we bring food to the temple. In villages at the beginning of the 20th century, in general, everything that was put on the table for Easter was brought to the temple, blessed, and the tithe (tenth) was left for those in need. And only after this did people break their fast - they reverently ate the consecrated holiday food.
I think it’s a very good tradition to ask God for a blessing for everything.
How to fast before Easter?
Archpriest Igor Fomin answers
IN Good Friday- the strictest post. According to the Charter, you are not supposed to eat anything at all on this day. If you can bear it for health reasons, try it. On all other days of Holy Week, fasting is also strict; we eat only plant foods, and without oil.
When can you break your fast on Easter?
Archpriest Igor Fomin answers
Breaking the fast (the first fast meal after the end of Lent) on Easter is usually celebrated after the Liturgy and Communion. If you attended the Liturgy at night, then after the night service you can begin the festive meal. If you came to the Liturgy in the morning, then you can break your fast in the same way - after communion. The main thing is that everything needs to be approached with a sense of proportion. Don't overeat.
If for some reason you cannot celebrate Easter in church, you can begin to break your fast around the time when the festive Liturgy ends in churches. What is good about the Church in this regard? We fast together and break our fast together. That is, we do everything together. This is what is sorely missing modern world, - generality.
How to spend Easter correctly? Are there things you shouldn't do?
Archpriest Igor Fomin answers
On this day you cannot be sad, walk gloomily and quarrel with your neighbors. But just remember that Easter is not 24 hours, but at least a whole week - Bright Week. Liturgically, the Resurrection of Christ is celebrated for seven days.
Let this week be an example of how we should always behave in society, among people.
How should you spend Easter? Rejoice, treat others, invite them to visit you, visit the suffering. In a word, everything that brings joy to your neighbor, and therefore to you.
What can you eat on Easter and can you drink alcohol on Easter?
Archpriest Igor Fomin answers
On Easter you can eat and drink everything, the main thing is to do it in moderation. If you know how to stop in time, you can help yourself to all the dishes, drink wine or some strong drinks - without getting too drunk, of course. But if it is difficult for you to limit yourself, it is better not to touch alcohol. Rejoice in spiritual joy.
Is it possible to work on Easter?
Archpriest Igor Fomin answers
Most often, the question of whether to work or not does not depend on us. If Easter Sunday is your day off, that's of course very good. You can visit the temple, meet your loved ones, and congratulate everyone.
But it often happens that we find ourselves as forced people and, according to our work schedule, are forced to work on Easter. There's nothing wrong with putting in the effort. Maybe you can be sad about this, but no more than five minutes! Obedience is obedience. Do your work on this day conscientiously. If you fulfill your duties in simplicity and truth, the Lord will definitely touch your heart.
Is it possible to do homework on Easter? Cleaning, knitting, sewing.
Archpriest Igor Fomin answers
When we read somewhere that on a holiday there is a ban on homework, we should understand that it is not just a ban, but a blessing for us to spend this time paying attention to the Lord, the holiday and our neighbors. So that we don’t get hung up on the vanity of the world. The ban on work on Easter is not canonical, it is rather a pious tradition.
Household chores are an integral part of our lives. You can do them on holiday, but only if you approach it wisely. So as not to spend Easter doing spring cleaning until the early hours of the night. Sometimes it is better, for example, to leave unwashed dishes in the sink than to be annoyed by household members who did not wash their dishes.
What does it mean if a person dies on Easter? Is this a sign of God's special mercy or a punishment?
Archpriest Igor Fomin answers
If a believer dies on Easter or Bright Week, for us this is truly a sign of God’s mercy towards this person. Popular tradition even says that those who die on Easter enter the Kingdom of Heaven without ordeals, that is, bypassing Last Judgment. But this is “folk theology”; dogmatically, every person will be judged and will give an answer for their sins before the face of God.
If a non-believer dies these days, then, I think, this means absolutely nothing. After all, even during his life, the Resurrection of Christ was not for him a sign of deliverance from death...
Is it possible to go to the cemetery on Easter?
Archpriest Igor Fomin answers
There has never been such a tradition in the Church. She was born among people in times Soviet Union, when a person was deprived of spiritual communication and removed from the Church. Where else was it possible to meet with the afterlife, which the Church speaks of and with the belief in the existence of which the authorities so cruelly fought? Only at the cemetery. No one could forbid going to relatives’ graves.
Since then, it has become a custom to go to the cemetery on Easter. But now that churches are open and we can go to Easter services, it is better to go to the cemetery to visit loved ones on other days. For example, on Radonitsa - on the day when, according to tradition, the Church commemorates the dead. Arrive there early, put the graves in order, sit quietly next to them and pray. Read more about visiting the cemetery.
How should we greet each other on Easter?
Archpriest Igor Fomin answers
Easter greeting is angelic. When the Myrrh-Bearing Women came to the Holy Sepulcher to anoint the body of the crucified Christ with incense, they saw an Angel there. He told them: “Why are you looking for the living among the dead?”, that is, he told them that the Savior had risen.
We greet our brothers and sisters in faith on Easter with the words “Christ is Risen!” and answer the greeting: “Truly he is risen!” Thus, we tell the whole world that for us the Resurrection of Christ is the basis of life.
What is customary to give for Easter?
Archpriest Igor Fomin answers
On Easter, you can give your neighbors any pleasant and necessary gifts. And it will be good if you add an Easter egg, decorated or red, to any gift. The egg as a symbol is evidence of new life - the Resurrection of Christ.
The red color of the Easter egg is a memory of the legend according to which Mary Magdalene gave an egg to Emperor Tiberius for Easter. The Emperor told her that he did not believe that a person could be resurrected, that it was as incredible as if this egg suddenly turned from white to red. And, according to legend, a miracle happened - in front of everyone, the egg turned red, like the blood of Christ. Now the painted egg is a symbol of Easter, the Resurrection of the Savior.
What to do with shells from blessed eggs and stale Easter cake?
Archpriest Igor Fomin answers
Pious tradition tells us not to throw away with the trash what is consecrated in the temple. All this can be burned, for example, on a personal plot, and buried where people and animals will not trample it underfoot.
Why can't you dye eggs until they're a year old?
How can this not be done? Who said that? It is possible and even necessary to involve children in this. They and you will be happy about it.
You need to be very careful if the watery phrase of some recommendation follows “but I heard that... and they told me...”. This analogy turns out to be a broken phone. Such advice will not lead to any good.
The Soviet era, of course, also brought something of its own, for example, everyone began to go to the cemetery en masse on Easter, and the holiday, which denies death, faded into the background. We already live in the victory of Christ. This is all, unfortunately, forgotten. Some buses, trips, drinks begin.
But this does not mean that you need to stop going to the cemetery, no.
Here we are talking about the fact that Easter is a great joy, so it is not a time to be sad, you need to leave all worldly troubles and worries and devote this day to God, the memory of His resurrection, the victory of life over death. At the same time, we can pray for our loved ones and share this joy with them with all our hearts. God has no dead, he gave us the prospect of eternal life, and we hope for his mercy.
When should you not clean your house before Easter?
Father Alexander Abramov answers
There is spiritual hygiene, it consists in the fact that during Holy Week we should really try to protect ourselves from all sorts of entertainment, routine affairs, and everyday vanity. We need to go to church more. And it is clear that it is advisable to put things in order in advance so as not to miss important events, services of Holy Week.
But this is not an absolute prohibition, because life exists and common sense exists. The problem is that when people come to church, they have not yet acquired spiritual common sense, but their everyday common sense has already been turned off, and this creates such an excellent space for filling their heads with all sorts of nonsense.
Is it possible to get married on Easter?
Archpriest Alexander Abramov answers
The question is very clear and the answer will be clear. If you come to church on Bright Week, they will tell you that you cannot get married.
There are days established by the Church on which weddings take place - these are Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
There are days of the week, regardless of the time of year, when weddings do not take place, for example, on fast days or on Saturday.
For example, why don't they get married on Tuesday? Because in this case, the first wedding day will fall on a fast day. Well, what kind of beginning of family life is this if the very first day is already fraught with restrictions.
They don’t get married on Saturday, the day before Sunday, because Sunday is Little Easter and, to put it nicely, a person on this day should lead a religious life, not a personal one.
It is clear that many people are inclined to neglect all these traditions of church life, but in order to prevent the neglect from acquiring such a wild character, these days they simply do not perform weddings.
Bright Week is just like one day of Easter. Great celebration of the Holy Resurrection of Christ. And all attention, of course, is focused on this.
Therefore, weddings do not take place during Bright Week either. This is the liturgical system.
This is not because the church abhors weddings or people who want to have their own family life. And simply because we completely devote this time to celebrating Easter - this is a time of universal joy.
Is it possible to remember on Easter?
Archpriest Alexander Abramov answers
If we talk about church order, the first memorial service is celebrated on Radonitsa (day special commemoration departed) is Tuesday of the second week after Easter. In many churches there was such a pious tradition - funeral tables, the place where candles are placed, are covered with cloth, thereby showing that God has no dead. And this is especially clear during Easter week. Easter is the most joyful Christian holiday; it displaces all sorrow and sadness from the hearts of believers.
As the scripture says: « God is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living» (Mark 12:27) Naturally, you can remember, that is, say “God rest…” and say the name of the person for whom you are praying. How can we not do this if we love our family and friends and of course there is a desire to convey this to God.
Funeral services in the church (requiem services) on Bright Week are completely abolished, since this is a time of our joy in the Risen Christ, and not sorrow. But this does not mean that the priest does not mention the repose of people during the liturgy.
Is it possible to bury on Easter?
Archpriest Alexander Abramov answers
If the death takes place on Bright Week, then the funeral service is performed with a special rite, Easter. It is especially touching regarding infants, because their sinlessness and belonging to Easter are immediately affirmed.
Is it possible to baptize before Easter?
Archpriest Alexander Abramov answers
A short excursion into history.
It is interesting that in ancient times the church did not baptize individually at all. This is what we have now. We are transferring consumer habits to the church.
For example, we came to the clinic and it seemed completely crazy to us that we would be seen at the same time with four other people. And we think the same way about christenings. But before they were baptized completely differently.
Firstly, people were baptized not in a temple, but, as a rule, in open reservoirs, and two or three days a year were chosen for this. People were prepared, talked to, they were taught in the faith, if we are talking about adults, and then either on Christmas Eve, Epiphany (Epiphany), or on Holy Saturday everyone was baptized together.
There are days when it would be inappropriate to talk about Baptism, say on Good Friday, when we are entirely focused on the Passion, the suffering of Christ. Although I, simply even for reasons of some kind of piety and reverence for God, would not baptize during Holy Week.
But generally speaking, you can receive the sacrament of Baptism at any time, including during Bright Week.
Why can't you dye eggs for Easter?
In general, it is customary for us to illuminate Easter cakes and eggs on Holy Saturday, that is, immediately before Easter.
Therefore, we are preparing for this day in advance. But since situations in life are different, you can consecrate your holiday gifts on the day of Great Easter itself, this will not be considered something unnatural. Previously, even before the revolution, Easter cakes and eggs were blessed just after the night Easter service before breaking the fast.
As for preparing for the holiday, it is advisable to do everything in advance so that you have time for the most important thing. To meet the Bright Resurrection of Christ, you could come to meet God with joy, a light heart, leaving all your troubles and worries behind.
A Great Event took place and it is necessary to remember it, it must become the center of everything.
Why can't you eat eggs before Easter?
Archpriest Andrey Efanov answers
The bright days of Easter are preceded by Lent, when we tried to abstain as much as possible from heavy food (of animal origin), that is, to keep ourselves in a certain focus, one might even say in tone, pushing ourselves to internal work. That is, we do not eat not only eggs, but, in principle, all products of animal origin, as we observe fasting. There are no other superstitious reasons not to eat eggs.
On Holy Saturday we come to the temple to bless eggs, Easter cakes, and Easter cakes, which will decorate our festive table.
And after the Easter service with our family, we break our fast, that is, now we can allow ourselves to taste the festive dishes without a twinge of conscience, but it is also important to observe the measure, not to eat too much right away, since this is a very big burden for our body.
We rejoice, the holiday has come and now it’s time to feast.
What should you not do on the Saturday before Easter?
Archpriest Andrey Efanov answers
There are no clear prohibitions. Each person has his own unique life. It is shrouded in so many circumstances and nuances that it is difficult to say anything in advance. Just as it is impossible to condemn anyone for this reason.
But, of course, it is worth remembering that Holy Saturday is a day of sacred extinction. It is also called “Sabbath of Rest.”
We still grieve over the death of Christ. We remember His removal from the cross and His placing in the tomb. One of the key chants of this day contains the words “Let all human flesh be silent.”
But we are all already standing on the threshold of the Great Day and Holiday.
We are waiting for the hour when we can exclaim “Christ is Risen!”
But now we have to kind of freeze. There is a lull on the eve of something very significant.
And of course, on this day we should not talk about any fun festivities or excessive troubles and worries.
Everything needs to be postponed if possible. Be at Liturgy in the morning. And maintain silence and peace in your soul until the start of the Easter service.
Why can't you celebrate a birthday on Easter?
Archpriest Andrey Efanov answers
Easter is the greatest day of the year. A celebration of life. We glorify our Savior Jesus Christ for His boundless love and kindness, for giving us eternal life. And of course this event in the life of every person should become central.
Therefore, celebrating a birthday cannot be more important than Easter.
On the other hand, there are no prohibitions on this either.
You just need to remember that this is a Bright Day.
And I wouldn’t want to overshadow it with excessive drunkenness, for example, or other indecent things.
Because many people, unfortunately, associate their birthday with having a blast. And Easter is not the right time for this. Even based on respect for the traditions of the church and reverence for God.
Is it possible to hunt on Easter?
Archpriest Andrey Efanov answers
If you hunt for fun, then definitely not on any day. After all, this is the killing of living beings.
Sometimes people hunt in order to simply not die of hunger, then this is acceptable, there is already a question of survival.
Or, for example, when it is a matter of earning money, which also allows you to survive. The main thing is that this does not become mercantile entertainment.
As for exactly Easter days, then any believer Orthodox man, will try to postpone the hunt for this period, unless he is in emergency conditions, when he needs to act according to the situation.
Is it possible to receive communion on Easter?
Archpriest Andrey Efanov answers
It is possible and even necessary. It’s just worth preparing for the Sacrament of Communion in advance. And the point here is not only in fasting, but, most importantly, in cleansing the heart and mind.
It is necessary to go to Confession. You can do this on Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday of Holy Week. But a more detailed schedule should be checked with the temple where you are going to come.
In any case, you need to look at the circumstances. If suddenly, for some reason, you did not have time to prepare in advance, then you should ask the priest for a blessing for Communion, explaining your situation.
Recently, official permission has appeared to allow people to receive Communion on Easter without confession. But this right still remains at the discretion of the priest. Because people are all different.
The main thing is not to be silent, do not listen to someone else’s advice, if you have a question, then go directly to someone who will help resolve it, in this case- to the priest.
Is it possible to go to the Cemetery on Easter?
Archpriest Andrey Efanov answers
In the life of the Church, everything is arranged very wisely. Each tradition or ritual has its own meaning. And everything has its place in it.
We can remember our relatives and loved ones who have died in our own prayers, this is our right and, moreover, it is very important both for us and for those whose memory we honor.
Can pregnant women go to the cemetery on Easter?
Archpriest Andrey Efanov answers
Pregnant women can go to the cemetery, like everyone else. But, according to Orthodox tradition, on Easter don't visit cemeteries.
Since Easter is not the time to remember the dead. This is general joy, general rejoicing and glorification of our Savior Jesus Christ. The first commemoration of the dead after Easter takes place on Radonitsa.
When can you go to confession before Easter?
Archpriest Andrey Efanov answers
Of course, it’s better to come to confession early and not put it off until the last minute.
Confession will be possible on Holy Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday of Holy Week.
But you will need to check more accurate information about the time in the temple where you are going to come. Since each temple has its own way of life.
What to wear to church for Easter?
Archpriest Andrey Efanov answers
You can choose any outfit to suit your taste, but it is important to remember where you are going. And try to look neat and not too provocative.
Is it possible for pregnant women to cook Easter cakes and Easter cakes?
Archpriest Andrey Efanov answers
Of course you can, but only carefully. In the sense that expectant mothers are very vulnerable and they need to be more careful about their health. So as not to get too tired.
And preparing for the Great Holiday is always a pleasant and joyful thing.
Is it possible to work the week after Easter?
Archpriest Andrey Efanov answers
Work is a very individual matter. Someone has the opportunity to ask for time off, take a short vacation during Easter week and completely devote this period to God. Get to know the traditions of the life of the Church better. But some people simply don’t have this opportunity. So it is difficult to take any categorical position here. Ideally, of course, it would be nice to attend the Easter liturgy again in the first days of Bright Week; in many churches religious processions are held throughout Bright Week. This is the Joy that it is a pity to deprive yourself of.
What can you do on Easter?
Archpriest Andrey Efanov answers
In principle, there are no specific restrictions here.
Lent has ended as a period of deprivation and severity towards oneself.
The time has come for Great joy, now is not the time to be despondent and sad.
Do what brings you joy. Communicate with your loved ones and friends, share with them the joy of the Risen Christ.
Just don’t forget about the most important thing that we have been achieving through all these weeks of Lent. Try to attend the Easter Liturgy at least once more (in many churches religious processions are also held throughout Bright Week) - do not deprive yourself of this joy.
Is it possible to guess before Easter?
Archpriest Andrey Efanov answers
You can never guess. Yes friends, that's true.
What's so bad about fortune telling, you ask.
Firstly, this is disrespect for the Will of God. Secondly, this is a disregard for the freedom that the Lord has endowed each of us from birth.
When we use even a comic, as it seems to us, fortune-telling, when we receive an answer, we program ourselves for certain actions.
And the most interesting thing is that this happens unconsciously.
IN social psychology There is such a thing as a “self-fulfilling prophecy.” In childhood, parents can impose some kind of attitude on a child, for example, “you are incompetent.” And this attitude will greatly interfere with his life. Unconsciously, he will act in such a way as to confirm it in every possible way, dooming himself to failure in advance.
Will pass long years, before he tries to figure out what's what.
And here the scheme is very similar. We learn some prediction about ourselves and at this moment we are deprived of freedom of choice, freedom of action, since everything will now work for this installation.
If you identify with the world of the church, you will have to make a choice.
What and who do you believe in? If you are with God, then you must trust Him, otherwise there is no other way.
The long-awaited and beloved one is approaching Easter holiday, which in 2018 falls on April 8th.
The Holy Resurrection of Christ is the greatest day for any Christian, one step higher than even Christmas. This is a time of joy and love, and also a tribute to Jesus himself, who gave his life for us.
There are many opinions about how to celebrate Easter correctly. Some people throw big feasts and do not deny themselves anything on this day, while others go to church first.
Folk superstitions, preserved from pagan times, are closely intertwined with true traditions Orthodox Church, so it can be very difficult to determine what is right and what is wrong. So how to celebrate this holiday correctly, what can you do on Easter and what can’t?
What not to do on Easter
On the Bright Resurrection of Christ, the most important thing to remember is that this is a time to rejoice, remembering the Resurrection of Christ. All other restrictions and prohibitions follow from this.
The celebration lasts the whole week (Bright Week), so the prohibitions apply for the entire period of the celebration.
Prohibitions for Easter
- You can’t quarrel with someone or be offended by someone. If you still have old grievances, try to let them go and forgive.
- On this day you cannot be greedy and stingy. Since ancient times, on Easter it has been customary to share food with the poor and needy. And this applies not only to money or food - give your smile to everyone around you, give forgiveness to everyone who asks you for it. In short, try to give everything you can.
- You can’t swear, be sad or give in to despondency. All seven days you need to be as kind as possible so as not to darken the bright holiday for others.
- You cannot get drunk and indulge in excesses. Everything should be in moderation - food, alcohol. The priests say that it is better to drink only wine during this period of alcohol, leaving vodka for other periods.
- You can't work at the expense of the holiday. However, if you work time according to the schedule, then there is nothing to worry about. But if there is no great need, it is better to devote this time to communicating with friends and family. The church does not prohibit working on this day, but clergy recommend postponing household chores until another day.
- Cleaning is not allowed. But there are also nuances: you should not clean in the full sense of the word, devoting half a day to washing the floors and wiping off dust. Of course, this does not apply to small everyday issues. Although, if this does not prevent you from being in a festive mood, everything is fine. In any case, this is rather not a prohibition, but rather moral advice.
- You can't go to the cemetery. The church prohibits holding funeral services and mourning the dead this week. Since grief contradicts the spirit of the holiday - joy on the occasion of the Resurrection of Christ from the dead.
- You can't have an intimate life either. Sexual activity is prohibited for the entire week. Two spouses must give up intimate life. This happens by mutual consent.
- It is also worth mentioning that it is forbidden to sanctify in church. Only those foods that were excluded from the diet during Lent can be blessed. But alcohol is a complete taboo. Once upon a time it was customary to bless only rich bread (Kulich), eggs, meat, cheese and milk, but now they put everything in the basket.
What should not be put in the Easter basket: alcohol, because there is no place for drunk people in church; money and other material assets; blood sausage, it is not generally recognized by Orthodox ministers as fit for consumption. Salt and pepper should not be blessed, since these products were not prohibited during Lent.
Put these products in your Easter basket soon folk tradition than church. You should also not bring fruits and vegetables to church.
- Don't throw away leftover Easter food. As a rule, after a festive feast there are leftovers of food - Easter cakes, Easter eggs, eggs. Don't throw away everything you haven't eaten!
Don't even throw eggshells in the trash! It is customary to give all leftover food to birds or animals.
so that a cherished wish comes true, wealth comes to the house, and the girl is invited to marry
- one of the most beloved Christian holidays, symbolizing the Resurrection of Christ and victory over death. On this day, believers visit, pray, congratulate each other, give colored eggs and consecrate Easter cakes. On Easter, it is customary to have fun (in moderation) and visit the sick and suffering, go to visit and greet everyone you know with three times “Christ is risen!”
Miracle of the Resurrection of Christ. Source: liveinternet.ru
What should you do on Easter so that the year is successful and money is not transferred around the house?
True signs for good luck
1. To make your wish come true
It is considered that asking Higher power It stands precisely at the All-Night Vigil from Saturday to Sunday. Then it will definitely come true! You just need to be patient and stand through the entire service from start to finish.
Easter services last the whole night. Source: spravoslavia.ru
2. So that wealth comes to the house
At Easter, it is customary to bless not only Easter cakes, but also material things. For example, a wallet. There is a belief that a consecrated wallet will subsequently attract money throughout the year.
3. For good luck
In order for there to be luck in your home, and, as our ancestors advised, on Easter, when the bell rings, you need to whisper three times: “Christ has risen, and my family will have health, my home will have wealth, my field will have a harvest. Amen." Then the year will be truly successful.
4. To get married
It’s also customary for Easter. During church service When the priest says “Christ is Risen!”, you must quickly whisper: “Resurrection of Christ, send me a single guy to be my groom!” Or early in the morning at sunrise, on Easter, knock on the glass of your window and read: “Easter sun, roll across the sky, and you, groom, show up at my doorstep. In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Christ has risen, and the groom comes to me. Amen".
5. To stop quarrels
If in your family members of the household do not get along with each other, you need to get rid of high mountain red egg, saying at the same time: “How this egg came down from the mountain, so that grief would be released from me. In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen". Also, to get rid of quarrels and conflicts, a cross was burned with an Easter candle on the doorframe of the front door.
What to do on Easter is strictly prohibited
1. Be sad, conflict and use foul language. The same rule applies to all days of the next week. It is believed that anyone who becomes despondent on this bright holiday will mourn throughout the year. And whoever fights and swears will receive an administrative fine!
2. Get married and have sex . During the entire Easter week, priests do not perform weddings (and also do not baptize).
As for sex, any intimate relationship outside of marriage is not welcomed by the church. And legal spouses should stop having sex during Easter.
3. Have noisy parties and celebrate birthdays. It happens that Bright Resurrection coincides with the date when the believer was born. It is better to postpone the name day celebration to another day, since the celebration of Easter is more important than the birthday party.
The same applies to funeral services; grieving for the dead on a joyful day for all Christians is prohibited. For this there are parental Saturdays and Radunitsa.
4. Guessing. The Church has a very negative attitude towards such things as conspiracies and magical rituals. But in the villages, girls quite often gathered in groups on Easter evenings to tell fortunes on Easter cakes and colored eggs about whether they would get married soon and what the near future would be like.
How to celebrate the Holy Resurrection of Christ
The week before Easter, Orthodox believers keep a strict fast. It is customary to break the fast after the Liturgy and Communion. On festive table There should be colored eggs, Easter cakes, Easter cottage cheese, Cahors. They also prepare jellied meat, aspic, stuffed duck or chicken, and pies with various fillings.
Easter cakes and Easter eggs- an indispensable attribute of Easter. Photo VKontakte
You should eat and drink in moderation on Easter. And it is better not to throw away the eggshells left after the meal, but to bury them in a place where people and animals do not usually go. You should do the same with stale Easter cake.
You can and should give gifts to friends and family on Christ's Resurrection. For example, candles and cards, objects church utensils, books, Easter cakes and Easter baskets. A painted egg was always added to them as a symbol of evidence of new life.
Should you work on Easter?
On important church holidays, believers tried not to do household chores and work. But it doesn’t always turn out that the day off falls on a Sunday. If you have to go to work on Easter, you shouldn’t make a problem out of it and quarrel with the management (especially now, when there are many for the slightest offense!). Do your work especially conscientiously. It is believed that the Lord will definitely appreciate the zeal of a believer.
But it’s better to postpone household chores on this bright holiday. It is better to find another day for washing and cleaning. Easter should be celebrated with ease and joy, and not in everyday hassles!
Signs associated with the cemetery
The clergy claim that the custom of coming to Easter did not arise during the years of Soviet power, when a ban was imposed on visiting and celebrating various Christian holidays. But commemorating dead ancestors was allowed. Today, when no one prevents believers from attending services, it is better to postpone until Radunitsa, which this year falls on May 10.
Pagans believe that Easter Sunday is the only day of the year when the sky opens and the souls of the dead descend to their burial places to communicate with living relatives and loved ones. Therefore, people rushed to come to the cemetery, bring their loved ones and sweets to the deceased, and ask the souls of the dead for advice.
But littering the grave, throwing food crumbs and eggshells, is extremely undesirable! This will attract birds and... It is better to leave some part of the blessed Easter cakes, eggs and other products on the funeral table in the church.
If you have blessed the food, leave some of it in the church.
Easter is one of the most favorite holidays for Christians. On Christ's Sunday, people break their fast, eat Easter cakes, and celebrate Christ, regardless of whether fasting was observed or not.
There are many opinions about how to properly celebrate Easter - some people organize big feasts and do not deny themselves anything on this day, while others go to church first. Popular superstitions, preserved from pagan times, are closely intertwined with the true traditions of the Orthodox Church, so it can be very difficult to determine what is right and what is wrong.
So how to properly celebrate this holiday, what can you do on Easter and what can’t you?
What is forbidden to do on Easter
You can't work on Easter. In fact, the church does not prohibit working on this day, because many people, due to circumstances, are at their workplace on Easter. In this case, it is not considered a sin. At the same time, it is better not to do work that can be postponed to another day on Easter. You should not do household chores and chores, washing, sewing, cleaning. But again, the clergy note that there are no strict restrictions on work on Easter; at the same time, it is better to do all housework in advance, since Easter is a holiday when you need to rest.
You can't go to the cemetery. Opinions differ on this matter. On the one hand, Easter is a holiday of goodness, joy and light, in which there is no place for sorrow and sadness. This day should be spent having fun, glorifying the Resurrection of the Lord, and not grieving for departed loved ones. On the other hand, Easter is considered the “day of the dead” because on this day Jesus descended into hell and announced to the dead their salvation and freedom. So there is no clear answer to the question of whether it is possible to go to the cemetery on Easter. But the clergy advise remembering their deceased loved ones on a special day for this - Radonitsa, which occurs on the 9th day after Easter.
On Easter you cannot be sad, despondent and swear. Easter is a holiday of joy, so grief, sadness and despondency are prohibited. On this day, it’s time to free yourself from grievances and negative thoughts and ask God for strength and health. You should also not swear or swear.
Don't throw away leftover Easter food. As a rule, after a festive feast there are leftovers of food - Easter cakes, Easter eggs, eggs. Don't throw away everything you haven't eaten! Don't even throw eggshells in the trash. It is customary to give all leftover food to birds or animals.
How to spend this day? Go to church, gather at the same table with your loved ones, congratulate all your friends and acquaintances, forgive insults, let go of bad memories. Spend this day with kindness and joy in your heart! We wish you good luck and don't forget to press the buttons and
07.04.2015 09:20
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