The Assumption Lent is one of the oldest Christian traditions. It is established in honor of the Assumption of the Mother of God, which is celebrated in a new style on August 28. This strict post lasts two weeks. At all times, believers are forbidden to eat animal products. On some days, fish dishes are allowed, on others only vegetable dishes. It is not always possible to fill them with oil.
Orthodox believers begin to fast on August 14, immediately after the Honey Savior. It is necessary to prepare for this in advance. A sharp transition from your usual diet to lean can lead to various health problems. Therefore, if you decide to strictly observe Christian traditions, start with one-day fasts. Observe not only their calendar, but also the cooking technology. Then the transition to long posts will not harm your health.
The monks observe the Assumption fast most strictly. It is for them that dry-eating is primarily provided. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, he can eat hot food, but meals cannot be seasoned with oil. Vegetable oil is allowed only on Saturdays and Sundays. Of course, during the Assumption Lent, dairy products are also forbidden to monks.
The church laws are less strict for the laity. Before fasting, be sure to consult your confessor and receive his blessing. There are diseases in which a person cannot do without dairy products. In this case, milk dishes are not excluded from the diet, and this is not considered a sin.
The feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord falls on the Assumption Post. Celebrate it on August 19. On this day, both laity and monks are allowed to eat fish. Vegetable dishes can be seasoned with vegetable oil, regardless of what day of the week this holiday fell. Wine is also allowed - albeit weak and in very small quantities. The Day of the Assumption of the Mother of God can fall on Wednesday or Friday. In this case, fish dishes are served at the table.
Despite the fact that the Assumption post is considered strict, the people nicknamed it "gourmet." By this time, a new crop is already ripening, in the gardens and vegetable gardens there are many fresh fruits, of which mainly dishes are prepared. These days you can eat all kinds of salads, eggplant and squash caviar, baked and fried vegetables. However, it should be remembered that animal fat cannot be used for cooking.
