In ancient times, when Christianity was just emerging in Russia, one of the ways to encourage people to come to the temple was to prohibit what should not be done on church holidays and on a day off. One of the beliefs is related to whether it is possible to swim in the days of the Great Orthodox holidays, including the most important holiday after Easter - the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos.
After Prince Vladimir officially introduced Christianity in Russia, the calendar of church holidays was established, and Sunday was recognized as a universal day of rest. The rules of Orthodox behavior on divine holidays and weekends were determined. This was done so that people would have the time and opportunity, putting aside all matters, attend church, attend church services, and pray not at home, but in the temple. These days were supposed to be fully devoted to serving God, and not to work or rest. Therefore, many of the classes were recognized as objectionable. The people have strengthened the belief that those who violate existing prohibitions will be punished by God. Of course, this is not so, but certain behavioral canons in Orthodoxy exist and should be adhered to.
Traditions of the Intercession
The Church Feast of the Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary was introduced in the 12th century by Andrei Bogolyubsky. In the rites of Christian tradition intertwined with the more ancient pagan. This is the day of the celebration of the protection of the Virgin, which appeared in the temple and spread over the people offering prayers, the cover removed from her head, covering and protecting them from troubles and misfortunes. At Pokrov it is customary to say a prayer for protection, to ask the Virgin to bestow love and family happiness. Before the holiday, one should confess and receive absolution.
In the old days they used to say: "Sinners repent of the Intercession, they meet in autumn and winter." The calendar day of October 1 (14) marks the transition from autumn to winter - "fall to Pokrov before lunch, and winter to winter after lunch." In a different way, the holiday is called the First Winter, Father’s Veil, Wedding, Riding.
On this day, it was customary to ask the saints to protect the house and family, to cajole the pancakes of the brownie. For the first time, the stove was melted and added to the wood for good luck and good luck, a log of a fruiting fruit and berry tree. The house was fumigated with sprigs of cherries and apple trees, dried mushrooms were laid out in secret places, attracting wealth and wealth. The house was decorated with clusters of viburnum, and flowers were placed in the center of the table. From the generous autumn harvests that filled the storerooms and bins, they gathered a plentiful table and convened guests.
On the day of the Intercession, it was customary to feed the birds and forest dwellers in order to calm the goblin and send him to winter in the den. And domestic animals that were driven from the fields until spring into the barn were watered with water through the sieve from the evil eye and spoilage. Despite the cold, children were also doused with water through the sieve in order to preserve the health of the kids. They burned old summer clothes, worn bast shoes and straw mattresses, believing that this would give the person strength and renewal. Dressed up in everything new and went to church.
On this day, it is customary to show generosity, giving gifts to those who need help. The more a person gives to the Intercession, the more he will come to himself - life will be prosperous and happy.
The Feast of the Intercession is usually celebrated merrily, noisily, brightly. But it is necessary to spend this day so as not to incur the wrath of the saints, and therefore, to perform only good deeds, not doing business pleasing.
- He refuses to engage in hard work, to conduct construction, to dig the earth. And also to do housework, which is considered dirty (to do cleaning in the house, wash or iron clothes, sew, etc.). If work cannot be avoided, then it should be done with special zeal.
- It is unacceptable to swear, pronounce swear words and curses, quarrel, quarrel, offend anyone.
- A great holiday is not intended for cooking, everything should be done in advance or postponed at least until the evening. Cooking complex and heavy dishes is better to postpone the next day.
- It is banned on public holidays to drink alcohol.
- To communicate with God, a believer must come to the temple not only with pure thoughts, but also with a clean body. Therefore, on the eve of the festive service, they always went to the bathhouse, put themselves in order, put on clean clothes.
The belief that you can’t wash on a Sunday and a holiday arose in ancient times, when in order to take a steam bath, it was necessary to do a lot of hard physical work. Not only efforts were required, but also time to chop wood, wash the bath and melt it. It was impossible to manage to do everything in the morning before the liturgy. In order not to work out that it was necessary to postpone the trip to the temple, they did not soar on the weekend, but on the eve. Now the situation is different - there are many opportunities for carrying out hygiene procedures, and it takes a little time. Therefore, you can wash and swim regardless of what day it is.
Today, of all the ancient traditions of the Great Feast of the Protection of the Holy Virgin, only a few remain unshakable:
- This day is conducive to any manifestation of the bounty of the soul.
- You must not allow quarrels and abuse, offend each other and swear.
- Do not borrow or borrow money.
- Morning hours should be devoted to prayers, a temple visit in the afternoon, and family-friendly gatherings with a small feast in the evening.
Other traditions regarding the prohibition of physical labor, housekeeping, cooking, etc. are no more than a tribute to time. You can do all this in Pokrov. Bathing and washing in the bath is also acceptable.
Date October 14th and day of the week
Since the feast of the Intercession is tied to a certain date, it does not fall on a calendar day off every year. It should be taken into account what day of the week is October 14th.
For those who fast, one should refrain from the plentiful feast adopted on this day. If the holiday falls on fasting days (Wednesday and Friday), then salads, various dishes from honey, mushrooms, herbs, cereals are desirable for eating. On any other day, fish dishes will be banned.
For those who adhere to the general rules of visiting the bath, the best days to wash are Saturday and Thursday (and for adherents of cleanliness, Tuesday is still added). If Pokrov falls out not on these, but on other days (especially Monday), then it is better to refrain from visiting the bathhouse.
