What can and cannot be done on Spiritual Day? What kind of holiday is Spirits Day: meaning, signs and traditions? And Spirits Day.
Holy Pentecost smoothly passes the Spiritual day. What kind of holiday is this and what is its significance?
Many centuries ago, after the death, resurrection and ascension into heaven of Christ, His disciples gathered with the Virgin Mary, as usual, to pray in the Sinai upper room. They had long been waiting for the Comforter promised by the Savior, who would strengthen them and give them strength for their life’s work - preaching the Gospel.
They did not know exactly how it would happen and when, but the Lord said: wait. And they waited. Suddenly a strong noise was heard in the sky and the Holy Spirit in the form of gracious tongues of fire descended on each of those present. He did not burn, but affectionately hugged everyone, and they felt such a surge of strength, self-confidence, courage that they began to exclaim loudly and, joyful, ran out into the street.
Initially, when they heard the apostles saying something in some alien language, they began to laugh - were they drunk on sweet wine in the morning, or what? But then each of them realized that they were addressing him in his own language, how is this possible? And they began to listen to the words of the Apostle Peter, who colorfully explained the whole situation to them. Then people understood why the grief-stricken apostles, who had not ceased to grieve for their Teacher since He left them, suddenly became so unusually joyful and excited.
Peter then delivered his first sermon, addressing all those gathered. He explained the miracle that happened to them, and said that everyone who repents of their sins will be baptized, receive forgiveness and the Holy Spirit. People rejoiced, and many began to follow the advice of the apostles. On that day, almost 3,000 people converted to the Christian faith. A beginning was made, and this day began to be considered the birthday of the Church of Christ.
After this, the apostles, having received the strongest support of the Holy Spirit, scattered around the world, preached the Gospel all around, and attracted many people of different nationalities into their ranks. What was beyond the power of a simple and weak person became possible with the help of the Holy Spirit. Now Love itself breathed in them, because they became the temple of God. Since then Christian faith gained many adherents, spreading very quickly throughout the world. The apostles endured everything in order to fulfill their mission, many died in terrible agony, but with the joy of their duty accomplished, and the faith that they were going to heaven, to their Teacher.
Folk traditions and beliefs
Among the Slavs, this day was called Birthday Earth; it was believed that no work should be carried out on the land, because it was pregnant with the harvest. As on the Annunciation, in Tsarist Russia it was strictly forbidden to work, the day was a day off, everyone went to churches, carried birch branches, and when they came home, they decorated their houses with them.
This holiday has many names in folk traditions - Name Day of the Earth, Spiritual Day, Seeing Off Mermaids, etc. There was a belief that it was on this day that the Earth was created, the Spirit descended on it and life on earth was born. Until now, many believe that on this day the Holy Spirit descends to earth, penetrates people’s homes, and gracefully spills over the fields. In some areas, they brought tablecloths with food to the fields, treated themselves, and fed the land. The eldest of those present buried pieces of food in the ground, saying: Mother-nurse, give us a good and abundant harvest.
People, especially in villages, walked around the church after the service. procession fields, wells were blessed. Initially, the priest went to the common village well, then further home. Anyone who wanted to consecrate a house would put a table with treats outside, a religious procession would be welcomed, and his house and all the outbuildings would be consecrated by the priest.
They took a birch tree with braided branches into the forest, unbraided the birch tree’s braids, left it, or, according to some traditions, went to drown it in the river. The girls threw wreaths into the river for good luck, and whose wreath quickly floated downstream, it means that family happiness is just around the corner.
The healers collected their medicinal herbs on this day. It was believed that they were sanctified by the spirit and the most useful properties were collected in them on this day. Having washed themselves with water from the consecrated well, the peasants believed that all evil spirits had been washed away from them, and everything sinful had gone away. This is how Spirits Day was celebrated in ancient times by our ancestors.
Look
Orthodox holiday, which is celebrated on Monday, immediately after. By folk signs on this day the earth is the birthday girl, so plowing, digging, harrowing is strictly prohibited. On this day, people hang the symbol of the Holy Spirit - wooden doves - from the shrines. The Orthodox sincerely believe that on the evening of Trinity, the Holy Spirit descends on the earth, spreading across the fields, bringing joy to every blade of grass and blade of grass, and on the Holy Day itself it is useful to walk the earth barefoot. In some areas on this day, people go around the fields in a religious procession.
In general, the church on this day honors the Most Holy and Life-Giving Spirit, who is consubstantial with the Father and the Son of the Lord. The Holy Spirit enriches and beautifies a person, fills his soul with love, joy, goodness, faith and patience. This is the Comforter whom Jesus Christ promised to his disciples shortly before ascending to the cross. And on the first day after Pentecost, the Holy Spirit actually descended from heaven on the apostles. And the spread of Orthodoxy throughout the earth began.
Spiritual Day - holy great holiday
On this day the whole earth rejoices.
The Holy Spirit walks over the fields,
Each stem is carefully stored.
I wish you a bright holiday on this holiday
Bright, pure, sincere love
May God protect you from troubles,
May the Holy Spirit bless you.
Be honest, love your neighbor,
Respect the earth every day.
Save each petal,
May God accompany you everywhere.
There is a folk sign:
Spiritual day - the beginning of summer!
The cold is receding.
Hello, it's warm time.
Evil spirits disappear -
People collect herbs.
The holiday knows its turn -
Following the trinity!
On Spiritual Day I sincerely congratulate you and pure heart I want to wish you light and warmth in the house, joy and happiness in the soul, mercy and love in the heart, good people and good luck on your way. May your thoughts and deeds be righteous, may heaven give you grace, strong faith and unquenchable hope.
Spiritual day today is bright,
We hasten to congratulate you.
Wish you goodness and light,
We wish you prosperity.
May the Holy Spirit help you
To overcome all adversities.
Happiness will gladly give you
And it will help you get it.
For happiness and luck
We definitely went with you.
Stay in your best mood.
Light, goodness, love to you.
I congratulate you on this bright holiday.
I wish you warmth on Spiritual Day.
Let the world be friendly, gentle,
Let him give more goodness.
Let your soul reach out to God,
To make your heart feel lighter,
Good things will only attract
And let all evil sink into oblivion.
May the day bring spirits to everyone
A lot of happiness and prosperity!
May the Lord protect you from troubles,
So that everything is always in order!
Let every minute give
Blessings from heaven to all!
Let your soul believe in miracles all the time,
It’s so boring for us to live without miracles!
Birthday girl earth
The day greets the spirits,
Go for a run barefoot
Invites you into the field.
Feet bare with dew
Will wash you clean,
And a blade of grass and a flower
They talk to you.
Fills the Spirits with the day
Souls with pure light,
The bell ringing is fading
In the blue of dawn.
God's Life-Giving Spirit
hugs the earth,
I wish you happiness and joy
I wish you on Spiritual Day.
Today the birthday girl is the earth,
You can’t dig, plow or harrow,
It’s best for you to walk through the fields,
Run through the blades of grass barefoot!
The Holy Spirit descends to earth,
He brings joy to our dear people,
Walking along grass paths!
So you too will become very happy!
The Holy Spirit descends to earth,
So that the world becomes bright, golden,
So that peace, love come into life,
No more blood was shed.
Keep faith in this in your heart -
She will help you warm up,
In moments of difficulty, sadness
He will support you so that you don’t get discouraged.
Everyone knows that God is triune:
Holy Spirit, God the Father and God the Son.
He's watching us from heaven
And in all good thoughts with us.
The Holy Spirit will save us from pain and troubles;
Those who truly believe will come to the rescue;
He will bring hope and joy,
And heal a serious wound.
May the name of the Lord be glorified forever!
And faith in our lives is forever.
May the Holy Spirit be with us forever,
Lighting up everything around.
Everything fell silent in blissful grace,
Today is a magical and holy day.
Everyone honors him, from the peasants to the nobility,
After all, Holy Spirit Day is what it is.
Let's believe, rejoice, pray.
And wish everyone around you good, good.
And only good things will happen to us,
After all, faith will be there forever.
Congratulations: 37 in verse, 4 in prose.
Spiritual Day is one of the most significant religious holidays. Spiritual Day is always celebrated 51 days after Easter Sunday and the day after Trinity. To date, it has been possible to preserve the main traditions of the holiday, which connect modernity and ancient times.
- Basic modern traditions
- What not to do
History and basis of the holiday
The history of the holiday is connected with the events described in the New Testament. It was on the 50th day after Easter that the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles, disciples of Jesus Christ. This significant event took place in the Upper Room of Zion, where the apostles prayed. The event turned out to be significant: a noise was made from the sky, a flame appeared.
After this, the apostles taught how to heal sick people, give prophecies and communicate in all the languages of the world. Subsequently, the apostles contributed to the spread of religion throughout the world.
Special traditions in ancient times
Since ancient times, people have celebrated Spiritual Day in a special way. Rituals and customs are closely related to the reverence of the earth and nature.
1. Feeding the earth. It was assumed that on an important holiday you need to go to the fields and bury small pieces of food in the ground. The honorable task must be performed by the oldest woman.
2. Listening to treasures. It was believed that you could lean against the ground and find out your future. This was recommended to be done at sunset, when the earth is ready to show its almighty power.
3. Walking barefoot. On Spiritual Day, people tried to walk barefoot on the ground early in the morning to improve their lives. At the same time, you cannot run on the ground on Spirit Day, because you can run away from fate.
4. Creation of medicinal herbal preparations. Ancestors believed that on Spiritual Day you could prepare herbal infusions by choosing medicinal plants. It was believed that the fees would be very useful for eliminating various diseases.
5. Washing away sins. The ancestors tried to wash themselves with clean well water in order to cleanse themselves of existing sins, bad weather, and suffering. Spiritual Day is the time when ancestors went to wells, threw coins into the water and prayed. Then you had to wash yourself with well water to wash away your sins and improve your health.
6. Wooden pigeons. As you know, doves symbolize the Holy Spirit, so it was customary to hang wooden doves from the ceiling of buildings. It was believed that this would improve vital energy.
By now, many traditions and customs have become a thing of the past, but believers still try to spend Spiritual Day in a special way.
Basic modern traditions
Note! Many traditions are still associated with pagan beliefs. Even in 2018, Christians appease evil spirits and believe that it is necessary to attract goodness and positivity.
1. On Spiritual Day, you can collect medicinal herbs, plants and make special amulets from them. It is believed that this religious holiday herbs are endowed with special powers.
2. Birch is a special symbol of the Trinity. For this reason, freshly cut birch branches should be placed at the entrance to the house and on the windows to protect against evil spirits.
3. Many girls weave wreaths and then let them go to the rivers. The wreath must float for the meaning to be good. If the wreath drowns, you can expect trouble.
Such traditions on Spiritual Day have survived to this day, but they are most revered in villages and small towns.
What not to do
Spiritual Day is a special time when nature shows its power and special energy is celebrated. For this reason, believers must remember certain prohibitions.
1. You cannot work on the ground. It is believed that the earth is celebrating its birthday, so one should refuse to work on it.
2. You can't sweep. Otherwise, you can take the joy out of the house.
3. You can’t run on Spirits Day. Otherwise, a person tries to avoid his fate.
4. You cannot get married on an important religious holiday. Any marriage is associated with worldly joys.
5. You can't do housework. It is advisable to devote the day to caring for your soul and thinking about existence.
6. You cannot look into the water. Otherwise, you can overlook your fate.
Spiritual Day preserves the energy of the Trinity, so this day also needs to be spent in a special way and take care of your state of mind, the world as a whole and, of course, nature.
The national holiday of Spirits Day (Holy Spirit Day) is celebrated on the 51st day after Easter. In 2019 it falls on June 17th.
Story
The Church established this holiday in memory of the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles on the 50th day after Easter. It was created with the goal of conveying to people the greatness of the Holy and Life-giving Spirit, which is the source of all life. He possesses everything that is in the power of the Father and the Son, except life and death. There are three faces in one God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Orthodox Church speaks about this.
In the Bible, the most references and reflections on the Holy Spirit are found in John. But on the day of the holiday, the church decided to read from the 18th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew. It tells a parable about a shepherd and a sheep that strayed from the flock, about love for mankind and reproof. It also says that true Orthodox Christians have been given the power to judge the world and how important prayer is for a person.
Traditions and rituals
On Spiritual Day, priests consecrate wells. According to legend, this is where mermaids hide after emerging from bodies of water. Those who fear the presence of water spirits in the house place a table with bread and salt in the courtyard. After sprinkling the wells with holy water, the priest visits the homes and sprinkles it on the walls.
Girls throw wreaths into the water and tell fortunes for good luck. If the wreath goes to the bottom, it is not good, but if it remains on the surface, it is good luck.
The oldest women perform the ritual of “feeding the earth.” They spread tablecloths on lawns or fields and eat. After a while they pause to take some of the dishes to different places and leave them on the ground.
Mermaids leave lakes and rivers on Spiritual Day. They walk across open spaces, giving moisture to meadows and fields. After this, the shoots grow thicker and more spiky.
On the day of the holiday, a sacred cleansing fire descends to the earth, from which everything hides. devilry. And the Holy Spirit descends from heaven on the eve of the holiday. He dwells among people and enters houses.
Signs
What the weather is like that day will be like that for the next six weeks.
On Spiritual Day you cannot say “for water,” otherwise you may die from the water. You need to pronounce “by water.”
It is forbidden to stick anything into the ground or pull it out of it.
You can't catch a reflection in the water - this way you can lose love.
Spirits day, what kind of holiday, meaning
Holy Spirit Monday is a Christian holiday. Its liturgical meaning goes back to the New Testament, the book of the Acts of the Apostles, which describes the descent of the Holy Spirit on the followers of Jesus Christ. According to Orthodox church tradition Spiritual Day 2018 is celebrated on the 51st day after Easter - May 28. This Monday, all believers will come to Vespers, celebrated at the Liturgy of the Trinity. At Vespers, prayers will be read during which for the first time since Lent, parishioners will kneel.
What not to do on Spiritual Day, meaning, traditions
In folklore, Spirit Day 2018 is known as Rusalnitsa. It is very important to know what you can and cannot do on Spiritual Day. There is a belief that on this day mermaids leave their ponds, go out into the field and begin to dance in circles. Wherever they pass, wheat of extraordinary beauty grows there. In order to appease the mermaids, it was necessary to leave treats for them - sweet pies, honey and sour cream. Anyone who sees the mermaids dance with their own eyes will be happy and rich. However, if a mermaid notices a person, this is not good, it means illness.
For centuries there has been a lively debate about what can and cannot be done on Spiritual Day. Our ancestors, despite their involvement in christian church, carefully stored pagan traditions, giving them a religious connotation. According to an ancient belief, on this day the earth, like a woman, becomes pregnant with a new harvest, which means it cannot be cultivated. A little bit later folk traditions they began to explain the ban on work in the fields by the fact that the Holy Spirit is spilling over all fields, which means that any work is blasphemy.
What to do on Spiritual Day 2018
People believed: the souls of drowned people can only be remembered on Rusalnitsa. The families of those killed in the reservoirs set rich tables. Some of the food was distributed to the poor so that the little ones would not cry, and some was buried in the ground for a good harvest. In some regions, women took old clothes and utensils to the river, leaving them on the shore for the mermaids. In this way they tried to appease them so that they would not take anyone away from the family.
Legends often say that mermaids could steal the guy or child they liked, tickle him to death and drag him down with them to the bottom. Therefore, everyone these days tried to have holy water, horseradish, wormwood or garlic with them. Cutting, bad smell scared away the mermaids. In many villages, the priest gathered people and went in a religious procession to bless wells and farmsteads. There was an opinion: this is where mermaids like to spend their free time, sowing discord in the family and encouraging men to drink.
The youth organized celebrations. Single guys took out the ritual birch tree, unraveled the intertwined branches, and then drowned it in the river. Single girls they told fortunes by floating wreaths on the water. If the wreath sank, it would be bad. Sailed - to marriage, a happy life. Married women collected healing fees. Herbs for the Rusalnitsa had a magical effect: they were brewed for bathing newborns, placed at the head of women in labor, hemmed under the shirts of travelers, made into an infusion and given to newlyweds to drink so that they would live in peace and harmony. Every person from infancy knew that it was forbidden to do things for perfume on a day and was in every possible way afraid of breaking the prohibitions. According to legend, anyone who swims in a river or lake will certainly drown. And those who go to work in the fields will be dragged along by mermaids.
What kind of holiday of the Spirits is this day: signs
The most common signs of spirit day are interesting because people tried to explain phenomena and events that were incomprehensible to them. It was believed that one should not run and disturb the earth in any way, so that drought does not occur. Much attention was also paid to observing the weather. If Monday was warm and sunny, summer will be hot. If a thunderstorm began, the wind rose - summer promises to be damp and cold. IN modern world Spiritual Day is officially celebrated by 12 countries, including Germany, Switzerland, France and Ukraine. 
In Russia, this day is considered a working day, but many believers prefer to take a day off to attend the liturgy and celebrate this holiday in church.