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Folk signs, traditions and customs for the trinity and spirits day. Trinity: signs, traditions and customs Trinity signs and customs thyme

Russian culture, its traditions and customs are a separate phenomenon of world heritage. Orthodox holidays are closely intertwined with the roots of Russian customs, which are passed down from generation to generation. And signs on the Trinity are always carefully stored and inherited.

Descent of the Holy Spirit

Pentecost, Trinity, the Descent of the Holy Spirit or the Day of the Holy Trinity is one of the main Christian holidays, which is celebrated with a particularly solemn service. Trinity falls on the 50th day after Easter on Sunday. This day is especially revered by the people. The Orthodox are looking forward to it, preparing for the holiday and waiting for a miracle.

The Trinity has long been revered by the ancestors. It was believed that on this holiday the end of hard labor comes and the time comes for the harvest of a generous harvest. It is not surprising that since those ancient times, folk signs on the Trinity have reached the present generation. Directly all the rites were considered especially important - in no case could they be neglected or ignored.

So what was the mystery of the celebration? How amazing were the holy days for a simple Russian person? It is time to get acquainted with several unique customs, traditions and signs associated with the great Orthodox holiday.

Briefly about the holiday

Holy Trinity Day or Green Christmas time is honored in every Orthodox family. One of the most important Christian holidays is celebrated on the 50th day after Easter, which is why it is sometimes also called Pentecost. The Day of the Holy Trinity usually falls on the last days of May or the beginning of June. The end of hard working days and the beginning of a rich harvest are associated with the first summer days.

The Trinity has as many as three big holidays - this is Parental Saturday (the day when the deceased ancestors are commemorated), Trinity Sunday (the most important day of the holiday itself) and Spirits Day (the name speaks for itself - the Day of the Holy Spirit).

Church interpretation of the holiday

Where did the signs and customs for the Trinity come from? This is connected, first of all, with folk observations and interpretation of the holiday. To understand the whole essence of each sign and phenomenon, it is worth paying attention to the religious significance of this day.

After the resurrection of Jesus Christ, those who believed directly in the Lord God himself believed in his power. And by the power of the Spirit only when, on the 50th day after the resurrection of Jesus, the 12 apostles and the Virgin Mary gathered in one room heard loud sounds coming from heaven. After that, each disciple was seized by a flame that penetrated inside and filled the whole being - so the Holy Spirit himself entered into each of them, which gave the apostles great knowledge and the opportunity to preach the word of God in different languages.

The so-called triumph of the Holy Trinity took place - God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit gathered together - witnessed by ordinary Christians.

How is the Trinity celebrated by the people?

There are quite familiar signs and customs for the Trinity, which are revered in every family. To do this, you do not need to go somewhere at midnight, look for healing herbs and look at the stars. Household rituals are also part of the spiritual celebration of the great Christian holiday.

So, for example, on Parental Saturday it is worth visiting the graves of deceased relatives, going to church for a service and lighting candles "for the repose of the soul." On this day, one cannot be sad - it is customary to remember the dead ancestors with a good word, only joyful moments.

In the evening, on the eve of Trinity Sunday, parishioners go to church with large bouquets of birch branches, freshly cut grass and wildflowers. It is believed that consecrated bouquets have healing properties, so the plants are carefully stored throughout the year. With a disease from dried flowers and branches, you can brew teas and healing infusions.

During the Sunday service, parishioners pray to God and ask him to grant the Holy Spirit to the departed ancestors.

Monday - the Day of the Holy Spirit - symbolizes the victory of the Holy Spirit over evil forces. On this day, it is customary to pray for deceased relatives, to remember them only good words. On the Day of the Holy Spirit, it is customary to ask God for the repose of souls. After the service, the parishioners, leaving the church, distributed change and treats to the poor, protecting themselves from illness and misfortune.

There are special folk omens for the Trinity. The weather on this day can tell you what the harvest will be like and what to expect from the coming winter. So, for example, it was believed that the earth before the celebration of the Day of the Holy Spirit could reveal its secrets. Therefore, many diligently searched for treasures hidden deep in the bowels of the earth.

Signs on the Trinity for unmarried girls

Pentecost for young girls is one of the most important holidays that can tell their future fate. On this day, beautiful wreaths were woven, lowered into the water and watched how they behave. If a necklace of flowers floated on the water - a favorable sign, if it spun in place - to a single life in the near future. An unfavorable sign if the wreath drowned - this symbolized the death of close relatives or even a betrothed.

Young girls traditionally celebrated this holiday in the forest near the birches. Trinity week is a "mermaid" game. At this time, one should not enter the water - it was believed that the mermaid could be pulled into her pool. It was possible to protect themselves from them only with the help of wormwood.

Among other folk signs for the Trinity, the traditional symbolism of this holiday should be noted. Birch is a symbol of rebirth and youth. This tree at Christmas time became especially revered. Birch branches decorated housing and fences, the entrance to the house and the yard, as well as corners in sheds where pets lived. The branches were taken out into the field to beg for a rich harvest from the ancestors.

Among the traditions and signs for the Trinity for unmarried girls, it is worth noting the custom of weaving wreaths from birch branches. It was believed that in this way the girl weaves her thoughts with the thoughts of a young man.

But grandmothers went to the graves of their ancestors in order to cover the "eyes" of their parents and other relatives - they swept the graves of the dead with birch branches.

Traditions and customs

Holy Trinity Day is a special holiday in which people are used to performing a lot of rituals. At the same time, they are interpreted and perceived as customs, and not as superstitions. This is exactly the case when all signs and beliefs have an exceptionally reasonable value. Therefore, it can be argued that folk signs on the Trinity are distinguished by a deep meaning.

There are things that just need to be done on this holiday. And there are things that are extremely undesirable in the first summer days. It is worth noting that the very celebration of the Trinity itself has pagan roots. Of course, the church is against such beliefs, but it is difficult to convince the people about what was passed on to them along with mother's milk.

Signs for single girls and guys

Children are taught from a very early age to honor the Christian holidays and folk traditions. The younger generation is closely following what is done on the Trinity. Signs help to predict the future on the eve of a great holiday. Over time, young girls and boys themselves begin to take part in the rituals.

Wreaths have already been mentioned. It remains only to repeat the symbolism:

If the wreath floats on water, there will be happiness.
If washed ashore - a new love.
If it stands still, the next year will pass without changes.
If drowned - be in trouble.

Signs and superstitions on the Trinity are passed down from generation to generation. So, grandmothers often cover a new tablecloth for a holiday - it was believed that the fabric absorbs great power, which helps to attract enviable suitors. All kinds of pastries were baked for the Holy Holiday - their remains were not thrown away, but kept for the happiness of the future family.

Weddings cannot be played on Holy Trinity Day - it is believed that the life of the newlyweds will not be enviable. But matchmaking on this day will be favorable - the life of a new family will be long and happy. After the matchmaking for Trinity, it was customary to marry Pokrova.

Signs on the Trinity: what not to do?

There are some things that are highly recommended not to do on this day. Failure to comply with the prohibitions can anger the spirits of deceased relatives who wander among living people on this day. On the Day of the Holy Trinity, in no case should you work, do needlework and homework. Loaves, bread and buns were baked on the eve of the holiday. On Trinity it was impossible to dig in the garden and plant beds. Also on this day it was strictly forbidden to swim - just remember the story about mermaids. By the way, about them. It is believed that the mermaid is the soul of a baby girl who died before baptism. A young drowned girl who did not have time to get married could also become an inhabitant of the waters.

What are the signs of the Trinity? What can not be done on this holiday? According to tradition, on Sunday you should go to the graves of your ancestors. If this prohibition is violated, the deceased relatives may become angry and take someone from the living.

Holiday Dinner Traditions

As mentioned above, bread and all kinds of pastries were made on the eve of the holiday. Folk omens On Trinity they say that only the closest people should gather at the table on this day. You should not invite enemies and unwanted people - this holiday should remain clean and joyful.

Traditionally, the table was covered with a festive green tablecloth, which was then carefully stored to attract enviable suitors. Among the variety of dishes on the table, there must be bread and any other pastries. own production. The tastier and more varied it is, the brighter and happier life will be in the coming year.

Young families should pay attention to this tradition. Baking loaves and bread on Saturday, on the eve of the great Orthodox holiday, can become a good family tradition in which everyone can take part. Folk signs on the Trinity say that the festive table should not be complete without chicken eggs. In principle, the festive table on this day should be abundant - various vegetables and fruits, sweet pastries, loaves and bread, fish and meat dishes, as well as sweets and drinks - everything should indicate well-being and prosperity.

Holy feast in modern times

Signs and traditions for the Trinity are well known to residents of villages and small towns. Unfortunately, with the growth of urbanization, the townspeople simply began to forget the bright holiday and everything connected with it. But in vain - even the very performance of rituals carries great emotional power, which will allow you to receive a charge of positive energy.

The villagers on the Trinity prepare brooms for the bath. You can not break young trees and pluck the upper branches - you can only side shoots so as not to destroy the tree. It is believed that on this day all plants strengthen their healing properties. That is why knowledgeable people collect the day before healing herbs, leaves and shoots. Among the many signs and superstitions on the Trinity, one more should be noted that will be of interest to young girls - if you collect thyme on the eve of the holiday, weave a small broom out of it and sew it into a pillow, life will be long and happy, and the long-awaited chosen one is about to appear on the horizon .

Divination for the Trinity

The Church in every possible way denies such events, but you really want to know your fate and at least look into the near future with at least one eye. That is why, among all the variety of signs, there are certain rituals that help to lift the veil of secrecy.

What do they do on Trinity? Signs suggest how to recognize your chosen one and make life with him long and happy. First of all, it should be understood that all fortune-telling should be done only with pure and bright thoughts. On this day, nature reveals its secrets, shares mystical knowledge and helps people. Grandmothers and mothers put birch branches under the pillow for young girls. It was believed that the image of a man in a dream is the future chosen one.

What else is special about the Trinity? Signs of wealth - that's what interested many villagers and villagers. There was such a custom - a woman (maybe even a married one) approached a birch and, without looking, tore off a branch. If it was smooth and even, the year will be successful and fruitful. Otherwise, expect trouble and trouble.

Weather for the whole year

During the entire celebration of the Trinity, older people closely followed the weather - it is believed that Green Christmastide was a kind of barometer for the whole year. Signs on the Trinity and the weather:

It was impossible to harvest birch brooms if it was raining.
For a better harvest of cabbage, one should put its leaves in birch twigs brought from the temple after the service.
A good harvest of mushrooms promises rain on Trinity Sunday.

Trinity is a great and bright Orthodox holiday, which has great mystical power. If you behave correctly on this day, observe all traditions and rituals, and also carefully follow the signs, you can feel how happiness literally knocks on the house. Bright thoughts and good thoughts, gratitude for every day lived and generosity - this is the key to a real holiday that will be preserved in every family.

In 2018, a very important Orthodox holiday Trinity was celebrated on May 27. Yesterday in all Orthodox churches the relevant services were held, but for now it would be appropriate to recall the history of this holiday once again.

The most important Orthodox holiday Trinity is celebrated on the fiftieth day after Easter Sunday. This entails its displacement from day to year. The second name of the holiday is the following definition - Pentecost. The holiday is old, so we can safely talk about the rich history.

Trinity 2018: the history of the holiday

Plunging into a long history, you can pay attention to such important aspect as the fact that on that day the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles. Jesus Christ promised his disciples that after death he would send them the Holy Spirit, with the help of which they would learn to carry the good news to the world. It was on the fiftieth day after the resurrection of the Savior that the flames of the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles. After that, the apostles were able to speak different languages, and went to preach around the world and carry the word of God.

The feast of the Holy Trinity is carefully prepared. Many traditions have survived to this day. In particular, housewives try to clean the house by decorating the rooms with fresh greenery and flowers.

On this day, the whole family gathers at the table. Concerning holiday table, then it must be simple. So, meat, salads, potatoes, regular soup will be appropriate. It is customary to visit the Trinity, as well as organize mass festivities on the street. At one time, young people danced round dances, entertained themselves with the help of ditties and songs.

A remarkable feature of the Trinity is the fact that this day is associated with matchmaking. The fact is that before the guy had the right to approach any girl he liked and offer her to become his wife. If the girl agreed, then the matchmakers were immediately sent.

The girls on the Trinity asked the Almighty to send them a good spouse. But the mothers of the girls dried a piece of the festive cake, which they then brought to the wedding for the young. This was considered a moment that would bring good luck and happiness to a married couple for many years to come.

Trinity: signs, traditions and customs

On the day of the Holy Trinity, it is customary to decorate your houses with grass, flowers, green branches of trees: maple, willow, linden. Aspen, sometimes willow, was considered a forbidden tree by our ancestors. Branches were attached to the windows, to the gates, and it was customary to cover the floor with herbs: lovage, mint, calamus, or, as it is popularly called, Tatar potion.

It was believed that these days the plants have a special protective power, so they protected families from all troubles, helped the sick to recover.

Trinity: what not to do

It is believed that a wedding should not be scheduled on Trinity - supposedly nothing good awaits such a family. It is impossible to sew, bake and work in the garden, as well as on other big Christian holidays, on the Trinity.

Trinity coincides with the end of hard work and preparation for the harvest. Those people who do not rest on this day, according to legend, are waiting for misfortune: for those who plow, the cattle will fall, for those who sow, the hail will beat the crops. Those who spin wool will make their sheep go astray.

Spirits Day is the day after Trinity, when it is forbidden to work on the earth, but you can look for treasure in it. Allegedly, the earth on this day will surely give a good person something valuable.

The people believed that mythical creatures - mavkas and mermaids - come to the Trinity, therefore it is undesirable to go alone into the forest or into the field, Rosregistr informs the portal. Also, you can not drive livestock into the forest. And you can’t swim on Trinity, otherwise, according to ancient beliefs, mermaids will be pulled to the bottom.

What you need to do on Trinity

collect herbs: it is believed that it is on the Trinity that all the healing power is collected in them;
decorate the house with branches of maple, birch, oak and mountain ash. But in no case should you take a willow. From flowers, preference should be given to daisies and cornflowers, from herbs - calamus (cleanses the house of negativity), lovage, mint, fern and wormwood (protect from evil and give strength, health and energy to overcome life's obstacles). You can’t throw these branches into the trash, otherwise everything good will leave the house. A week later, they just need to be burned at the stake;
go to church services. Our ancestors, when they came to church, always took with them the grass that was used in the decoration, it became known w. Such grass was considered a family talisman from many troubles;
commemorate those who died not by their own death: suicides and those who went missing. To do this, they go to the cemetery and distribute alms;
put only festive dishes on the table. If the hostess baked bread or a pie, then she hid a piece of it and tried to keep it until the time when her daughter would get married. Our ancestors believed: in this way, daughters can be guaranteed a successful marriage, and the husband will not drink;
guess at fate. unmarried girls they floated the wreaths that were woven with their own hands. If the wreaths converged, then it was worth waiting for the matchmakers. In addition, dreams on a festive night were considered prophetic.

What herbs to bless in the church on the Trinity?

With the advent of Christianity on the Trinity, people came to church for a prayer service with a bunch of wildflowers and herbs. They believed that holy water enhances their healing and protective properties. Therefore, the consecrated herbs were not thrown away, but preserved. Basically, wormwood, lovage, calamus, tansy, thyme, mint and lemon balm were collected on Trinity.

Wormwood (chernobyl)

With the smoke of dry wormwood, it was advised to fumigate the dwelling before a housewarming party, and then they attached a bunch of grass over front door at the threshold, in order to "not give passage" to the house of dark forces. "Bitter grass" was credited with the ability to protect against mermaids, who were very active during Trinity week.

It was believed that a traveler who hides a leaf of wormwood in his shoe can walk many miles without getting tired, and if you look at the flame of a fire lit in honor of the summer solstice through a bunch of wormwood, this will ensure good vision for the whole year.

AT traditional medicine the root of wormwood was used as a sedative, and the leaves as painkillers and regulating the activity of the gastrointestinal tract and the menstrual cycle.

calamus marsh

Calamus stems were scattered on the floor in all rooms. It was believed that he attracts good spirits to the house, cleanses the house and strengthens the health of the inhabitants. They believed that calamus brings good luck, wealth, peace of mind and reliably protects from adversity only those who have no evil in their souls, otherwise the plant does not show its magical power.

Calamus tinctures were made for rinsing the mouth, and a piece of the dried root was advised to be kept in the mouth near the inflamed gums, as a disinfectant. They also washed their heads with a decoction of marigold flowers, calamus root and burdock so that the hair would not fall out.

lovage

Lovage ("love root", "lucky grass") protected from any witchcraft, evil eye, damage or evil spirits. Lovage root was added to bathing water. It was believed that water with it can cleanse not only the body, but also the soul, and can also attract love. Girls washed their hair with a decoction of lovage, and mothers put lovage in their daughters' beds: so that the girl "chooses her own happiness, not someone else's, and so that it stays with her forever."

In folk medicine, decoctions, infusions and teas from lovage were used as a diuretic, cardiac, expectorant, cleansing and analgesic. And its fresh leaves, slightly wrinkled, were applied to the forehead to relieve headaches of any origin.

Tansy

Tansy was also considered a herb amulet. They believed that if you carry her leaves with you, then there will be a lapel for every “love spell”. In modern times, tansy leaves and flowers are often used as a moth repellant.

In folk medicine, tansy is used for fever, as an antihelminthic, for gastrointestinal diseases, gout, rheumatism, diseases of the liver and gallbladder. And medical preparations from tansy increase the secretion of bile, tone up the muscles of the digestive organs, increase blood pressure blood, normalize heart rhythms, and also have a wound healing and anti-inflammatory effect.

Thyme (creeping thyme)

Thyme among the Slavs was respectfully called " female grass”(“ Mother of God herb ”) and believed that a bunch of thyme in the house could help a woman attract her betrothed, give birth and raise a child, and maintain peace in the family. The grass could be sewn into a pillow (it was believed that it was able to get rid of nightmares) or carried with you as a charm, in the form of an incense or sewn into clothes. In order to drive an unpleasant person away from the house, they poured powder from dried grass into his shoes. In the villages, livestock was fumigated with the smoke of dry thyme grass, protecting it from damage or the evil eye.

They believed that a sprig of thyme would give a man who carries it with him courage, courage, perseverance, courage and bring success in all endeavors. In ancient Rome, soldiers bathed in water infused with thyme to gain strength, courage and energy (“thymus "- means "strong", "courageous").

The aroma of thyme and tea from it soothe and drive away insomnia. Thyme has been used in folk medicine as an expectorant, diaphoretic, sedative and analgesic. Thyme lotions disinfected wounds and relieved pain. Aromatic thyme baths were considered curative for diseases caused by impaired metabolism. It was added to medicinal infusions that cured alcoholism, kidney disease, stomach and intestinal pain, and joint pain.

Peppermint and lemon balm (lemon balm)

Fragrant mint was credited with the ability to scare away evil spirits, cleanse the house and protect it from enemies. Even in ancient times, they noticed that the aroma of the plant is able to restore peace of mind and dispel the blues. Perhaps this is because the aroma of mint and teas from its leaves activate mental activity. Therefore, in ancient Rome, it was recommended to wear mint wreaths to the classes of ancient philosophers, and the tables before receiving guests were rubbed with the leaves of the plant, believing that its aroma contributes to a lively table conversation and uplifts the mood.

Our ancestors used the aroma of fresh crushed mint leaves as a remedy for drowsiness, and dried mint leaves were sewn into a pillow to normalize sleep.

Mint and lemon balm teas have a calming effect on nervous and heart diseases, regulate the function of the gastrointestinal tract, are able to restore tone to the body in case of loss of strength, quench toothache and refresh the oral cavity. Warm balm leaves can be used to treat skin inflammations, and if you chew mint leaves with honey, they will eliminate the smell of alcohol.

It is useful for Orthodox believers to know what signs, traditions and customs are observed for the Trinity. This holiday is very important for religious people, since, according to legend, it was with him that the formation of the Christian faith as such began. For many centuries, various church traditions and customs have been carefully passed down from generation to generation. Their knowledge will help to follow the religious path correctly, and knowledge of them will help you to derive certain benefits for yourself.

On Trinity Day, our ancestors could determine what kind of weather would last throughout the summer. Rain on Trinity meant that the following months would be rainy and cold.

Another ancient sign is the lighting in the church of tear herbs, which were specially mourned in advance. The bottom line is that tears represent rain. When people returned from church and brought consecrated herbs with them, they were hidden behind icons or window frames. It was believed that this gesture calls on nature to give everyone a fruitful summer, not complicated by drought.

For the same purpose, birch branches were fixed in various places on the window (platbands, frames or shutters). Freshly harvested green grass was scattered all over the room.

There are also such beliefs that say that you can’t do a trinity. Bathing in reservoirs was under an absolute ban, because people believed that mermaids were especially active on this day and could drown the unfortunate who risked violating the ban.

The oldest women on this day went to the cemetery with birch brooms, where they swept the graves from dust and dirt. It was believed that this ritual pleases the dead and scares away evil spirits.

An excellent sign was the matchmaking, organized in the Trinity. If after this the wedding takes place on the day of the Intercession, the life of the spouses will be full of boundless happiness, comfort and mutual understanding will reign in the house.

Customs for Trinity

The first thing to do was to thoroughly clean the house in order to bring it to perfect cleanliness. Only after that, the housewives began to decorate the dwelling with green branches of young grass or flowers. These attributes symbolize the continuation of life, spring and prosperity.

Most often, the dwelling was decorated with branches of such trees and grasses such as:

mint;
Rowan;
maple;
Birch;

There are other rites observed on the Trinity. In the early morning people go to church for a festive service. In the hands of the parishioners are flowers, fragrant herbs, tree branches.

Also on the feast of the Trinity, it is customary to invite relatives and other close people to dinner. They should be treated with pancakes, jelly, loaf, pies and differently cooked eggs. This day is a great occasion to please each other with cheerful gifts. Many arrange a feast in nature, since the Trinity is always celebrated on a day off.

A tradition that has been preserved from ancient times to the present day is folk festivals. To this day, fairs, concerts, and other solemn and entertaining cultural events are held on this holiday.

Rituals and traditions

In ancient times, after people defended the service, they went to the festivities. Competitions and games with vigorous activity were organized in the villages, songs were sung and round dances were performed. In the evening, unmarried young people danced in circles, and single guys looked at them and looked for potential brides for themselves.

The girls also performed another ritual - they wove wreaths from the collected herbs and flowers and let them flow along the river. Also, a young lady could give a wreath to her lover as a sign of sympathy, but this had to be done in secret.

Also, herbs were dried for Trinity, which were subsequently used to protect against a variety of troubles. They treated all sorts of ailments, drove away evil spirits, and it was even believed that they were able to protect the house from a raging thunderstorm.

In no case were crackers from a baked loaf thrown away. They were kept until the upcoming wedding and added to the wedding cake. It was believed that such a ritual would ensure the happiness and prosperity of the future family.

folk customs

According to Slavic legends, mermaids wake up on this day and are especially active. Rural and rural residents have developed certain traditions:

During the festivities, a effigy of a mermaid was made, around which there were round dances. At the end of the festivities, it was torn by the villagers into many parts that were scattered across the field.
To drive away the mermaids, before going to bed, women ran through the whole village with a broomstick in their hands.
They chose a girl who was dressed as a mermaid. After that, she was taken out into the field and pushed into the rye, while all the villagers scattered to their homes.

Also, the inhabitants kindled a lot of fires along the coastline to scare away the merman, who, according to legend, also woke up on this day.

What is prohibited

During the Trinity period, any work in the house or garden, with the exception of cooking, falls under a strict ban. It is also allowed to decorate the house. Dyeing hair or face, sewing, repairing something or washing your hair is also not allowed.

Since the Trinity is a holy and bright holiday, scolding and swearing is considered a great sin on this day. You must not allow negative thoughts to visit your head, you must not think badly about someone, even if the person really harmed you.

On this day, you should refrain from showing any negative emotions, surrounding yourself with positive things and charging good mood. Prayers will also help.

Divination for the Trinity

On the day before the holiday itself, the girls went to the forest to find young birch trees there. On their tops, young ladies wove wreaths - curled them. The fate of the young girl depended on whether the wreath was untied. The girls came to look at the integrity of the wreath on the day of the Trinity. If the curled crown of the birch remains intact - this year the girl will meet her beloved, if she is untied - she will be lucky later.

The girls also guessed by the wreaths that they lowered into the river. However, this was not done with his hands - it was necessary to tilt his head so that he fell himself. If he swam with the flow - on the other side, it is worth waiting for a lover. If he was drowning, this prophesied a quick death for the girl. And if he remained in place, she was destined to remain in the virgins.

Trinity is celebrated seven weeks later - on the fiftieth day - after Easter. The holiday is also called the Day of the Holy Trinity or Pentecost.

The celebration of the Trinity, like the feast of Easter, has its roots in the days of the Old Testament. On the 50th day after Easter (the day the Jewish people left Egypt), the prophet Moses at Mount Sinai founded the Old Testament priesthood and gave God's law to his people. This day becomes the founding day of the Old Testament Church.

The Day of the Holy Trinity is also related to the New Testament Easter, since on the 50th day after the resurrection from the dead, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to the apostles.

In Russia, the holiday began to be celebrated 300 years after the introduction of Christianity by Prince Vladimir.

In Ukraine, the holiday is closely connected with the meeting of summer and seeing off spring - Green Holidays. The week before the Trinity is called "green", "mermaid" or "klechal", and 3 days before the holiday itself and 3 days after it is called the Green Week. During the Green Holidays, oats bloom, people decorate their houses with flowers and greenery, young girls weave wreaths. According to legend, at this time, mermaids come out of the water and the dead wake up.

The Holy Trinity is one of the important provisions of Christianity. Orthodox Church On this holiday, he remembers the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles. The concept of the Trinity symbolizes the image of God - God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

This great church holiday symbolizes the liberation from everything sinful and bad in the human soul. The Holy Spirit, who descended on the apostles in the form of sacred fire, endowed them with grace and gave them strength to create the Holy Church on earth, in order to bring God's word to every person.

The Feast of the Trinity is the birthday of the church. On this day, God's chosen disciples were endowed with a special power to help them preach the gospel throughout the world and spread the message of Jesus as Lord and Savior. Today the clergy are the successors of the apostles. They are considered mediators between people and God.

Trinity Celebration: Customs

By the holiday, the housewives clean up the house, decorate the rooms with flowers, using young grass and green branches for this purpose, which symbolize spring, the continuation and prosperity of life. For decoration, branches of oak, birch, maple, mountain ash, mint, calamus grass, lemon balm are most often used.

On the morning of Trinity Day, they go to church for a festive service. Parishioners hold flowers, green branches and fragrant herbs in their hands.

Relatives and close people are invited to a festive dinner, they are treated to a loaf, pancakes, egg dishes, pies, jelly. On this day, it is customary to give each other funny gifts. Many people prefer to go to nature and organize picnics, because the Trinity is always celebrated on a day off.

From ancient times to the present day, the tradition of folk festivals has been preserved. Concerts, cultural events, fairs are held in the cities.

Trinity: traditions and rituals

In the old days, people, having defended the morning service on the Trinity, began to celebrate the holiday. In towns and villages, there were mass folk festivals, round dances, chants, competitions and active games in the open air. In the evening, unmarried girls led round dances, and single guys looked after the brides. From herbs and flowers, the girls wove wreaths, carried them to the river and let them float on the water. Also, wreaths could be secretly given to the chosen ones as a sign of sympathy.

Herbs were dried on Trinity, and subsequently they were used as a remedy for various ills and a cure for many diseases. According to popular beliefs, such greenery is able to protect the house from a thunderstorm.

Rusks from a loaf baked for the Trinity were kept until the wedding. They were added to the wedding cake, believing that they would bring happiness to the newlyweds.

Our ancestors used to consecrate “tearful herbs” in the church – herbs that were specially mourned, because tears symbolized rain. After the church, this grass was carried home and hidden behind window frames or icons. Thus, people asked nature for a good and fruitful summer without drought.

Also, in order to have a rich harvest in the summer, birch branches were inserted behind the shutters, platbands, window frames, and green grass scattered over the mountain. It was like that in every house.

In the village, any peasant labor was condemned to the Trinity: it was impossible to do anything either in the house or in the field. Only food was allowed. Swimming in the river was also strictly forbidden, because Trinity is the time when mermaids come to the ground and can lure you to the bottom.

Saturday before Trinity - parental. On this day, it is customary to go to the cemetery and commemorate relatives. Our ancestors believed that a person who did not go to the graveyard that day and did not remember the deceased relatives, invites the dead to him, and they, in turn, will take someone from home with them, i.e. someone might die in this house soon. Therefore, before the Trinity, a memorial dinner was held, the clothes of the dead were hung on the fence, thus trying to drive death away from their homes.

On Trinity, old women went to the cemetery and covered the graves with birch wreaths. It was believed that by doing this they drive away evil spirits and delight the dead, who contribute to harmony, peace and wealth of all the inhabitants of the village.

Wooing for the Trinity was a good omen. It was believed that if they get married to the Trinity, and get married to the Intercession, then these spouses will have a happy and long life, they will live in love and harmony.

If it rains on Trinity, then expect a good harvest, warm weather without frost and a lot of mushrooms.

Monday after Trinity - Spirits day. On this day, the Earth was considered a birthday girl. They did not work on the ground, but early in the morning they went to search for treasures. It was believed that on her name day she would reveal something valuable to a good person.

Divination for the Trinity

On the Trinity, the girls guessed at the betrothed and fate. One of the most popular fortune-telling was weaving wreaths and "curling" birches. On the eve of the holiday, the girls went to the forest, found young birch trees there, and on their tops they wove a wreath of twigs - “curled”. On Trinity, the girls returned to their birch trees and looked at the wreath, if it developed or withered, then nothing good should be expected. If it remains the same, then this year a wedding with a loved one and wealth in the house are expected.

Another popular custom for Trinity is to weave wreaths. They were engaged in this in a women's company, men were not allowed. It was believed that if a guy sees a wreath, then be in trouble. With ready-made wreaths, they went to the river and lowered them into the water:

where the wreath floats - from there and wait for the betrothed;
if the wreath is left by the shore, then the girl will not marry;
if she drowns, the girl will die soon.

The wreath was not removed from the head with hands, but the head was tilted so that it itself fell.

In order to see the betrothed in a dream, birch twigs were placed under the pillow.

Customs and traditions of the celebration of the Holy Trinity

Trinity: signs, traditions and customs, what not to do

In 2019, the very important Orthodox holiday Trinity was celebrated on May 27. Yesterday in all Orthodox churches the relevant services were held, but for now it would be appropriate to recall the history of this holiday once again.

Church holidays are a special category of events. If to ordinary people are easier, for them this is another reason to get together, see friends and sit, setting the table, then church events, like the Trinity, its signs, traditions and customs, show a deep, spiritual meaning of what is happening. It is interesting that the holiday has pagan roots, which are bizarrely intertwined with the canons of Christianity.

Trinity 2019: the history of the holiday

Having plunged into a long history, one can pay attention to such an important aspect as the fact that on this day the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles. Jesus Christ promised his disciples that after death he would send them the Holy Spirit, with the help of which they would learn to carry the good news to the world. It was on the fiftieth day after the resurrection of the Savior that the flames of the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles. After that, the apostles were able to speak different languages, and went to preach around the world and carry the word of God.

On this day, the whole family gathers at the table. As for the festive table, it should be simple. So, meat, salads, potatoes, regular soup will be appropriate. It is customary to visit the Trinity, as well as organize mass festivities on the street. At one time, young people danced round dances, entertained themselves with the help of ditties and songs.

Trinity: signs, traditions and customs

It was believed that these days the plants have a special protective power, so they protected families from all troubles, helped the sick to recover.

Trinity: what not to do

What you need to do on Trinity

collect herbs: it is believed that it is on the Trinity that all the healing power is collected in them;
decorate the house with branches of maple, birch, oak and mountain ash. But in no case should you take a willow. From flowers, preference should be given to daisies and cornflowers, from herbs - calamus (cleanses the house of negativity), lovage, mint, fern and wormwood (protect from evil and give strength, health and energy to overcome life's obstacles). You can’t throw these branches into the trash, otherwise everything good will leave the house. A week later, they just need to be burned at the stake;
go to church services. Our ancestors, when they came to church, always took with them the grass that was used in the decoration, it became known w. Such grass was considered a family talisman from many troubles;
commemorate those who died not by their own death: suicides and those who went missing. To do this, they go to the cemetery and distribute alms;
put only festive dishes on the table. If the hostess baked bread or a pie, then she hid a piece of it and tried to keep it until the time when her daughter would get married. Our ancestors believed: in this way, daughters can be guaranteed a successful marriage, and the husband will not drink;
guess at fate. Unmarried girls floated their own woven wreaths that they had. If the wreaths converged, then it was worth waiting for the matchmakers. In addition, dreams on a festive night were considered prophetic.

Prohibitions, signs of the Trinity

Weddings are not desirable on Trinity, this is a well-known bad omen. You can only choose a bride, conduct a matchmaking or accept matchmakers, start preparations. It is interesting how the omen is arranged. Playing a wedding is bad, but planning a wedding is good.

Job. People missed Trinity Day, arranged a day off. They didn't sow, they didn't dig the ground. Any field or garden work is prohibited. Women are not allowed to cook or sew. By the way, it was forbidden to swim under the Trinity (namely, in reservoirs, rivers), because this is the time of the mermaid. Children were especially taken care of.

Healers in the morning collected the fallen dew, it was considered curative. The girls were advised to wash themselves with it more often, so beauty and youth will be preserved.

Trinity days should be spent calmly, avoiding quarrels, scandals, aggression

They used to guess a lot, choosing a special time. Full moon, new moon or eclipse. Trinity was also considered a good time. They used different methods, not necessarily maps. For example, girls gathered at the nearest river or reservoir in the evenings, then alternately let wreaths. If the wreath immediately sank - to failure, if on the contrary, it floated - a good sign.

At the same time, they watched the wreath move, guessing the betrothed. Here she swims normally, calmly, which means the hostess will spend calm, blessed year. If he hurried to drown, perhaps the hostess is waiting for the loss.

The wreath unraveled - alas, this is a sign of parting.

The wreath hastened to sail away - the groom will either come from afar or go far away.

The wreath remained, stuck near the coast - alas, the matchmakers are not in a hurry yet.

Yes, most often they guessed precisely at the betrothed. We used mirrors, water, flowers. Unmarried people were looking for clues about the face, character, and origin of the future groom. Married women more often guessed for the well-being of children.

What herbs to bless in the church on the Trinity?

With the advent of Christianity on Trinity, people came to church for a prayer service with a bunch of wildflowers and herbs. They believed that holy water enhances their healing and protective properties. Therefore, the consecrated herbs were not thrown away, but preserved. Basically, wormwood, lovage, calamus, tansy, thyme, mint and lemon balm were collected on Trinity.

Wormwood (chernobyl)

Dry wormwood smoke was advised to fumigate a dwelling before a housewarming party, and then a bunch of grass was attached above the front door at the threshold in order to "keep out" the dark forces into the house. "Bitter grass" was credited with the ability to protect against mermaids, who were very active during Trinity week.

In folk medicine, the root of wormwood was used as a sedative, and the leaves as painkillers and regulating the activity of the gastrointestinal tract and the menstrual cycle.

calamus marsh

Calamus stems were scattered on the floor in all rooms. It was believed that he attracts good spirits to the house, cleanses the house and strengthens the health of the inhabitants. They believed that calamus brings good luck, wealth, peace of mind and reliably protects only those who have no evil in their souls from adversity, otherwise the plant does not show its magical power.

lovage

Tansy

In folk medicine, tansy is used for fever, as an antihelminthic, for gastrointestinal diseases, gout, rheumatism, diseases of the liver and gallbladder. And medical preparations from tansy increase the secretion of bile, tone up the muscles of the digestive organs, increase blood pressure, normalize heart rhythms, and also have wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects.

Thyme (creeping thyme)

The Slavs respectfully called thyme “female grass” (“Mother of God grass”) and believed that a bunch of thyme in the house could help a woman attract her betrothed, give birth and raise a child, and keep peace in the family. The grass could be sewn into a pillow (it was believed that it was able to get rid of nightmares) or carried with you as a charm, in the form of an incense or sewn into clothes. In order to drive an unpleasant person away from the house, they poured powder from dried grass into his shoes. In the villages, livestock was fumigated with the smoke of dry thyme grass, protecting it from damage or the evil eye.

Peppermint and lemon balm (lemon balm)

Our ancestors used the aroma of fresh crushed mint leaves as a remedy for drowsiness, and dried mint leaves were sewn into a pillow to normalize sleep.