When is the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary celebrated? The Annunciation is a non-passing holiday. The Annunciation of what year
Annunciation in 2017, what date: holiday date, history, traditions and folk signs Annunciation in 2017, what date: The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the greatest holidays of the Orthodox Church, the date of which does not change. According to the old style, the holiday fell on March 25. But now the Annunciation is celebrated by the Orthodox on April 7 every year, and 2017 is no exception. The Annunciation in 2017, what date: the history and symbolism of the holiday On the feast of the Annunciation, the Church recalls how the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Blessed Virgin and said that she was to give birth to the Son of God. Mary was brought up at the temple until she was 14, and after coming of age she was betrothed to Joseph. In the house of her betrothed husband, she led a quiet prayer life, preserving her virginity, writes rsute.ru . And therefore she was surprised how she could give birth if she did not know her husband. The archangel explained to her: "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you." Mary humbly answered: "Behold, the Servant of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." This event gives rise to the gospel story. The consent and readiness of the Most Pure Theotokos to accept everything prepared for her is an example for every Christian of what the relationship between man and God should be. Their meaning lies in cooperation, that is, not only the acceptance of the Will of God, but also the manifestation of one's own good will on the path to the Lord. Annunciation in 2017, what date: traditions of celebration Most often, the Annunciation is celebrated on the days of Great Lent. On this holiday (if it does not fall on Holy Week), the fast is weakened and fish is allowed. In 2017, the feast of the Annunciation will be celebrated on the last day of the Great Fortecost, on the eve of Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday. It is not customary to work on the Annunciation, April 7th. Any activity related to the earth is prohibited. Even the food on this day should be simple and light, which is the easiest to cook. In the modern world, it is not so easy to adhere to this rule, because not all employers can appreciate your desire to observe certain traditions in celebrating this or that event. You should dedicate this time to repentance and prayers when you are freed from the main things. It is necessary to avoid scoping and disagreements, because, it is believed that to quarrel with someone on this Orthodox holiday, it means that you will never reconcile. In the old days, the New Year was celebrated on this day, therefore even now in some villages the Annunciation is regarded as the beginning of a new era - spring-summer: bonfires and fires are lit they go through them in order to be cleansed. What not to do on the Annunciation: There is a saying on this day: “The bird does not nest, the girl does not weave a braid.” It is connected with the fact that you cannot work on the Annunciation - the work will be stupid and unnecessary. Maybe you have heard the legend of the cuckoo? It is connected with the Annunciation. It is said that on this day the cuckoo made its nest without heeding the command not to work. Now the cuckoo does not know how to make nests and she has to throw her eggs to other birds. As mentioned above, back in the Annunciation, "... a girl does not weave a braid." It is believed that in addition to the ban on any work on this day, this saying is also associated with hair. They can not be combed, cut and do hairstyles. Previously, grooms judged their health by the beauty of girls' hair, and if you comb your hair on this day, your hair becomes dry and begins to fall out. Thus, if a girl performs some procedures with her hair on this day, then she condemns herself to an unhappy life. On the day on which the Annunciation falls, in no case should one engage in sowing and any work in the garden and garden. They say that on the evening of the Annunciation, you can not use lighting fixtures in the house. And also do not light candles or torches. This sign is connected with the fact that on this day Angels descend from heaven and visit every house. They observe people's lives and bring everything that is missing. And if you use lighting, you may not notice the light from the Angel, which at the same time is not suitable to bless for a happy life. What can and should be done on the Annunciation: The Annunciation is a holiday in which it is necessary to enjoy nature, God's creations. It is also necessary on this day to dream and reflect on your place and purpose in the world. The day after the Annunciation, all gardeners and gardeners must do sowing work. There is an opinion that this will bring an unprecedented harvest. Annunciation in 2017, what date: folk signs On the Annunciation, like other church holidays, you need to pay attention to the weather. If the swallows have not yet arrived at the Annunciation, the spring will be late and cold. Frosts for the Annunciation - to a rich harvest. If it started to rain on April 7, then the summer will be dry. What kind of weather is at the Annunciation, it will be like that at Easter.
When is the Annunciation in 2018, what date
The Annunciation is a holiday that is on a par with such great days as Christmas and Easter. And that's all, because if the first event had not happened, then the other two would not have happened. In order to find out exactly when the Annunciation is in 2018, what date this holiday is celebrated, you need to remember its history and turn to church books.
The event, because of which this holiday is celebrated, is a real miracle for Christians. The archangel Gabriel came to the girl who loved God with all her heart and was absolutely pure. A messenger from heaven told her that it was she who would give birth to God's son, who would save all people. This girl was the Virgin Mary. And nine months later she gave birth to Jesus Christ.
Date of the Annunciation
It is not difficult to calculate when the Annunciation in 2018, what date, because it is known that Christmas is a holiday that has a specific date. Representatives of Catholicism celebrate the birth of the Savior on the twenty-fifth of December, and Orthodox people celebrate on the seventh of January. From these dates it is necessary to count back nine months and it will become clear when Christians celebrate the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos. This day, like Christmas, does not move to other dates and is celebrated annually on March 25 by Catholics and April 7 by Orthodox.
The origin of the holiday
As it is said in the biblical sources, while still quite young, Mary went to the monastery. There she realized that she loved God so much that she was ready to keep her innocence for the rest of her life.
When the girl grew up and became an adult, the servants of the monastery found her a husband named Joseph. This was a distant relative of Mary, an elder who accepted her position and promised to preserve her purity.
Family life proceeded quietly and calmly, until one day an archangel appeared to Mary. The most interesting thing is that Mary decided for herself long ago that as soon as it becomes known which woman is bearing God's son, she will go to her as a servant. But it turned out that it was she who was destined to become the mother of the Savior. After she said that she was ready to endure her son, the word immediately turned into flesh.
People living according to the calendar, which dates back to the Nativity of Christ, honor this holiday. But it often happens that Great Lent is also going on at this time. But even if it coincided, believers are still allowed to celebrate the Annunciation as it should be.
Holiday traditions
As on any Great Christian holiday, on the Annunciation you can not work at home, as well as engage in other types of physical labor. But you also need to rest appropriately. Under no circumstances should any cosmetic procedures be performed. In the old days, girls did not even comb their hair and did not braid their braids. It was believed that in this case they might not marry at all. But even if you do not believe in this popular belief, it is better to refuse a visit to the hairdresser or a visit to the spa on April 7th and spend this day at home reading religious books. Believers on this day go to the temple, pray, and also share joy with each other and observe a number of interesting customs.
So on the seventh of April in the temples, the clergy release white doves into the sky. This gesture is a symbol of good news, and people love to be present at this event. Previously, not only doves were released into the wild, but also larks, or tits. People first went to the forest, caught birds, hid them in cages, and then unanimously released all the birds into the wild, giving them freedom. People believed that it was these birds that would ask God for happiness for those who freed them.
Dishes eaten on the Annunciation
In the past, prosphora was always baked on the Annunciation. This is unleavened church bread, usually small. It was believed that as many loaves of bread needed to be baked as the number of family members living in the house. Then the hostesses carried the prosphora to the temple, they were illuminated, after which in the morning on the Annunciation each person ate this illuminated bread and washed it down with water. Sometimes the crumbs that remained were added to animal feed, it was believed that this way they would grow up healthy.
As for the festive menu, be sure to cook fish on the Annunciation. Moreover, they cook even if the holiday coincided with the fasting period. Fish can either be baked, fried or marinated. If a fast lasts at this time, then vegetables can be prepared as a side dish for a fish dish. Orthodox Christians are also allowed to drink some red wine on this day.
Folk traditions and signs
For ordinary people, the Annunciation was a holiday when it was necessary to call for spring. Moreover, this tradition appeared much earlier than Rus' adopted Christianity. For people, this was already the third meeting of the warm season. It was believed that if the frosts still had not receded, then in a week they would definitely not be. In order to invite spring, people gathered all together, kindled fires and sang “calls” specially invented for this. It was also customary to jump over fire and wash yourself with melted snow to wash away your sins.
Folk signs say that on the Annunciation nothing can be taken out of the house, or given to anyone. It is believed that you can lose your happiness and well-being. And even if the neighbors asked for sugar or salt, they were denied it. In addition, on this day, people have never worn new or clean clothes before. It was believed that things would quickly tear, or get dirty so that they would become unusable.
On the Annunciation it was also customary to predict the weather for the future:
If April 7th is cold, and Easter is still ahead, then it will be cool on the day of the Resurrection of Christ.
If there are frosts in the Annunciation at night, then it is worth waiting for a rich harvest.
And if it suddenly rains on this day, then there will be little precipitation in summer.
It is also worth focusing on swallows. If they have already arrived, then the spring will be warm.
There is no need to find out what date the feast of the annunciation will come in 2020, because the date does not change from year to year. The event is celebrated on April 7 and is a very revered day of freedom and peace. The Annunciation is considered a holiday of good and reasonable deeds, beautiful traditions, signs, and not at all fun feasts, since this is the time of Lent.
Beautiful postcard icon
prosphora goodies what can
menu
However, all Christians who observe Great Lent can afford a slight relaxation on April 7th. In 2020, on the day of the Annunciation, you can dilute lenten food with wine or fish. It is also allowed to hold calm festive entertainments. This only emphasizes the greatness of this event. Also learn how to celebrate and which one. 
In the past, the holiday was given many names. They called the Annunciation of the Angel of Mary, the Beginning of Redemption, the Annunciation of Christ, the Conception of Christ. In addition, the clergy, together with ethnographers, tried for a long time to find out when they first began to celebrate this holiday, but could not. To this day, it is only known that in 560 Emperor Justinus issued a decree on the celebration of the Annunciation on March 25, and according to the new style - on April 7, so in 2020 it will be celebrated on this day.
History of this event
Now you know what date the Annunciation will come in 2020, so you don’t have to look into the calendar of events. But, many still do not know his story. To begin with, you should learn more about Mary's childhood. The legend says that before the onset of the 14th birthday, she lived and was brought up in a monastery, so she prayed a lot, which allowed her to comprehend the faith. She wanted to remain a virgin until the end of her life, but according to the laws of that time, she could no longer live among the nuns. Maria faced a choice: to marry or return to her parents.
The good priests of the monastery sought out a distant relative of the virgin, Joseph. She married him. From now on, Joseph had to take care of Mary all his life and keep her honor. They got married, after which they began to live alone and very modestly. 4 months after the wedding, Mary learned the good news that she would become the mother of Jesus Christ.
The virgin was reading the Bible on the balcony and reached the place where it was told about the coming of the Savior. According to legend, Mary thought she was ready to serve the one who would give birth to the Messiah. It was at this moment that the Archangel Gabriel appeared, saying that it was Mary who would give birth to the Son of God in 9 months.
The amazed maiden asked the Archangel how she could give birth to a child if she did not have a single man. Gabriel replied that Mary had a holy power in her belly, so the virgin birth had taken place. The Virgin had to follow God's plan, and on January 7 the Birth of Christ took place. It came 9 months after the good news - the Annunciation.
What are the traditions
Just as before, in 2020, believers will observe the traditions for the Orthodox and Catholic annunciation. Traditionally, the celebrants "call for spring". To do this, they kindle bonfires, dance round dances around them, singing spring songs.
Many bake flour figurines of swallows, larks, waders. There is a belief that with their help you can call the beautiful spring. To do this, young girls climb onto the roofs of buildings, and the little ones climb trees, after which they all together begin to sadly and drawlingly chant appeals to birds, urging them to fly in as soon as possible and bring spring on their wings. When the Annunciation feast comes in 2020, try to remember this glorious tradition. Birds were usually asked to bring health, bags of money, pots and fragrant cakes from faraway seas. Birds were lured with baked pretzels, koloboks, pies.
In 2020, on the feast of the annunciation, eat some prosphora - church bread. According to tradition, this will bring the whole family successful, calm days, a prosperous life, and good health. Now church bread can be bought in the church, and earlier it was baked for each family member, after which it was consecrated and eaten. In order to have a good harvest in 2020, find out what date the annunciation will be and mix the crumbs into the prosphora to the sowing seeds. To increase the offspring of birds or livestock, crumbs must be added to the feed. They were even mixed with honey, which was fed to the bees.
Since 1995, the Russian tradition "Freedom to the Birds" has become popular again. After the chant in the Cathedral of the Annunciation, the children and the clergy released the plaques. Almost all temples supported this tradition, which was liked by many people. Until now, residents of villages and megacities buy birds in bird markets and release them to freedom.
Kids and adults will love many of the traditions that celebrate Palm Sunday and the Annunciation, so in 2020 try releasing the birds or eating church bread. It is never too late to revive the traditions that existed before. You know what date in 2020 all Orthodox Christians will celebrate the annunciation, so there is an opportunity to prepare for this holiday.
A few popular signs
If you remember exactly what date the annunciation will come in 2020, it will most likely be interesting to learn about the signs that were popular among our ancestors. They were able to predict the harvest from the weather, and the weather from flying birds. The most famous have survived to this day. 
For example, if the day was windy or foggy, then summer will please you with a good harvest. The rain for the Annunciation promised a lot of bread and mushrooms. A frosty day predicted a good harvest of milk mushrooms, cucumbers, and vegetables. The thunderstorm foreshadowed an abundance of nuts and warm summer weather.
To find out if the spring will be cold, you need to remember the day when in 2020 the feast of the annunciation will come for the Orthodox. If the swallows do not arrive, then the spring will be protracted, cold. By evening, look at the sky. The absence of stars means that the hens will not lay eggs. It was also believed that the weather on Easter would be the same as on April 7th.
What can you eat
If you remember what date the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin will come in 2020 and are going to celebrate it, think about the menu for the festive table. Everyone who observes the Great Lent is allowed to treat themselves to fish. 
At the same time, keep in mind that there will be Great Lent, which is the strictest fast, so fish is only allowed during the celebration. You can cook the following dishes:
- Baked, boiled, stewed vegetables.
- Fried, steamed, marinated fish.
- Fried potatoes.
- Salad of cucumbers, corn, peas and peppers.
- Beet salad.
- Apples, bananas, citrus fruits, pomegranates.
One of the most important and favorite Orthodox holidays among the people is approaching -.
When the Annunciation is celebrated in 2017 among the Orthodox and Catholics
The Russian Orthodox Church refers Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to the number of the twelfth (that is, 12 most important) non-passing (celebrated on the same day) holidays. The holiday is celebrated on March 25 according to the New Julian calendar, which is followed by the Russian Orthodox Church and some other denominations. According to modern chronology, the feast of the Annunciation always falls on April 7.
Catholics, Protestants and other Christian denominations living according to the Gregorian calendar have already celebrated the holiday Annunciation of the Virgin Mary March 25.
In Russia, Ukraine and Belarus in 2017, the Annunciation holiday is celebrated in Friday, April 7 V sixth week of Great Lent, the day before Lazarus Saturday(April 8) and two days before Palm (Palm) Sunday(April 9).
History of the Annunciation
The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated in honor of the famous evangelical event - evangelist Luke said that on that day the archangel Gabriel announced Virgin Mary good news that a son of God will be born to her, who will be called Jesus.
According to the gospel interpretation of this event, the Lord sent the archangel Gabriel to Nazareth to the Virgin Mary to announce to her that she would become the mother of the son of God, who was destined to become the savior of mankind. Being submissive to God's will, the Virgin Mary completed the first stage of atonement for the fall committed by Eve, contrary to the ban tasted the forbidden fruit.
The symbol of the Annunciation is considered a white lily, symbolizing the purity and purity of the Virgin.
The Sixth Week of Great Lent and the Annunciation - 2017: what you can and cannot eat
The Annunciation, as a rule, falls during Great Lent, so there are restrictions on this day that correspond to Great Lent. Secular amusements, fun, noisy holidays, watching comedies, etc. are not welcome. There is also a ban on sexual life (however, this applies only to married spouses, and even then, the church refrains from too intrusive interference in this intimate moment in the life of the flock).
Serious indulgences are allowed in food in honor of the holiday. Meat and dairy products, as well as eggs, are still completely prohibited, but you can eat fish, and you can also drink some wine.
Meal schedule for the sixth week of Great Lent in 2017
Recall the meal schedule for the sixth week of Great Lent, which includes three major holidays at once: the Annunciation, Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday.
Monday, April 3 - dry eating.
Tuesday, April 4 - Boiled vegetable food without oil.
Wednesday, April 5 - dry food.
Thursday, April 6 - Boiled vegetable food without oil.
Friday, April 7 - Annunciation
Saturday, April 8 - Lazarus Saturday, boiled food with the addition of vegetable oil, fish caviar and wine are allowed.
Sunday, April 9 - Palm Sunday, boiled food with the addition of vegetable oil, fish and wine are allowed.
It should be noted that despite the relaxation in nutrition, moderation is recommended for believers on the eve of Holy Week, especially with regard to drinking wine.
Annunciation - 2017: folk traditions and signs
The holiday of the Annunciation has ancient pre-Christian roots, since according to the old style this time fell on the spring equinox. This period was very important for the agricultural calendar, as a boundary between winter and calendar spring.
Most of the signs for the Annunciation are related to the weather and the future harvest.
If there is still snow on the Annunciation, then the spring will be late and cold.
If the swallows have not yet arrived on the Annunciation, the spring will be cold.
If the Annunciation is warm, then spring will be early and friendly.
If it is clear and sunny on the Annunciation, then there will be a good harvest.
If it is rainy on the Annunciation, the summer will be dry and the year will be lean.
Annunciation: Do's and Don'ts
The Annunciation in Rus' was considered the last free day before the start of spring sowing, so it was customary to rest on this holiday, and all work, including housework, was completely prohibited. And women and girls on this day could walk in "shabby", uncombed and in home clothes.
There is still a saying: “A bird does not nest on the Annunciation, a short-haired girl does not weave braids.”
Also on the Annunciation it was forbidden to light a fire in the huts, it was believed that violation of this prohibition was fraught with a fire.
Annunciation traditions: prosphora, larks and healing salt
In Rus', on the Annunciation in Rus', they baked special lean buns - prosphora, as well as lean cookies in the shape of birds, which were called waders or larks. This biscuit was used during the folk rituals of invoking spring.
Also on this day, Annunciation salt was harvested, which was then used as a medicinal drug. All family members put a pinch of salt in a bag, and then the hostess poured the salt onto the brazier and ignited it. The calcined salt was again poured into a bag and used as a universal remedy for all diseases. Annunciation prosphora was also used as a remedy.
Annunciation: why laity should not release birds themselves
The custom of releasing birds on the Annunciation is very ancient, it is associated with the spring equinox and with the return of birds from warm countries. In Christianity, the Holy Spirit is depicted as a dove, so the custom of releasing birds has taken root in the Christian tradition.
The patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church, accompanied by children, takes part in this ceremony.
In Rus', before the Annunciation, people (especially children) specially caught birds, which were then sold to perform the ceremony. However, animal rights activists believe that in the modern world this custom is barbaric, since 90% of birds caught and then released die from stress and poor maintenance. Nevertheless, in the provinces this custom is still strong, despite the fact that the church does not bless the laity to release birds on the Annunciation themselves. In temples, only specially trained tame pigeons are used for this rite.
The Annunciation is one of the 12 most important church holidays. This bright event is celebrated exactly 9 months before, namely, April 7th. The Annunciation is a non-passing holiday, and therefore the date of its celebration is the same every year. Catholics celebrate the Annunciation according to the Gregorian calendar on March 25.
On this day, a slight relief is allowed for those who adhere to Great Lent - on the Annunciation, you can eat fish and red wine. At the same time, it is forbidden to work on this holiday, especially on the ground. It is believed that it is on this day that winter finally recedes and all nature begins to awaken.
history of the holiday
The Annunciation is the bright news of the imminent coming into the world of the Son of God, which the Archangel Gabriel told the Virgin Mary. According to the Gospel, Mary was promised to the Lord from childhood and until she was sixteen years old she was brought up in the temple in Jerusalem.
Then she was betrothed to Joseph, a God-fearing and honest man who was a distant relative of hers. After marriage, Mary, with the consent of her husband, still retained her purity and innocence, preserving herself for the Lord. She led a righteous life filled with prayers and good deeds.
Mary was familiar with the prophecy that the Savior of the human race would be born of a virgin, and she was ready to become the slave of that woman. However, she herself was destined to become the mother of the Son of the Lord. Having heard the message of the Archangel, Mary cast aside all fears and accepted her destiny, giving the world Jesus Christ.
The deeper meaning of the Annunciation is that the world was saved through the union of the power of God and human will. Thus, the coming into the world of Jesus Christ became possible only thanks to the consent of Mary - the Lord gave people free will, and if the Virgin had refused to accept her destiny, the Holy Spirit could not have descended on her.
Traditions for the Annunciation
The Annunciation is considered a day of freedom and peace, on this bright holiday even in hell for a short moment grace comes. On this day, you can not do any work, especially it is forbidden to work in the field. Our ancestors used to say that even a bird does not nest on the Annunciation. It is customary to cook even the simplest food on this holiday, which does not require much effort.
The Annunciation is considered the most unfavorable period for starting new business, since people, animals, birds, and the earth itself should rest on this day. There is a belief that once on this holiday the cuckoo decided to build a nest, despite the ban. As punishment, she lost the opportunity to create a family, and was doomed to throw her eggs in other people's nests.
In the villages there was a tradition to arrange a spring festival on the Annunciation. People sang songs, welcomed the arrival of spring and the awakening of nature, kindled bonfires, through which young people jumped to burn their sins. It was also customary to let the birds go free. If someone kept birds in a cage at home, then on the Annunciation he released them.
It is believed that on this day one cannot quarrel, so no misunderstandings were allowed in the house. The holiday, as a rule, was spent in the family circle, avoiding visits. On the Annunciation it is necessary to confess, repent and forgive all offenders.
Folk omens
Many folk signs are associated with the Annunciation, some of which have come from pagan times. So, it is believed that on this day you can not wear new clothes, because in this case it will quickly tear and deteriorate. Also, on the annunciation, unmarried girls did not comb their hair, so as not to confuse their fate.
Also, on this holiday, you can not borrow money, as this means giving away family well-being. But in order to repay the debt, this is a very favorable period.
In addition, our ancestors closely followed the weather on the Annunciation and predicted in this way what the harvest would be like. So, if the weather is cloudy on this holiday, then the harvest will be scarce; if a thunderstorm has passed, then the summer will be mild and warm; if the sun is shining brightly, then the summer will be dry with the possibility of fires.
Warm weather for the Annunciation promises continued frosts, and if frosts are noticed on this day, then heat can be expected soon. If there are no swallows on the Annunciation yet, then the spring will be cold.
Annunciation in modern conditions
Today, it is much more difficult to adhere to all the prohibitions and conditions of church holidays than it was in the days of our ancestors. So, if the Annunciation falls on a weekday, then it is simply impossible to completely refuse to work - the management may not understand.
Therefore, on this day, you should at least avoid making important transactions and not start new activities. Doing household chores should also be postponed. Laundry, cleaning, ironing, repairs - all this can wait another day. In addition, it is worth taking the time to go to church to confess and pray.
The main thing to remember is that the Annunciation is a bright holiday that symbolizes freedom, hope and the arrival of spring. Therefore, if circumstances do not allow you to celebrate it according to all the rules, then try to spend this day in peace with others and with yourself.
Do not allow quarrels, debates, and in general any conflicts, try to forgive your ill-wishers and let go of all grievances. If you yourself upset someone or greatly offended, then ask for forgiveness. Spend an evening with your family in peace and tranquility, and this will be the best option for celebrating the Annunciation.
