[ad_1]
Icon of the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary of beads
On October 14 the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos is celebrated. “Strana” publishes the history of this brilliant holiday, talks about customs and folk signs, what can and cannot be done today.
By tradition, we place beautiful postcards and greetings for our readers that can be sent to friends and family on instant messaging.
Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary 2020 – history and traditions
The date of the holiday, which is abbreviated as Pokrov or Pokrova, does not change. It occurs annually on October 14.
Today, according to legend, the appearance of the Mother of God took place in the city, which was surrounded by invading militants. The Blessed Virgin opened her mantle and stole people with it, thus saving everyone from the enemy and from all evil.
The festival of the Tapa de la masa is associated with defense. It is not a coincidence that they have decided to celebrate Ukraine Defender Day today (follow the link: congratulations and photos on Ukraine Defender Day 2020)
Popular and wedding posters in Pokrov
Our ancestors especially had a lot of signs on the Pokrov. All of them referred mainly to the weather. It was believed that if the first snow doesn’t fall today, it won’t be there until December.
People said: the more leaves fall for the feast of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos, the easier and warmer it will be next winter. But a lot of “gold” in the trees on October 14 promised only a harsh winter, with severe frosts.
The most important day for weddings in the fall was today. This tradition has survived to this day: many couples want to formalize their relationship on October 14. The newlyweds were very happy when it snowed in Pokrov. This symbolized the long and good life of the couple until the end of their days.
In the old days, this custom was due to the complete end of field work. As a result, our grandparents had many delicious products of the new crop, which formed the basis of the table. People also had a lot of free time to wander at weddings (before, we remember, they were celebrated for several days and almost all over town).
Those girls who had not yet received the marriage proposal, since the early morning of October 14, rushed to the church to light a candle to the Most Holy Theotokos for their future happy family life. They even jokingly said: which girl has time to do it first, before she will get married.
To meet their future spouse as soon as possible, single people covered their heads with a scarf that day. It was believed that in this way they would also bring the knowledge of the chosen one closer.
Dos and Don’ts for Pokrov 2020
On the eve, from October 13 to 14, it is customary to attend the night service. A good tradition today is to bake cakes and scones and gift them to loved ones, colleagues and friends. Additionally, baked goods can be taken to churches and offered to the homeless.
Those who do not attend the service can read a special prayer at home:
Our ancestors did not forget to appease the brownie. In his day they served him a cup of milk. It was believed that thanks to this, the house would be protected from all evil, poverty and disease.
The festive table will be set today. There is no fasting, so meat and dairy dishes can be served. But, according to tradition, all dishes must be homemade and from this year’s harvest. You can drink alcohol, but not abuse it and pass it on.
At the festive table, unlike many other Orthodox dates, there may be not only family members, but friends and acquaintances. It is believed: the more people you treat and share with them the joy of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos, the happier and richer you will be.
Traditionally in Pokrov you cannot do housework, sewing, knitting. A categorical ban on blasphemy, abuse, and scandals. You can’t even allow yourself to think badly of anyone.
Divination on the cover of October 14
In the old days in the Pokrov it was customary to guess. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church does not encourage fortune-telling, so this is each girl’s personal choice.
The most popular fortune-telling today – the girls got together in the evening and set the strings on fire. Whoever burns first will marry before anyone else. If someone burns less than half the thread or turns off completely, it was believed that in the near future marriage should not be expected.
They also wondered about the sex of the fetus. The ring, suspended by a thread, was carried on the palm of the beloved. If it moved in a circle, then it was worth waiting for a girl, back and forth, a boy.
Postcards and congratulations on Pokrov 2020
Especially for “Strana” readers, we have prepared beautiful postcards, pictures, poems and greetings that can be sent to your loved ones on this bright holiday. They are in Russian and Ukrainian.
Holy Mother of God
Spread the cover,
On a bright vacation, I wish you
Happiness, joy, goodness.
Save us, Mother of God,
Hide from trouble and evil,
Purify the souls of sinners
Holy for his power.
I wish you in the Pokrova
God’s grace for all of us,
I wish everyone lives in peace
In kindness, love and happiness.
Happy holidays, with the cover!
May the Mother of God protect you.
She will hide from anguish and pain,
And your path will light up with happiness.
Let it protect the family from rushing
Give peace, goodness, love.
So that harmony always reigns in the house,
And every loved one was healthy.
With the veil! Heavenly purity
May the Holy Mother protect you.
Warmth in the soul, wonderful love,
There is peace and grace in the family.
Health, peace, surprise,
Don’t hide the resentment in yourself.
Nice worries, inspiration,
Live your life with sincerity.
The day of intercession is miraculous
I wish you happiness.
Work for joy, fruitfully,
And never be sad.
May the Mother of God close,
You of diseases and problems.
And everything is filthy and bad,
It will melt like snow in spring.
Intercession of the Virgin –
The biggest party
He will bring you love
Many wonderful benefits.
What holy grace
From the sky it will spill
The reasons will not be sad
And it is easy to live!
