The Annunciation of the Virgin Mary is one of the most significant Christian national holidays. On this “bright” day, Archangel Gabriel brought good news from the Lord to Mary, telling her that she would become the Mother of the Son of God. “Rejoice, Blessed One!” - Archangel Gabriel said, and told Mary that God’s mercy had fallen on her and she had been chosen to give birth to the Son of the Most High.

Interpreters of the Word of God declare that the Good News brought to Mary by an angel is the first favorable news for the human race in a long time, after the disfavor of the Almighty for the many sins committed by people. After the appearance of Gabriel to the Most Pure Virgin Mary, all Orthodox people began to hope for another bright era under the protection of the Lord.

History of the Annunciation

To fully understand what kind of holiday the Annunciation is, you need to delve a little deeper into history. First of all, the consent of the Virgin Mary to give birth to Jesus is an expression of good will, which the Lord, with His mercy, bestowed on people.

According to theologians, spiritual freedom exalts the human race over cruel nature. Therefore, with the permission of the kind-hearted and submissive Virgin Mary, the Holy Spirit illuminated her without spoiling the innocent maiden womb. However, pregnancy immaculate virgin proceeded like all other women on earth. And Mary obediently carried the child of God until his birth.

When the Archangel Gabriel appeared with good news to the Virgin Mary, the old prophecy of Isaiah was also fulfilled, which says that the day will come when a simple woman will become the mother of a son, who will be named Emmanuel, which means “the Lord is in our dreams.”

Having settled in the womb of Mary, the Holy Spirit conceived a baby, whose purpose was to rid the world of devilish evil through the atonement of sin.

In the very name of the Annunciation lies the important meaning of the interpretation of the good news itself: to inform Mary that she has conceived and is bearing the Son of God.

The bright holiday of the Annunciation is one of the 12 most important Orthodox twelve holidays after Bright Resurrection (Easter). All significant holidays for Orthodox Christians coincide with significant events in the worldly life of the Mother of God and Jesus.

What date is the Annunciation celebrated?

The Catholic and Orthodox churches have different dates for celebrating the Annunciation. Catholics and Protestants celebrate this bright holiday on March 25th. The occurrence of this particular date can be interpreted in different ways:

Perhaps directly related to December 25, the date of Jesus' birth. If you count from this date the time of bearing a child - 9 months, then it will be March 25th. It is also assumed that the date of the celebration of the Annunciation can be calculated from the date of the creation of mankind.

There is an opinion that it was not without reason that the appearance of the angel Mary was on March 25, on this day the creation of humanity by the Lord took place. On this memorable date, the beginning of the atonement of original sin by believers was laid.

There is also an opinion that the day of the equinox can also be considered the date of the creation of the world and, therefore, the atonement for the sins of mankind should begin on the day of the spring equinox.

The Russian Orthodox Church, in determining the day of the Annunciation, relies on the Julian calendar with a different time calculation, according to which the Annunciation is celebrated on April 7.

Celebration of the Annunciation

Often this holiday falls on the bright week of Easter or during Lent. This determines the type of liturgy. On the Annunciation holiday, which falls during Lent, there is a slight relaxation for believers; on this day you can treat yourself to fish dishes.

But if the holiday falls on one of the days Holy Week, then the strictness of fasting cannot be violated. It is possible that the Annunciation coincides with the day Happy Easter(this rare coincidence is called “Kyriopascha”), in this case, the Annunciation is also sung along with Easter hymns.

On Annunciation Day there are many folk rituals, maybe even a little pagan. This includes lighting fires in which people burn various garbage, rags, old straw and even manure, thereby symbolizing the end of winter and the coming of spring.

Still exists popular belief that on the Annunciation the “gates of heaven” are open and you can ask the Lord to fulfill your cherished desires. You just need to notice the appearance of the first big star in the sky and shout out: “God, give me glory!”

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On Orthodox icons It is customary to depict the Archangel Gabriel holding a flower in his hands - a symbol of good news. It is he who is given by God to bring people joyful, or in other words, good news.

Therefore, Archangel Gabriel is always a welcome guest. But he brought the best news for all people in the world two thousand years ago, to the very young Virgin Mary. The Messenger of God announced that the Savior of the world would be incarnated from Her womb. It is with these words of his that the story of the Feast of the Annunciation begins.

Betrothal of the Blessed Virgin Mary

In ancient Judea, people grew up early. Those who had already reached the age of fourteen were considered adults. That's Holy Virgin Maria, having barely left childhood, and being brought up with early years in the temple, she was required by law to either return to her parents or get married. But the vow of eternal virginity that was once given closed the path to simple family happiness for Her. From now on, Her life belonged only to God.

Her mentors, the priests of the temple where she spent her childhood and youth, found a simple and wise solution: the Virgin Mary was betrothed to a distant relative, an eighty-year-old man named Joseph. Thus, the life of the young girl was financially secure, and the vow she made to the Lord remained intact. After the marriage ceremony, Mary settled in the city of Nazareth in the house of her betrothed. It was under this title that Saint Joseph, the guardian of the purity and virginity of the future Mother of God, entered the Holy Scriptures.

Appearance of the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin of Nazareth

The Blessed Virgin lived in the new house for four months, devoting all of Her time to prayer and reading. Holy Scripture. It was this pious activity that God’s messenger, the Archangel Gabriel, found her doing. Under the rustle of his wings, he announced to the amazed Virgin about the greatest mission entrusted to her by the Creator of the universe.

This event was called the Annunciation Holy Mother of God. The history of the holiday cannot be complete without paying attention to why the Lord chose Her. The answer is simple - exceptional purity, innocence and devotion to God set her apart from the great multitude of other girls. Such a great mission required a righteous woman, whose equal has not been seen since the creation of the world.

Willingness to fulfill the will of the Creator

To understand the full significance of the event described in the Gospel, it is important to take into account this aspect of what happened. In this case, as always, the Lord gives His creation - man complete freedom to choose actions. Please note how important to Archangel Gabriel is the response of the Virgin Mary and Her voluntary consent. There is no hint of any coercion here.

The Messenger of God speaks of a conception that must take place contrary to human nature, which cannot but cause a skeptical reaction, but the power of Mary’s faith is so great that She unconditionally believes everything she hears. The question of how She can conceive, having not known her husband, comes down only to the desire to find out the details of what is to come. Her readiness to fulfill what was destined is evident from every line describing the great Biblical event - the Annunciation.

History of the holiday, briefly about the most important

This event has become the subject of study by many scientists. As is clear from their works, which center on the history of the Annunciation holiday, simple logical reasoning was used to establish the date of the celebration.

If we consider the moment of the Immaculate Conception to be the day when the Virgin Mary, in response to the words of the Archangel Gabriel, replied: “Let it be done according to your word,” then it is quite natural that this day should be distant from the day when Jesus Christ was born, that is, from the holiday Christmas, for nine months. It is not difficult to calculate that such a day for Orthodox Christians is April 7, and for Western Christians it is March 25.

Discoveries of Saint Helen Equal to the Apostles

The holiday of the Annunciation, the history of which goes back to ancient times, according to historians, began to be celebrated in the 4th century, although images of scenes from this event were discovered during excavations of catacombs dating back to the 3rd and even 2nd centuries. In the 4th century, the most important event in the life of the entire Christian world took place - Helen of the Apostles discovered the places of the earthly life of Jesus Christ and began the construction of temples in the Holy Land.

Naturally, this was the reason for increased interest in everything connected with Christmas, the Resurrection and all other events of the Savior’s earthly life. It is not surprising that it was during this period that the emergence of the holiday was noted. Thus, the history of the feast of the Annunciation has a direct connection with the discoveries of this great ascetic.

Celebration of the Annunciation in Byzantium and the West

Following further in chronological order, it should be noted that the history of the Orthodox holiday of the Annunciation has its beginning in Byzantium. In the 7th century, it firmly became one of the most celebrated days church calendar. However, it must be admitted that in historical documents of the two previous centuries there are separate references to it, but, apparently, we are talking about only isolated cases.

In the Western tradition, the history of the holiday of the Annunciation begins approximately in the same period as in eastern church. Pope Sergius I (687-701) included him in number three main holidays dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was celebrated quite solemnly and was accompanied by a festive procession through the streets of Rome.

Historical names of this holiday and its status

It is curious that this holiday was not always called the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The history of the holiday also remembers other names. For example, in the writings of some ancient authors it is referred to as the “Day of Salutation” or “Annunciation”. The name that is used today comes from the Greek word “evangelismos”. It is first found in historical documents of the 7th century.

At that time, the holiday was considered equally both the Lord's and the Theotokos, but time brought its changes. If in Orthodox tradition East he still remains one of major events year, then in the West its role has narrowed somewhat, leaving it only a place of minor holiday.

Celebration of the Annunciation in the Orthodox world

In the tradition of the Russian Orthodox Church, it is one of the twelve, great, immovable holidays. As during the services of other Mother of God feasts, the clergy on this day are required to wear vestments blue color. One can name a number of circumstances indicating that the feast of the Annunciation has a very special significance in the Orthodox Church.

The history of the Ecumenical Councils, in particular, indicates what great attention it was given to him by the Fathers of the Church. At the 6th Ecumenical Council, held in 680 in Constantinople, a document was adopted according to which on the day of this holiday, despite the fact that according to the calendar it falls during the period of Great Lent, the Liturgy of John Chrysostom is served, and not the Presanctified Gifts, which is indicating its exceptional significance.

John Chrysostom also writes about the importance of the holiday of the Annunciation in his writings. He calls it “the first holiday” and even “the root of the holidays.” Today, on this day, a weakening of fasting is prescribed. In particular, eating fish and oil (oil) is allowed. Among the people, it is one of the most beloved, bringing peace and joy, because it is based on the good news, that is, news filled with the Grace of God.

Revival of Orthodox culture in Russia

Nowadays, when, after many decades of state atheism, the Orthodox Church has again taken its rightful place, many of our compatriots are filled with the desire to return to the spiritual roots of their people and learn as much as possible from what until recently was closed to them. In particular, there is great interest Orthodox holidays, and among them the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The history of the holiday, traditions and rituals - everything becomes the subject of inquisitive study.

One more important aspect modern life is to learn the basics Orthodox culture among children. This is important so that the tragic mistake of past years is not repeated, when entire generations in our country grew up and entered into life in isolation from the faith of their ancestors. And in this regard, work is underway these days. Many Biblical events and holidays are presented in a child-friendly version.

Teaching the basics of Orthodox culture to children

This also applies to the Feast of the Annunciation. The history of the holiday for children is presented in such a way that, despite the adapted nature of the text, the meaning of the event itself remains unchanged and understandable to the child. This is, of course, the difficulty of the task. The history of the feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, briefly but meaningfully presented, should be deposited in the most gracious way in children's consciousness.

Play an invaluable role in the revival of Orthodox culture Sunday schools, organized these days at many temples. By the way, their program also includes introducing students to the feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The history of the holiday for children and adults attending these classes is of great interest, since many have heard about it, but have a very vague idea of ​​its content.

Folk traditions on the day of the Annunciation

For a long time, people have established traditions associated with this holiday. Since it falls in the spring month, then, naturally, many of them are associated with the beginning field work. There was a tradition according to which, on the day of the holiday, grain prepared for sowing was poured into a tub, and, placing the “Annunciation” icon on top, they were worn special prayer about the granting of a bountiful harvest. In it, the peasants turned to the Most Holy Theotokos and Her Eternal Son with a request to bless the grain “sown into mother earth.”

There were also traditions that were clear echoes of paganism. Among them was, for example, this one. In the evening on the eve of the holiday, cabbage heads from last year's harvest were taken out from cellars or pantries. They were placed, secretly from everyone, on the ground near the road along which they were going to go to church the next day. And so the next day, returning after mass, it was necessary to pick up the heads of cabbage, find the seeds in them and plant them in the garden along with fresh seedlings. It was believed that in this case there would be a rich harvest of cabbage, which was not afraid of any frost.

The ancient worship of our pagan ancestors to fire and its cleansing power found expression in one of the folk Annunciation traditions. This refers to the custom according to which old clothes, shoes, bedding, and the like were burned on this day. Living quarters and outbuildings were filled with smoke. Special attention was given to livestock, which were also carefully fumigated, thereby hoping to protect them from all evil spirits.

Hello. The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a great holiday for all believers. In the bustle of days, many have forgotten about the traditions of celebrating the Annunciation. Let's try to remember them so that we never forget and pass them on to our children.

LET'S MEET THE HOLIDAY WITH A LIGHT SOUL!

What date is the Annunciation celebrated? In Orthodoxy, a special day is set aside for the Annunciation - April 7. In 2017, following such a significant holiday, that is, April 8, comes Lazarus Saturday, and then, April 9, Palm Sunday. These days, especially revered by Christians, fall during Lent. As you know, many believers strictly observe this fast, not allowing themselves to eat meat. But on major holidays they can afford to eat fish and sip church cahors.

THE MEANING OF THE HOLIDAY

The essence of the holiday is contained in the name itself. “Annunciation” means that good news is coming. If you look more closely, you will notice that the whole point of Christian holidays is that a person is given two paths:

• the path of salvation is the righteous path,
• the path of evil, envy and darkness.

Even the young Virgin Mary was asked by an Angel if she agreed that the Son of God, the Savior of the whole world, would be incarnate from her womb. Mary responded, “Let it be done to me according to your word,” meekly accepting God’s word.

The icon dedicated to the Annunciation can be recognized by the Archangel Gabriel holding a flower. What does the flower mean? The flower is a symbol of good news. It was Gabriel who God gave to bring the Good News to people.

But he brought the most joyful news in the world 2000 years ago to the Virgin Mary, who took a vow of virginity and gave her life to serving God. From this day the history of the holiday begins.

In ancient Judea, people who reached the age of 14 were considered adults. So the 14-year-old Virgin Mary, who until that time had been raised in the temple, had to return to her home or get married. But the vow of eternal virginity closed the way for Her to create an ordinary family. Then the priests of the temple found a very correct solution. They betrothed the Virgin Mary to the 80-year-old elder Joseph. Thus, Mary did not break the vow she made to the Lord.

So Saint Joseph became the guardian of the virgin purity of the future Mother of God. The Blessed Virgin lived for four months in Joseph’s house, devoting all of Her time to reading the Holy Books and tireless prayers.

An angel caught her in this godly activity, saying to her: “Rejoice, full of grace!” Archangel Gabriel announced to Her about that greatest grace: to become the Matter of the Messiah.

THE ANNUNCIATION IS THE COMING OF SPRING!

How is this holiday celebrated? On this day, one of the most merciful traditions has existed since ancient times: releasing birds from cages.

Today this is done by church ministers, and before the 1917 revolution, many believers, observing traditions, brought cages with birds to worship, which were released into the wild after the service.

This action symbolized the human soul, languishing in the shackles of sin, but through the birth of the Savior, who took the sins of people upon himself, receives hope for freedom. The service in the temple even today ends with the release of white doves into the sky so that they convey the news to the angels about all the good deeds.

SIGNS FOR THE ANNUNCIATION

With the arrival of spring, people pinned their aspirations for a good harvest. Therefore, there are many signs for April 7:

• If it is cold on Annunciation, there is fog or the day is marked by frost, then the year will be fruitful.
• If the swallows have not yet arrived, then spring will be late and cold.
• A clear day in Annunciation means fires.
• If April 7th is a rainy day, then expect a dry summer.
• The same day (weather) for the Annunciation, the same for Easter.

OTHER SIGNS FOR THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE HOLY VIRGIN

• On Annunciation, you cannot give or borrow anything, so as not to give away your health and luck.
• On Annunciation, you cannot work, get a haircut, or even comb your hair, so as not to “confuse” your destiny.
• What day of the week does April 7th fall on? whole year you should not start new things.

I wish you well on the Annunciation,
Let your life be full of them.

Good news warms your souls
And day after day they warm our hearts!

On April 7, believers celebrate one of the main and joyful holidays in Orthodox calendar- Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In 2018 it falls on Lent and coincides with Passionate, or Holy Saturday, especially during the day strict fasting, sadness and silence.

It is believed that on this day Heaven opens, grace descends on people and they get the opportunity to be cleansed of sins.

The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the main holidays in the Orthodox calendar.
According to the description of the Apostle Luke, on this day the Archangel Gabriel announced to the young Virgin Mary about the future birth according to the flesh from her of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World.

« The angel, coming to Her, said: Rejoice, full of grace! The Lord is with You; Blessed are You among women.
She, seeing him, was embarrassed by his words and wondered what kind of greeting this would be.
And the Angel said to Her: Do not be afraid, Mary, for You have found favor with God; and behold, you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a Son, and you will call His name Jesus.
He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David;
and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.» , - these events are described in the canonical Gospel.

Mary, seeing the will of God in the words of the angel, says very meaningful words: “behold, the Servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word"

The Gospel words of the Archangel Gabriel formed the famous prayer - the Song of the Most Holy Theotokos:
“Virgin Mother of God, Rejoice, O Blessed Mary, the Lord is with You;
Blessed are You among women and blessed is the fruit of Your womb,
for you gave birth to the Savior of our souls.”
This prayer is part of the cell (home) prayers of believers

The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated always on the same day - March 25th Gregorian calendar and April 7 Julian.
Unlike Easter, this day has a non-transitionable date and is counted exactly nine months after the feast of the Nativity of Christ (that is, the period for which a woman bears a child.)

On early Easter, that is, from April 4 to April 13, the Annunciation can fall either on the day a week before the celebration of Easter, or on the week after the Holy Resurrection of Christ.

The coincidence of the Annunciation and Easter is called Kyriopaskha, but this happens extremely rarely. The last time this happened was in 1991, and the next Kyriopascha will happen only in 2075.

The Church classifies the holiday as one of the twelve, that is, the twelve most important holidays in Orthodoxy after Easter, along with Epiphany, Candlemas, Christmas, Ascension of the Lord, Dormition of the Virgin Mary and Trinity Day. Most of them also have a fixed date.

Jerusalem, Serbian, Georgian countries are preparing to celebrate the joyful holiday of April 7 according to the Julian calendar orthodox churches, Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church on the territory of Ukraine, as well as Old Believers.
For Catholics - the Roman Catholic, Romanian, Bulgarian, Polish churches - accordingly, March 25 is considered the day of good news.

In a number of countries - both in the West and in the East - they counted down the new year from the day of the Annunciation. Such a calendar was, for example, adopted in England until the middle of the 18th century.

Actually, the name of the holiday - Annunciation - came into use only from the 7th century (while the holiday itself was celebrated four centuries earlier).
Before this, the church designated it as “the day of greeting,” “annunciation,” “Hail Mary,” “Conception of Christ,” “Beginning of Redemption,” etc.

The name "Annunciation" (in Greek "Evangelismos") is translated as "good news" or "good news".
And the full name of the holiday in Orthodoxy sounds like this: Annunciation of Our Most Holy Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary.

Traditions: how they celebrated in the old days and today

Church celebration

On this holiday, funeral prayers, services and weddings are not held.

On Annunciation Day, churches take place all-night vigil, which begins with Great Compline, and the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom.
The clergy wear blue vestments on the holiday - this particular shade is a symbol of the Virgin Mary.

During the service, everyone who came to the church that day is told about the essence of the holiday and the appearance of an angel to Mary.
By the way, the church holiday canons, which are still performed at the Annunciation, were compiled back in the 8th century.

According to the tradition of theologians, on the day of the Annunciation, every believer must put aside all worldly affairs, and especially work, for the sake of prayer and presence in church.

In 2018, the celebration of the Annunciation coincides with Holy Saturday of Lent, which means: on this day you cannot eat fish and vegetable oil. According to the monastery charter, fish food is allowed twice during Lent - on Palm Sunday and the Annunciation, but the significance of the days of Holy Week cancels such indulgences.

If the holiday does not fall on Holy Week before Easter, relief is possible for those fasting. So, it is allowed to eat fish.
Believers bake prosphoras at home - small unleavened bread - and then light them in church during the liturgy. Prosphora is made for each family member, and they must be eaten on an empty stomach.
In the old days, crumbs from consecrated bread were also added to livestock feed and mixed with grain - it was believed that for a better harvest.

And on Annunciation, in cathedrals and churches after the service, birds are released from cages - as a reminder of freedom for every creation of God. In Rus', since ancient times, migratory birds caught in snares - lark, pigeons and tits - were released at this time.
People believe that on the Annunciation they fly to the guardian angels and inform them about all the good deeds that have been done during the year.

The symbol of this day is the white dove, in the form of which the Holy Spirit descended on the Virgin Mary: “... The Holy Spirit will come upon You, and the power of the Most High will overshadow You; therefore the Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God...
...for with God no word will fail.”

In honor of this day, the day before, believers bake Lenten cookies in the shape of birds and treat each other with them after the morning liturgy and communion.

This custom existed in Rus' for hundreds of years until the revolution and was revived in the 90s of the last century. In the Annunciation Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin, the Patriarch releases a flock of pigeons.

Prosphora and blessed water, which parishioners bring from the solemn service.

Folk customs

The people perceived the holiday of the Annunciation as a symbol of the arrival of spring. Therefore, traditions on this day are associated with future crops.
The peasants illuminated the prepared grain: they placed an icon next to the tub in which it was stored and said a special prayer for the granting of the harvest.
On the same day, it was customary to “call on spring,” that is, to gather together and ask nature’s favor and a good harvest in the future with “spring songs.”

It was forbidden to work or do housework.
Even going on the road to earn money was considered a sin. Instead the day should have been spent good deeds- for example, there was a custom of treating those in need on holiday.

Annunciation salt

Also on April 7, believers prepare Annunciation salt, for which housewives take a bag into which each family member pours a pinch of salt. It is heated in a frying pan for about 10-20 minutes, then poured into the above-mentioned bag and stored in a secluded place, and then used as a talisman.

To enhance the healing effect, prayers are read during preparation. You can not only pray the Annunciation, but also any that you know: “Our Father”, etc. The main thing is to know the words by heart.

When starting the ritual, keep in mind that the color of the drug will change, the salt darkens when heated. That's why it has another name - black salt.
They advise you to take coarse salt, but small ones are also suitable.

If you hear a crackling sound, the sound of salt when heating (and it will be heard :) - in the house devilry. Or the cook was damaged. However, preparation magic salt relieves a person of negativity and cleanses the house.

It is best to prepare Annunciation salt before dawn on April 7, but it is not forbidden to prepare the drug during the entire holiday.

How to Store and Use Holy Salt

The magic potion should be stored in a secluded place, for reasons of convenience - in the kitchen. No one other than family members should touch it, especially strangers, because salt easily absorbs energy.
Salt made for the holy holiday (and this applies not only to Annunciation salt) is placed on the table during Christian celebrations.

Annunciation salt will help with illnesses

There are many ways to use it. You can add healing properties to dishes - salt the prepared food, add it to the salt shaker.

It is believed that the miraculous properties of such salt can cure diseases. If you feel unwell, you can eat it grain by grain, add it to water for drinking, gargling, washing sore spots, and applying compresses.
Rest assured that the disease will go away.

Annunciation salt will cleanse you of negativity

Annunciation salt is used to cleanse the home after the visit of unpleasant guests, finds in the form lining or some paranormal activity in the room. The powerful cleansing agent prepared on April 7 should be scattered throughout the rooms, sweeping away only the next day. You can leave a pinch in each corner to protect yourself from the forces of evil.

Another way to clean your home is to make a saline cleaning solution. You can sprinkle it on your house, car, or individual things that are suspected of having dark energy. It is recommended to spray your shoes after returning from the cemetery.

Adding salty grains charged on the holy holiday to the bath also has a cleansing effect. To strengthen it, there are conspiracies, which are described below.

Annunciation salt will help remove spoilage

For this you need about a tablespoon. Pour into a clean plate and place empty on the table. Place a candlestick to the right of the plate, light a church candle, place your palm on the salt and read, looking at the fire:

“Violent and strong winds, dispel the spell cast by evil man.
Take them to where the rivers are deep, the currents are fast, and the forests are dense.
Let the witchcraft spells burn under the scorching rays of the sun.
Let hateful thoughts move away from me. Not for a day, not for a year, forever.
Word, deed.
Amen".

Keep salt nearby. If you are going to sleep - under the bed, stay awake - near your favorite chair or sofa. You cannot leave home until the salt spends one night near you. But she must stay in your room for three nights.

All this time she will absorb negative energy damage. Observe - the salt may change color or appearance in some other way. If such an effect is observed, you will have to perform the ritual as many times as necessary to ensure that the salt remains in its original form. Of course, if it is not completely black after cooking.

As soon as three nights have passed, take her out of the house without touching her with your fingers. Bury it where it goes fewer people. Break the saucer and bury it there.

Conspiracies for salt on the Annunciation

Any conspiracy to magic salt read after its preparation. You can use the entire supply for one purpose, or take a little as the need arises - the choice is yours.

Envy and anger often become the causes of damage and other negativity. To protect yourself from this scourge, you can chant Annunciation salt.
Start by sewing the bag. Then take a spoonful of salt and read so that your breath touches it:
Defend, protect and preserve.
Lead people's envy and anger away.
I spoil the gates back with the enemy.
Don’t let infection into your soul and body.
Amen. Amen. Amen.

Pour the charmed grains into the prepared bag. You should always have it with you. It doesn’t matter where your amulet will be - in the glove compartment of the car, pocket, bag.

In order to cure a child from the evil eye, “ghost”, buns are baked with Annunciation salt. Eat them on an empty stomach, immediately after waking up, for three, seven or fourteen days - depending on the severity of the evil eye.

It can also reconcile spouses. Pour salt into a bag you sew yourself and hide it under the bed of the husband and wife. An option is to sew it into a pillow or blanket. Such a talisman will not only get rid of quarrels, but will also return passion to the relationship.

Annunciation salt is stored until next holiday Annunciation, which is celebrated on April 7. If the magic product is not needed or there are remains of it, they will no longer bring any benefit. But it is not recommended to throw such things into the trash or sewer.

Throw it outside the house on the street into a fire lit in honor of the holy holiday. All failures, problems, illnesses and quarrels will burn with her. Imagine how everything bad leaves your house during the burning.
If there is no fire, just bury the salt in a secluded place.

After you get rid of the used salt, you can start preparing new salt.

In general, Blagoveshchensk salt has a mass beneficial properties, similar to the properties of Thursday. It can be used to treat diseases, damage and the evil eye, as well as cleanse the house and exorcise evil spirits.
There are many cooking methods and recipes, and anyone can cope with this process at home.

Ritual for the fulfillment of wishes

The day after the bright feast of the Annunciation, Orthodox people glorify the Archangel Gabriel. People say that On April 8, the archangel descends from heaven to earth and fulfills all the desires of people.

To make your plans come true, you need to get up early and go outside. Be sure to wear pectoral cross, because
it is by this that the archangel notices those asking. Stand facing East, cross yourself three times and say out loud (but not loudly) 3 times the plot:
"Archangel Gabriel,
servant of our Lord, hear the prayer of God’s servant(s) (your name) and fulfill my request (say your desire in your own words).
In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Amen".

The Archangel was also called Gabriel the Blagovest. According to the sign, if on April 8 you receive a letter or telegram (now both SMS and emails), then you will soon learn good news.

Signs for the Annunciation

❧ Clear weather on the Annunciation foretells a rich harvest and a warm summer. If there is still snow on this day, do not expect good shoots.
And it promised rain good fishing and mushroom autumn.

❧ You cannot wear new clothes for the Annunciation - they will not wear well and will quickly tear.

❧ To be healthy, you need to wash yourself with melt water on the Annunciation.

❧ You should not lend money to someone on this day or give anything away from home in general; it was believed that this would result in losses in the future. It was believed that the one who gave from home on the Annunciation spent family peace and peace on strangers.

❧ If on the Annunciation from morning to midnight you call your husband “dear” forty times, your husband will love and cherish you all year long.

❧ In Annunciation, you cannot sew, knit, embroider, braid your hair, cut your hair, dye your hair, or comb your hair. This sign is associated with the belief that people have long believed that human life is a thread that can be controlled by the Lord himself or guardian angels. On the day when the heavens open, it is easy to confuse the threads of life and change the destinies of family and loved ones.
“A bird does not build a nest, a maiden does not braid her hair,” is a saying specifically about the Annunciation.

❧ On what day of the week does the Annunciation fall, on that all year round do not start any new business. For example, if the Annunciation fell on a Friday, then business does not start on any Friday throughout the year

❧ But if you make a wish on the Annunciation, it will definitely come true.

City named after the holiday

In Rus', many churches and monasteries were built in honor of the Annunciation. The most famous, of course, is the Annunciation Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin.
And the oldest, according to legend, was erected in Vitebsk on the territory of modern Belarus by Princess Olga in the 10th century. The church was rebuilt many times; it suffered greatly during the Great Patriotic War. Patriotic War, and was blown up in the 60s.
Thirty years later, the temple was restored to its 12th-century appearance.

The most ancient monasteries dedicated to the Annunciation are located in Nizhny Novgorod, in Kirzhach, Vladimir region and in Murom.

There are many settlements throughout the country named after the holiday. The largest is the city of Blagoveshchensk in the Amur region. At the same time, it was named after the first church founded in these places - the Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the mid-19th century.
based on materials from suever.ru, mir24.tv

Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Ever-Virgin Mary- the great twelfth holiday celebrated dedicated to the memory of the Archangel Gabriel’s announcement to the Virgin Mary of her upcoming birth of Jesus Christ. General value the words “Annunciation” - good, joyful, good news.

This holiday allows us to once again remember the announcement by the Archangel Gabriel Holy Mary about future worldwide joy. This significant event is told only in the Gospel of Luke: “In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a husband named Joseph, from the house of David; The name of the Virgin is: Mary. The angel came to Her and said: Rejoice, full of grace! The Lord is with You; You are blessed among women. When she saw Him, she was embarrassed by His words and wondered what kind of greeting this would be. And the Angel said to her: Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found grace with God; and behold, you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a Son, and you will call His name Jesus; He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end. Mary said to the Angel: How will this be when I don’t know my husband? The angel answered Her: The Holy Spirit will come upon You, and the power of the Most High will overshadow You; therefore the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God; behold, Thy relative Elizabeth, who is called barren, and she conceived a son in her old age, and she is already in her sixth month; for with God no word will be powerless. Then Mary said: Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word. And the Angel departed from Her” (1, 26 – 38). When Joseph learned that Mary was expecting a child, he was embarrassed and wanted to let her go from him. But the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said: “Joseph, son of David! Do not be afraid to accept Mary your wife, for what is born in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you will call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Luke 1). Joseph listened to the Angel and, together with Mary, began to wait for the miraculous birth of the Son of God, the Savior of the world.

The Annunciation is considered by the church to be the third most important holiday after Easter and Christmas. Its church celebration has different durations and depends on whether it falls before or after Lazarus Saturday. If it precedes it, the festive service in the church is held for three days, if it coincides, then for two, and if March 25 falls during Holy or Easter week, it is celebrated for one day. When Easter falls on this date, they first serve the Annunciation Liturgy and only then proceed to the Easter Liturgy. The day on which this coincidence occurs is called “Kyriopascha,” that is, “dominant,” “real” Easter. On the holiday itself, the liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is celebrated in the church, differing from other services of Great Lent in its special solemnity. Troparion of this canon church service represent a conversation between the Archangel Gabriel and the Virgin Mary, and in the course of it it is proclaimed: “The day of our salvation is the main thing and the manifestation of the sacrament from the light,” since in the Annunciation and the conception of Christ the church lays the beginning of the salvation of the human race.

The bright feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary has been celebrated by the church, presumably since the 4th century. It may have originally originated in Asia Minor or Constantinople and then spread throughout the Christian world. Among ancient Christians, this holiday had different names: the Conception of Christ, the Annunciation of Christ, the Beginning of Redemption, the Annunciation of the Angel to Mary; and only in the 7th century in the East and West was it given the name “ANNUNCATION OF THE HOLY VIRGIN.” Feast of the Annunciation in Orthodox world It has been solemnly celebrated since the middle of the 7th century, and in Rus' they began to celebrate this holiday only in the 10th century, that is, together with the adoption of Christianity. And it is believed that on this day, in addition to the great message of the Angel, Mary conceived Jesus Christ.

In the folk calendar, the Annunciation was one of the most revered holidays. On the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, the people of Rus' developed various customs, beliefs, and traditions. Also, the people accepted the Annunciation as the beginning and holiday of spring, the beginning of a new agricultural year; they say that nature awakens on the Annunciation. The people who considered the Annunciation to be the beginning of spring said: “The pike breaks the ice with its tail,” “Spring overcame winter.” It is considered a great sin to engage in any business or work on the Annunciation. Wide famous saying: “On Annunciation, a little bird doesn’t build a nest, and a maiden doesn’t braid her hair,” reinforced strict ban for braiding hair and combing hair, otherwise the chickens could ruin the crops by “combing” the beds. Even according to old observations in nature, every creature feels a great holiday and tries to do nothing.
With the holiday of the Annunciation, various signs and proverbs appeared among the people: “If on the day of the Annunciation there is wind, frost and fog - harvest year"", "On the Annunciation, rain - rye will be born", "On the Annunciation, frost - a harvest of milk mushrooms", "On the Annunciation, a thunderstorm - for a nut harvest, for a warm summer", "Whatever way you spend the Annunciation, so is the whole year", "Cuckoo without a nest for having curled it for the Annunciation.”