Is it possible to do important things at Christmas? Archpriest Pavel Velikanov answers
On Sunday, January 7, Orthodox believers celebrate the most Holy holiday year, Christmas. On this day church customs closely intertwined with folk and even pagan ones - there are a lot of rules and prohibitions, signs and superstitions associated with the celebration.
On Christmas morning, after the end of the church service, it ends strict fast, who prepared believers for the holiday for a long forty days. Today it is already possible to eat meat and dairy products, and therefore housewives are trying harder than ever - there should be more festive dishes on the tables, but the main ones still remain sochivo and uzvar.
In Rus', on this day it was customary to organize popular public entertainment - people poured into the streets to ride sleighs, play snowballs, sing carols, and so on. It is customary to visit parents, friends, acquaintances, godparents, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. Many traditions have reached our times - carolers still go from house to house with wishes of happiness and good luck in the coming year, and families still try to gather around the same table on holiday and have a fun time.
Traditions for Christmas - what to do
So, the main thing for Christmas is to go and visit. Moreover, you should go to those people to whom you sincerely wish goodness and happiness and they reciprocate your feelings. Cheerful companies are welcome for the holiday, because the Birth of Christ is one of the main events in the life of every Christian believer.
You need to light candles in the house, light the stove or fireplace - fire and warmth will attract good luck and the blessing of heaven to your home for all your endeavors and the fulfillment of all your desires. If you have pets, then at Christmas you need to feed them abundantly - then the whole year will be satisfying and successful financially.
One special candle must be lit for deceased relatives - then they will help you attract good luck and prosperity in the coming year.
Christmas is a great time for shopping, big and small. Buying something good for Christmas is a great omen and a sign that the purchase will serve you faithfully.
At Christmas, it is customary to generously welcome guests - acquaintances and strangers. You cannot offend carolers, because they bring to the house not only joy and festive mood, but are also a sign that you and your family members will have good luck all year. Guests must be treated generously - you can also treat those in need on the street, because the holiday is best time for the manifestation of all Christian virtues.
Prohibitions for Christmas - what you absolutely cannot do
There is a belief that it is not customary to work on church holidays. Many are ready to argue with this rule - if you are working for the benefit of your family and are busy with urgent household chores that will bring prosperity to your home, then you should not put things off until later.
At the same time, it is better not to sew and knit on this day, because threads are closely connected with legends of life and fate, and knots, seams, and weaves can bring troubles and sudden difficulties to your home.
You can't drink water on Christmas, so remove all mineral water from the table. There is coffee, tea and other great drinks. To be honest, this sign is a little strange, but it’s better not to drink water than to suffer for an unknown reason all year
You can’t wear old clothes for Christmas - our ancestors believed that the holiday should be celebrated in new clothes, so that the whole year would be full and rich.
You can’t swear, use foul language or wish people harm on Christmas - you should spend the day in peace and joy, forgive your enemies and ask for forgiveness from those you have offended, so as not to carry the old burden into your life. new period of your life.
Signs and beliefs for Christmas
The first belief at Christmas is associated with the arrival of guests - you should not let a woman into the house first, as she, even with the best intentions, will bring you misfortune. It is better for a guy or a man to cross the threshold first.
If you lose any item on Christmas, this means that you may face losses in next year. But if you find a thing or something else jewelry, then money is already rushing towards you in full sail!
A sign for good luck. If you accidentally spilled tea or coffee at the Christmas table (this does not apply to alcohol), then this is good news and great success for all your endeavors.
On Christmas Eve (January 7 to 19), look at nature. If the sky is most often strewn with stars, or often snowing, or there is a lot of frost on the trees - the year will be rich, satisfying, and profitable. If it snows on Christmas Day itself, this is a very good omen and promises a successful year.
If there is a new moon in the sky on Christmas Day, the year will be extremely unlucky financially.
The most money sign Christmas is a tradition. A coin is baked into the pie - and whoever gets a piece with a coin will get a big one. money luck in the new year.
Christmas is celebrated on Julian calendar from the evening of January 6 all day January 7. This holiday occupies a place in the lives of many people. important place, this is a holiday of love, warmth, faith, goodness and happiness.
January 7 is the best time to visit and receive guests. It is important that you should communicate better at Christmas only with those people who can bring you happiness - happy families or those who are expected to have an increase. As a rule, edible gifts are given at Christmas.
Christmas Traditions
The holiday begins in the evening, when Christmas Eve was quietly celebrated with family at a pre-holiday dinner by candlelight. The table was always covered with a white tablecloth and twelve dishes were served, and they sat down at the table in even number. If there were guests odd number, then one free cutlery was set on the table. It was not customary to sit down at the table until the first star appeared in the sky - the one that once announced the birth of Christ to the wise men in Bethlehem.
The main dishes for Holy Evening are wheat or rice porridge with honey, poppy seeds and raisins and uzvar - dried fruit compote. Today, hardly anyone will make porridge, so any dishes can be on the table (it’s better to exclude meat dishes). On the first day of Christmas - January 7 - married children (with a daughter-in-law or son-in-law) were supposed to visit their parents after dinner. festive table Fresh bread and pies stuffed with coins are a must. It was believed that whoever found the coin would have good luck all year long.
Signs for Christmas
As Christmas goes, so will the year.
At Christmas it is customary to light more candles, lights, a fireplace - if you have one. Candles bring warmth and wealth into your home. If you have pets, then at Christmas you need to feed them abundantly - then the whole year will be satisfying and successful financially.
One special candle must be lit for deceased relatives - then they will help you attract good luck and prosperity in the coming year.
Christmas is a great time for shopping, big and small. Buying something good for Christmas is a great omen and a sign that the purchase will serve you faithfully.
If you are inviting guests over for Christmas, see who enters the house first. If a woman, then the women in your family will be sick all year.
On January 7 you only need to wear new clothes. And don't sit at the Christmas table dressed in black. Our ancestors believed that such people would face failure in business in the new year.
What not to do at Christmas
It was forbidden to sew on Christmas, otherwise someone in the family might go blind. It was also condemned to do anything around the house at Christmas: washing, mopping or sweeping. If you do it on Christmas hard work, all a year will pass without rest.
Losing a valuable item at Christmas promised poverty, and breaking a mirror even foreshadowed great trouble.
It was forbidden to borrow money at Christmas - it was believed that the one who borrowed money would spend the whole year in debt.
On Christmas, you can't do any cleaning or housekeeping chores. This day is created for peace and joy. It’s even better if you don’t clean up until January 14th (the next day of the Old New Year). All garbage collected on January 14 should be taken outside and scattered to the wind, or burned. According to signs, after this there are no evil spirits will not bother you for a whole year.
You can't swear on a holy day. He who swears takes away the hope of salvation from his ancestors.
It is not recommended to drink water at Christmas, so remove all mineral water from the table. There is coffee, tea and other great drinks. To be honest, this sign is a little strange, but it’s better not to drink water than to suffer for an unknown reason all year.
The Seven Blessings of Christmas
The number seven is considered sacred. There is a belief that whoever has done seven blessings in Orthodox Christmas will live happily all year and even has the right to ask the angels to fulfill the very cherished desire. On this day, it is customary to give seven alms for the sake of happiness in the coming year. Usually these are seven identical coins, which must be given to someone who arouses sincere sympathy in the soul, accompanying the alms with a silent prayer. You can also give seven useful gifts. As a rule, these were towels, and when giving them, the giver must say the words: “I give towels, I will die in good time, I will correct evil with good, I will guide my kind (my family) to happiness.” On Christmas we greet each other with the words: “Christ is born!” and we respond to these words: “We praise Him!”
Ritual
Starting from January 7, for forty (!) days (this period is called peace - our ancestors believed that during this time angels help people in all matters), every morning, when you wake up, make a new wish - imagine how much good will come into your life!
Signs and superstitions
If you lose an item at Christmas, you may face losses next year. But if you find a thing, and even some jewelry, then money is already rushing to you in full sail.
If you accidentally spill tea or coffee at the Christmas table (this does not apply to alcoholic beverages), then this is good news and great success in life.
Based on materials from the “Evening” website
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Christmas is one of the most important and have a nice holiday for all believers. Every person who professes Orthodoxy looks forward to January 7th, when they can wholeheartedly congratulate their loved ones and wish them happiness, health, and a special time. However, in order to enjoy the holiday to the fullest and feel spiritual harmony, you need to know what you can and cannot do on Christmas Day 2019.
Caroling at Christmas
Since ancient times, there has been such a tradition as caroling. Nowadays, in many regions of Ukraine and Russia they go and sing carols on Holy Evening and on Christmas, on the morning of the 2nd day of the holidays. It is believed that this tradition allows not only the exchange positive energy, but also to attract prosperity and good luck in life for the whole next year.
Usually children, boys and girls, engage in caroling. In Western Ukraine, where traditions are most pronounced, men from the church brotherhood could also sing carols. Regardless of who came to the house and started singing carols, the ritual was carried out according to the same pattern. Carolers come and knock on the house, after which they receive permission to carol and sing beautiful song to the owner and hostess. Then the owners give money and food.
Since ancient times, caroling has also been practiced by mummers who took part in small Christmas scenes based on religious themes. Events like these involve walking around with a nativity scene (a mini-dome theater). Performing Christmas scenes and walking around with a nativity scene always reveals the true atmosphere of Christmas.
Caroling still exists today, but it is most developed in small towns and villages. Many Orthodox Christians still try to preserve ancient rituals, understanding their importance and deep relationship with the history of the religious holiday.
Features of celebrating Christmas with your family
Christmas is a family holiday religious holiday, in which close people can make peace with each other, ask for forgiveness and let go of grievances in order to find spiritual harmony and feel the joy of life.
At Christmas it is customary to organize family dinner. At the same time, on Christmas Eve, which precedes the religious holiday, 12 Lenten dishes are served, which can only be enjoyed in the evening.
The main Christmas dishes are:
Kutya, which requires the mandatory use of rice or wheat, honey and sugar, nuts, dried fruits and dried apples, plums, pears;
borscht cooked in mushroom broth;
cabbage soup with millet;
pea porridge;
vareniki;
fish dishes (previously nothing was complete without a pie filled with river fish);
Lenten baking.
After a family dinner, Orthodox Christians must attend a religious night service, during which the bells are sure to ring and the words “Merry Christmas!” are heard.
Note! The long Christmas fast ends on January 7th. Believers had to set a rich table, preparing meat snacks, smoked and blood sausage, jellied meat, roast with porridge, goose with apples.
Catholics also traditionally prepare baked goods and other sweets, but Orthodox Christians do not have similar culinary traditions that go back a long time. Only recently have Orthodox Christians begun to adopt similar rituals from Catholics in order to treat their loved ones to muffins with candied fruits and dried fruits, and ginger cookies.
A family Christmas feast always turns out to be important for those people who really want to spend time with loved ones and attract prosperity.
Do's and Don'ts for Christmas
All Orthodox Christians should know what can and cannot be done on Christmas Day 2019 in order to spend the long-awaited holiday in a special way.
So what can you do for Christmas?
2. At Christmas you can wash and comb your hair, and carry on with your daily life if this is required for your needs. It is advisable to eliminate entertainment.
3. Work is permitted if it is required to purchase vital items.
4. Any handicraft work is allowed. However, handicrafts must be important work or the desire to prepare a gift for a loved one. Despite the fact that work is always considered honorable and important occupation, can only be washed if absolutely necessary.
5. At Christmas you can go to stores and do shopping. Shopping is believed to improve one's financial condition.
Advice! The most important thing is to spend Christmas with faith in a better future and with inner harmony. If you feel harmony in your soul and manifest a desire for peaceful relationships with loved ones, you can count on the Lord to protect you in all life situations.
What not to do at Christmas?
1. You cannot swear and use foul language, argue and conflict. It is advisable to completely eliminate any negativity from communication.
2. You should not wear black things at Christmas, as they are associated with mourning.
3. Entertainment and alcohol abuse are strictly prohibited, since Christmas is a holiday aimed at peace of mind.
4. You can’t go to the cemetery on Christmas.
Trying to understand what you can and cannot do on Christmas Day 2019, you need to prepare for the fact that such a bright religious holiday is best spent next to your loved ones and enjoying a calm home atmosphere.
During the celebration Christian holidays Many people ask questions about the prohibition of certain actions. Find out what you can and should do at this time, and what you should refrain from, from this article.
The celebration of the Nativity of Christ has its roots in antiquity. On January 7, Orthodox Christians traditionally attend church and pray for the health of all relatives and loved ones. On this bright day, preference should be given to activities that develop the personality spiritually.
What to do for Christmas
Prayers should be offered on the Feast of the Nativity of Christ To higher powers, asking them for favor and mercy towards all people. If possible, it is worth visiting the church and attending the Divine Liturgy. You can light a candle and offer words of gratitude at home in front of your icons.
On Christmas Day, you can wash yourself and do everyday activities as long as they are aimed at satisfying your own needs and not for entertainment. Work is also not considered sinful if the forces are aimed at earning money for food and the most necessary things. You should wash clothes only as needed if the matter is urgent.
Hard work such as knitting, embroidery and sewing are also encouraged. Labor has always been held in high esteem. If this is not entertainment and leisure, but work or a gift to a loved one, the matter is considered God-pleasing and is permitted on any church holidays.
Traditional Christmas fortune-telling also takes place during this mysterious time, but the church does not approve of the occult and does not advise getting carried away secret knowledge and look into the future. Everything is the will of God, and according to his commandments it is worth building your life path.
Close relationships between spouses are also not forbidden if they have a desire to continue their family line and acquire long-awaited offspring.
A folk sign says that people who make purchases and trips to shops and markets on this day attract wealth and wealth into their lives. financial well-being. You can also leave a few coins for those asking for them to pray for your health.
What to Avoid at Christmas
To the great religious holiday You cannot swear and enter into conflicts and quarrels. Yours negative thoughts may well become life attitudes, and you will unwittingly program yourself for failure and bad luck. Spiritual growth and rise above negativity will help you avoid life’s troubles and enlist the support of Higher powers.
It is believed that on the bright holiday of the birth of Christ one should not wear black things, as they symbolize mourning attire. Best choice There will be elegant things in light colors.
Entertainment activities aimed at achieving personal pleasure, as well as drinking alcoholic beverages in large quantities, are prohibited. This day is intended to work for the good of the family and pray for the salvation of the soul and guidance on the true path.
Those who fast should not deviate from abstinence and indulge their weaknesses. For example, on Christmas Eve it is customary not to eat food until the first star and to be restrained in expressions of emotions.
A trip to the cemetery and commemoration of the dead on this day should also be postponed. Churches everywhere pray for health and glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and the Mother of God. On the day after Christmas, going to the cemetery is not forbidden, and prayers for the deceased are resumed in churches and temples.
The power of prayer performs miracles and brings harmony and prosperity to life. Follow the light of your soul and try to suppress negative manifestations from others
: what you can’t, and what you can and definitely need to do on this holiday. Christmas is not only a warm family celebration, but also a very important day in church calendar. Therefore, on the eve of the holiday, many are wondering what can and cannot be done on the bright holiday of the Nativity of Christ on January 7, 2018.
Christmas Day January 7, 2018: what can and definitely should be done on this holiday. On such an important day, you should definitely try to visit the temple and take part in the Christmas liturgy. If this is not possible, then you can light a candle and read a prayer at home. The most important thing is that your words must be sincere and come from pure heart. That is, the first and most important thing that must be done on Christmas Day, January 7, 2018, is to offer prayers of gratitude to the Almighty.
On Christmas Day, January 7, 2018, you can wash and comb your hair. It is also possible to conduct everyday affairs, but if they are a necessary condition to meet your needs and requirements, and not aimed at entertainment. Work is also not prohibited if you need this income to purchase vital things. But you can wash clothes on Christmas only if absolutely necessary.
Laborious work such as sewing, knitting, embroidery is also allowed. But only if it is not entertainment, but work or a gift for someone dear to you. Such a work is considered Godly, and therefore it can be done on the Nativity of Christ on January 7, 2018. After all, work has always been and remains held in high esteem.
Relatives are not prohibited by the church on the Nativity of Christ on January 7, 2018 marital relations, if the family strives for procreation.
On Christmas Day, January 7, 2018, you can go to stores and make purchases. Moreover, folk sign says that Christmas shopping brings wealth and financial well-being into your life. Also on this day you can give alms so that people asking will pray for your health.
Christmas Day January 7, 2018: what not to do on this holiday.
On this great church holiday, you cannot swear, swear, use foul language, or enter into disputes and conflicts. In general, any negativity on the bright holiday of the Nativity of Christ on January 7, 2018 is prohibited.
It is believed that on such a bright holiday there is no need to wear black clothes, since they are associated with mourning. It is better to choose clothes in calm, light colors on this day.
All kinds of entertainment events are prohibited on Christmas Day, January 7, 2018. It is strictly forbidden to abuse alcoholic beverages.
