As you know, Easter is one of the major holidays of Orthodox Christians.Her celebrated even in the days of the Soviet Union, when the government tried to instill in the people of atheism, believers were persecuted, and churches and temples all over the place closed.However, this period has not passed unnoticed.Moreover, today the majority of people both young and middle-aged poorly versed in the Orthodox tradition.In this connection, everyone needs to know how to celebrate the Passover correctly.This is what we'll talk further.
begin to prepare ahead of time
If you want to learn how to celebrate Easter according to the rules, keep in mind that religious people are beginning to prepare for it in advance.So, first of all, observe Lent.It lasts for 7 weeks and ends with the Easter celebration.Keep in mind that post - it's not only the rejection of the flesh and gastronomic pleasures, but also the purification of the soul from evil thoughts, cruelty and evil.If the state of health does not allow you to fast, but you want to properly prepare for Easter, give up meat, fish, milk and eggs at least a week before the great feast - in Holy Week.
Holy Thursday
considering the question of how to mark Easter, special attention should be paid to Strastnoy (or as it is often called - "pure") Thursday.On this day a festive meal of Jesus surrounded by his disciples.Today in this day to partake, to clean up your home, be sure to bathe and oven cakes and painted eggs.It is recommended to cook a little more festive dishes.After all the eggs and serve cakes and gifts to your relatives and friends who you visit, or who will come to visit you at Easter.
Good Friday
The day after the "pure" from the church on Thursday imposed the Shroud - the cloth that wraps the body of Jesus.The priests carried the rank of his burial shroud and then sweeps around the temple.On this day, it is not recommended to engage in any significant or serious cases.
Holy Saturday
On this day the faithful bring eggs and cakes to the temple for their sanctification.Evening liturgy is held, after which the solemn liturgy is held at night, is the most magnificent and beautiful church action.If you have never been to an Easter service, make sure you do it.Believe me, you will not regret.After all, this action has no analogues on the solemnity, spirituality and beauty.Therefore, one of the main answers to the question of how to celebrate Easter, the recommendation is to visit the vigil.
Easter Sunday
If you're up all night with the Great Sabbath day of the Resurrection held in a church, then returning home, you should cook a festive table for the breaking.Along with the Blessing Easter cakes and eggs set and other holiday dishes.As a rule, Easter baked duck or goose cooked pies, jellies, and so on.. In addition, it is not forbidden on this day to drink wine.Responding to a question about how to mark Easter, it is useful to recall that in this bright day, decided to greet each other with "Christ is risen", to which should be answered, "Truly He is risen."
Easter celebration does not end on the same day.The following six days of the Resurrection religious canons are not inferior to him in importance.In general, the festival lasts 40 days.During this time I decided to go for a visit and give gifts.
How to celebrate Easter in Ukraine?
In general, the tradition of the Christian holiday in Ukraine are no different from the Russian.It also observe Lent, paint eggs and bake cakes in a "clean" Thursday, attend the solemn liturgy and consecrated dishes on the night from Saturday to Sunday.However, in Ukraine there is another tradition, stretching back in the days of ancient Greece.Despite the fact that the priests did not approve of the practice, people often arrange an Easter dinner at the graves of deceased relatives.
How to celebrate Easter in different countries?
Since this holiday is not only Orthodox but also Catholic, says he is almost all over the world.And, of course, each country has its own special customs and traditions.So, for example, in Australia, Easter, as well as following it Monday is a public holiday.Here are arranged crowded fairs and a variety of recreational activities.
But in the American metropolis, New York, on Easter takes a big parade, during which hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors and brightly colored parade dressed procession through the streets of the city.
In Europe, the most important character in this day become the Easter Bunny.Thus, according to tradition, it is believed that he brings brightly colored eggs.On this day people give each other gifts, which usually is a beautiful basket with eggs and a variety of sweets.
