April 7 — Annunciation: history, meaning, traditions, folk signs

In April, the Orthodox Church celebrates one of the most significant holidays of the year — the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On this day, indulgences are made during Lent, and in churches, after divine services, pigeons are released into the sky. Izvestia tells about the history and traditions of the bright celebration.

Annunciation in 2025 — what date

All over the world, the Annunciation is celebrated nine months before Christmas, but for representatives of different faiths, the celebration occurs on different days. The Russian, Georgian, Jerusalem and other Orthodox Churches celebrate it on April 7 (Monday in 2025), while Catholics and Protestants celebrate it on March 25.

The discrepancies arise due to the fact that the Orthodox Church uses the Julian calendar, while the Catholic Church uses the Gregorian calendar. These chronological systems differ by 13 days.

Annunciation in 2025 — history

The events of the Annunciation are described in the Gospel of Luke. A few months after her betrothal to Joseph, Mary, as was her custom, read the Holy Scriptures. At that moment, the archangel Gabriel appeared to her and said, "Hail, Gracious One!" Then the heavenly messenger told the girl that she was going to become the Mother of the Son of God.

Mary was confused and asked the angel how this could happen, because she had kept her virginity. Then Gabriel explained that the Holy Spirit would overshadow her and the conception would be immaculate. In response, the Virgin said, "Let it be done to Me according to your word." As theologians point out, it was this moment that became the key to the Annunciation. Mary did not just show obedience to the will of the Lord, she consciously handed over her fate to him, assuming the role of the Mother of God. Without her free consent, the incarnation of the Savior on earth would have been impossible.

Catholic and Orthodox Easter will be on the same day in 2025

The first icons and frescoes dedicated to the Annunciation appeared already in the I–II centuries of our era. However, this evangelical event was not celebrated as a special church holiday. The celebration entered the church calendar in the sixth century and by the end of the following century had become one of the most important in both the Byzantine and Roman churches. At the same time, in the Catholic Church, it was for a long time classified as a "celebration" (festum), which was a rank below the most important dates — "solemnitas". This "injustice" was eliminated only in 1895.

Annunciation in 2025 — meaning

The Annunciation has a special meaning for both Orthodox and Catholics. This event is considered the beginning of the earthly journey of Jesus Christ and the first step on the path to the salvation of mankind. At the moment when Mary agreed to become the Mother of God, a bridge appeared over the chasm that arose between people and God after the fall of Adam and Eve, which could be crossed by anyone who sincerely believes and follows spiritual and moral laws.

Annunciation in 2025 — traditions

On the day of the Annunciation, solemn divine services are held throughout Russia. Priests wear blue vestments, which is associated with the purity and immaculacy of the Mother of God. After the liturgy, the troparion and kontakion of the feast are performed.

In some churches, there is a tradition of releasing white doves into the sky after the service. This custom originated before the Baptism of Rus and was once associated with the Slavic celebration of the arrival of spring. After the establishment of Christianity, birds became a symbol of the good news and freedom that people gained through the Savior.

In Russia, for the Annunciation, housewives baked lenten church bread — prosphora. In the morning they were consecrated in the temple and then eaten. The remaining crumbs were added to livestock feed or poured out to birds. People believed that this would help to harvest a large crop and get healthy offspring. Beekeepers put prosphora in the hives so that the bees would bring as much honey as possible.

Annunciation in 2025 — fast

In 2025, the Annunciation falls during Lent. Those who follow it should not eat meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. However, in honor of the feast of the Virgin, an exception is made — believers can include fish dishes in the diet. It is also allowed to drink some wine.

Stricter restrictions remain in place if the celebration falls on Good Thursday or Good Friday. In this case, the ban on fish is not lifted, but those who drink can still have a sip of wine.

Annunciation in 2025 — what can and cannot be done

The Annunciation is one of the twelve feasts. These are major celebrations related to the events of the life of Christ and the Virgin. On such days, believers should attend a festive vigil and liturgy in the church. If this is not possible, it is advisable to set aside time for prayer at home.

It is widely believed that you cannot work during major church holidays, but this is not entirely true. The clergy note that there is no ban on work, but everyday worries should not overshadow the spiritual component of the celebration. Therefore, on April 7, it is recommended first of all to pay attention to prayer, preaching, reflections on the essence of the Annunciation and its significance for each person.

Lent – 2024: beginning and end, nutrition calendar, spiritual meaning

On March 18, Orthodox Christians will begin their longest and strictest fast.

During the holiday, you can also visit relatives, make a donation to a charity or church foundation, and engage in volunteer activities.

In addition, memorial services are not held at the Annunciation and the sacrament of marriage is not performed. It is not prohibited to enter into a civil marriage at the registry office, however, according to Orthodox tradition, it will be possible to become husband and wife only on the first Sunday after Easter or later.

Annunciation in 2025 — omens

In Russia, there was a belief that the weather on Easter would be the same as on the Annunciation, so many expected warmth and clear skies. There were other signs associated with this holiday. For example, the rain promised an abundance of mushrooms in the forests and a good bite for fishermen. The storm promised a rich harvest of nuts and a warm summer. The cloudless sky pleased the farmers, as it spoke of a rich harvest in the new season.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the meaning and traditions of Palm Sunday.