May 29 is the greatest feast of the Ascension of the Lord: what is strictly forbidden to do, signs

At the end of spring, Orthodox believers celebrate one of the main holidays of the church year — the Ascension of the Lord. Every year it falls on the 40th day after Easter. In 2025, the celebration falls on May 29. Izvestia tells us whether it is possible to visit cemeteries, clean up and garden on Ascension Day, as well as what prohibitions and omens are associated with this day.

The church holiday on May 29 is the Ascension of the Lord in 2025.

The Ascension of the Lord refers to the twelve lordly feasts dedicated to the earthly life of Jesus Christ. It is based on the legend of how 40 days after the resurrection, the Savior gathered the apostles on Mount Olivet and, blessing them, ascended into heaven. For all Christians, this event is of great importance, giving hope for a universal resurrection and eternal life.

Initially, the holiday was not singled out separately, but was celebrated within the framework of the Holy Trinity, or Pentecost, that is, the 50-day Easter period. Celebrations became widespread only in the IV–V centuries. Ascension began to be included in liturgical books and special hymns and readings were compiled for it.

According to church tradition, an all-night vigil is held in the temples on the eve of the evening. On the morning of the feast itself, the Divine Liturgy is celebrated, during which gospel passages about the Ascension of Christ are read.

Priests dress in white robes, the same as for Christmas and Easter services. Parishioners also wear white or light-colored clothes. This color represents the divine uncreated light and glory of Christ.

What not to do on the Ascension of Jesus Christ today: general prohibitions

There is no fast on Ascension Day, so any food can be on the table, including meat, fish and dairy products. A little wine is also allowed. Meanwhile, it is not customary to arrange large feasts and abuse alcohol on this day.

As on other twelve-day holidays, it is forbidden to quarrel, brawl, participate in noisy events, including weddings and refuse alms to those in need. Spouses should observe abstinence on the eve of Ascension and on the feast day if they plan to confess and receive communion.

The important feast of the Ascension of the Lord: date in 2025, meaning for the Orthodox

What churches of the Ascension are there in Russia and how should believers spend the holiday?

You should spend the day in a good mood and try to put all the hardships aside so as not to overshadow the bright holiday with sad thoughts. Those who plan to get married in a church should take into account that the Ascension ceremony is not performed.

Is it possible to go to the cemetery for the Ascension of the Lord

Many believers are concerned about the question: is it possible to commemorate the dead and go to the cemetery on the Ascension of the Lord? There is no prohibition in this regard. You can remember your deceased loved ones on any day of the year. Memorial notes are accepted in churches. However, memorial services are not held on the holiday.

If you plan to go to the cemetery, it is recommended to visit the church first to pray for the deceased relatives. Clergymen consider prayer commemoration more important than visiting a cemetery.

There are special days for church-wide commemoration. The closest of them to Ascension is Trinity Parents' Saturday. This is the second of the Universal Parental Saturdays, which is considered the most significant for honoring the dead. In 2025, it falls on June 7th.

Is it possible to clean the house on Ascension Day, May 29

Since the Ascension of the Lord is always celebrated in the middle of the week, on Thursday, it is not forbidden to do the usual things on the holiday, including cleaning.

Maintaining order in the house is a daily necessity. But postponing household chores such as washing, cleaning, and window cleaning for big church holidays is still not worth it. The house can be put in order in advance to meet the Ascension clean.

At the same time, it is important not to forget about the spiritual meaning and significance of the celebration. Even if it is not possible to visit the temple on the holiday itself, believers need to find at least some time to pray and read the Gospel.

Is it possible to work in the garden on the Ascension of the Lord

The same applies to gardening. Church officials point out that for some parishioners, gardening is not just a favorite pastime, but often a source of sustenance. Working on a holiday is not considered a sin, since he copes on a working day.

At the same time, if there is no urgent need for work on the site, then it is better to postpone them to another day. But there is no strict prohibition in this regard.

Happy Ascension of the Lord: beautiful postcards and pictures, greetings in prose

Folk omens on May 29, Ascension Day-2025

There are many traditions and superstitions associated with the Ascension of the Lord among the people. Many of them are still popular. Our ancestors believed that on this day nature finally wakes up and the summer season begins.

The clear and sunny weather was a good sign. She promised a fertile year and a rich harvest. Cloudy skies and light rain on Ascension Day, on the contrary, foreshadowed a bad harvest, and a thunderstorm — a cold summer.

In order to produce a lot of bread, the Slavs danced on high ground, honoring the sun. Thus, the peasants expressed their gratitude to him for earthly benefits that would not have been possible without the luminary.

To protect the house from troubles and family members from diseases, a chicken egg was hidden in the attic after reading the plot. The egg was supposed to be laid on Ascension Day. Then, according to beliefs, prosperity and well-being await the household.

Mystical signs and superstitions on Ascension among the Orthodox

Water was endowed with a special mystical power during the holiday. In the old days, people washed their faces with morning dew and swam in ponds. It was believed that water treatments for Ascension protected against all diseases. The power of medicinal herbs also increased, so healers went to harvest medicinal plants in late spring.

The housewives baked a special treat for the holiday — pies with transverse cuts or strips of dough. They were called "Christ's ladders." We ate the pastries carefully, crossing ourselves. According to popular beliefs, whoever breaks the ladder will not go to heaven.

There was also a belief that on a holiday the Savior himself makes his earthly journey along the roads. In this regard, it was strictly forbidden to desecrate the land. Otherwise, you could have brought great troubles upon yourself. There is also a sign that if you ask for something from the Lord for Ascension, then the wish will definitely come true.

Earlier, Izvestia told us what prayers are read for the Ascension of the Lord.