September 27 — The Exaltation of the Holy Cross: what is strictly forbidden to do, important signs

Orthodox Christians celebrate the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on September 27. This is one of their most important church holidays, which is one of the twelve. It was established in memory of the finding of the Cross of the Lord and its solemn exaltation for the worship of the faithful. In 2025, the date falls on a Saturday. Izvestia tells about the history, traditions and prohibitions of this day.

Exaltation of the Holy Cross: how to celebrate on September 27

On Exaltation Day, believers attend an all—night vigil and a festive liturgy, remembering the great event of the finding of the Lord's cross, which, according to church chronicles, took place in the first half of the fourth century near Mount Golgotha in Jerusalem, where the Savior was crucified. In the 7th century, the celebration was connected with another important event — the return of the Tree of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord from Persian captivity.

In the folk tradition, the holiday meant the turn of Indian summer and the beginning of the first "autumn winters". In the villages, they made religious rounds of houses and fields, offering prayers for a rich harvest. Small crosses were placed in the manger for cows and horses to protect them from pestilence and disease. In some areas, it was customary to consecrate homemade crosses made from mountain ash branches. Then they were hung over the entrance to the house as a talisman.

In the evening, the peasants gathered at home with their whole family, read the lives of the saints or listened to the instructions of their elders. Special attention was paid to the children, telling them about the history and significance of the church holiday. In addition, good deeds, such as helping others and giving alms to those in need, were considered important attributes of the celebration.

These traditions have not lost their relevance in our days. According to custom, after visiting the church, believers arrange a festive meal and spend the evening in a quiet family atmosphere, talking about spiritual topics. Some light up tree branches, grasses, and flowers, symbolizing the renewal of nature, and make pilgrimages to holy sites.

Is it possible to work for the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in 2025

On a feast day, as on other major church dates, it is not recommended to engage in heavy physical labor, including repairs, gardening or harvesting firewood. This time is meant for spiritual reflection and prayer. However, there is no strict prohibition in this regard. The clergy allow any kind of work after attending the liturgy in the temple or home prayers, but not instead of them.

Is it possible to clean and do laundry on the feast of the Exaltation

The same rule applies to cleaning and other household chores. It is better to complete them before the holiday, so that you can celebrate the celebration cleanly, without being distracted by household chores. But if there is an urgent need, then you can clean up the apartment or house in the afternoon.

Is it possible to get a haircut and make up for the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

The church charter does not contain any direct prohibitions on cutting and dyeing hair. However, there is an opinion that on holidays such as Christmas, Epiphany, Easter, Trinity, Assumption, Intercession and Ascension, haircuts and cosmetic procedures are not carried out unless there is an urgent need. It is believed that such actions are a sign of disrespect for the Lord.

According to popular beliefs, a haircut on such days can lead to life failures. For example, there was a belief that with the help of a cut lock of hair on a church holiday, you can enchant, curse or cast a spell on a person.

Is it possible to go to the cemetery for the Exaltation

Visiting cemeteries and commemorating the dead on the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is also considered inappropriate, since the holiday is dedicated to a joyful event. There are special days in the church calendar for commemorating the dead. The closest of them is St. Dimitri's Parents' Saturday, which falls on November 1 in 2025.

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What not to do at the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Since the holiday requires reverence and inner concentration, noisy fun and mass entertainment events should be abandoned on this day. It is also necessary to refrain from quarrels, gossip and profanity.

According to popular beliefs, you should not lend money on Ascension Day, otherwise you can quarrel for a long time, even with old friends. You can't go into the woods yet. It is believed that snakes crawl out at this time to bask in the last rays of the sun this year, and meeting them is dangerous.

What you can eat at the Exaltation of the Holy Cross – 2025

On the day of the Exaltation, believers observe a strict fast in memory of the sufferings of Christ. Animal food is excluded from the diet, but when cooking it is allowed to add vegetable oil to dishes. Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited. These rules apply on a holiday regardless of the day of the week.

It is allowed to eat only lean dishes: cereals without milk, various potato dishes, lean pilaf with vegetables, vegetable salads, fruits, nuts and dried fruit compotes. Traditionally, cabbage dishes are prepared on this day: it is fried, stewed, and pie fillings are made.

Folk signs of September 27

Since ancient times, weather signs have been given great importance in the Exaltation. They were used to judge what winter and autumn would be like. According to observations, if no migratory birds are seen on September 27, the season will be frosty. If the weather is clear and sunny, the cold weather will not come soon.

Other signs of the day:

• Cranes fly high in the sky for a warm autumn;
• frosts in the morning — for the coming winter;
• A sharp chill has fallen — spring will come early;
• the north wind blew — for a hot summer and a fruitful year.

Earlier, Izvestia reported signs on the day of the Transfiguration of the Lord.