Strict prohibitions on the celebration and giving of the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy and Life-giving Cross of the Lord

The Exaltation of the Holy and Life—giving Cross of the Lord is one of the most important holidays of the Orthodox calendar, which is celebrated annually on September 27. The celebration lasts until October 4th. Its history dates back more than 16 centuries and is connected both with the finding of the Cross of Christ in Jerusalem and with his subsequent return from Persian captivity. For the church, this day symbolizes the triumph of faith and a reminder of the sufferings of the Savior. For more information about the prohibitions and traditions of celebrating and giving a holiday, see the Izvestia article.

The history of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross

The Exaltation of the Holy and Life—Giving Cross of the Lord is one of the twelve feasts of the Orthodox Church, celebrated annually on September 27 (according to the new style). The event ends with seven days of celebration, which ends on October 4.

The history of the holiday dates back to the IV century. According to church tradition, the holy Cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified was considered missing, but was found by Queen Elena (mother of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great) around 326 in Jerusalem, on Golgotha. The veneration of the Cross began not only as an instrument of suffering, but also as a symbol of salvation.

In addition, since the 7th century, the holiday embodies another important event — the return of the Life-Giving Cross from captivity in Persia. In 614, the Persians captured Jerusalem and took away the Cross, and in 628, the Byzantine Emperor Heraclius secured the return of the shrine.

The name "Exaltation" directly refers to the church tradition of raising a Cross (erecting it) so that all believers can see it and worship. According to church sources, the holiday was first celebrated in the 4th century, when Patriarch Macarius of Jerusalem erected a Cross over people so that believers could worship the shrine.

Subsequently, the day of the Exaltation became not only a church, but also a state celebration in Byzantium and Russia. In the Orthodox tradition, this holiday symbolizes the triumph of the Christian faith and a reminder of the sufferings of the Savior on the cross.

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Celebrating and giving a holiday: what it means

Like other great church holidays, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross has a special liturgical cycle. In liturgical practice, there are three stages: the pre-celebration, the post-celebration, and the giving of the feast.

The pre—celebration is a period of preparation when special prayers are read in churches, and the service is dedicated to the upcoming celebration. The day of the holiday itself, September 27, opens with a celebration that lasts for several days. These days, the church continues to celebrate the event of the Exaltation, and divine services include special hymns and prayers reminding of the significance of the Lord's Cross.

The celebration of the feast is the last day when the Church finally completes the liturgical cycle. For the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the celebration lasts until October 4 (according to the new style). On this day, the divine service is again approaching the festive rite, and the solemn hymns are played for the last time. Thus, the purpose of celebrating and giving is to prolong the prayerful experience of the event and emphasize its significance in the spiritual life of believers.

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Exaltation of the Cross: folk traditions

In Russia, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross was one of the most revered holidays. It ended the agricultural year and opened a new calendar cycle. From that day on, the peasants stopped field work and began to prepare for winter. It was believed that after the Exaltation, "autumn comes to the threshold" and "the bird stretches to the south."

In folk traditions, the day of the Exaltation was associated with special rituals. For example, the peasants tried not to start new businesses on this day, so as not to invite trouble. The women cleaned the house, lit candles and prayed for the health of the family. In some regions, it was customary to place crosses made of wood or branches on the borders of fields to protect crops from disasters and diseases.

Protection from snakes occupied a special place in popular culture. It was believed that on this day they "hide in burrows until spring," and meeting them is especially dangerous. Therefore, people tried not to go into the woods and swamps. The beginning of the "snake weddings", a mythical time when snakes gather together before wintering, was also associated with the Exaltation. For this reason, the holiday was given the second name Snake Day by the people.

Exaltation of the Cross: prohibitions on celebrating and giving a holiday

There are many prohibitions and warnings associated with the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, which have been preserved in the national consciousness.

First of all, believers strictly observed fasting: on the very day of the holiday, a one-day strict fast was established. They refused meat and dairy products, many were limited to bread, water and vegetables.

In addition, it was considered a sin to have fun, noisy celebrations, weddings or feasts on this day. In the church tradition, the Exaltation is a day of strict prayer and remembrance of the sufferings of the Savior.

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In popular prohibitions, a special place was occupied by the refusal to go out into the woods and swamps. It was believed that these days one could meet "forest forces" or be in danger. There was also a custom not to start long roads: traveling and moving were tried to postpone.

During the celebration and before the celebration, believers tried to observe moderation and devote more time to prayer and meditation. Quarrels and swearing were avoided in the house. There was a belief that if the peace was broken on the Exaltation and in the following days, the whole year would be full of troubles and disagreements.