Celebration in honor of the icon "Burning Bush": what not to do, folk signs

On September 17, the Orthodox Church honors one of the revered images of the Mother of God, the icon of the Burning Bush. This image is based on a biblical miracle: the appearance of a burning bush to the prophet Moses, but not a burning bush. In the Christian understanding, this symbol became the prototype of the Mother of God, who absorbed the fire of Divine grace without suffering damage.

The history and biblical source of the icon

The icon "Burning Bush" dates back to the Old Testament story of the prophet Moses, who saw a thorn bush on Mount Sinai, engulfed in flames, but not burning down. It was in this flaming but unharmed bush that God first appeared to Moses and ordered him to take off his shoes, as the ground beneath him was holy. This image of a burning bush preserved by fire became a symbol of purity and purity, as well as a prototype of the Mother of God, who gave birth to Christ, preserving her virginity and spiritual purity.

The image of the Burning Bush began to appear in Christian art as early as the fourth century, and it was brought to Russia by foreign monks at the end of the fourteenth century. According to legend, one of the first icons was painted on stone from Mount Sinai, where the miracle of the fire bush occurred. Since then, the shrine has become widely revered and was considered a reliable talisman against fires and other disasters.

Symbolism and artistic performance

The Burning Bush icon is distinguished by its complex and deeply symbolic iconography, which combines Old Testament themes and the theological meanings of Orthodoxy. The central image is the Virgin and Child, placed in an oval medallion surrounded by an eight-pointed star. This star symbolizes both the flame of fire and the foliage of the thorn bush from the biblical vision of Moses on Mount Sinai.

The red rays of the star represent fire, and the blue or green ones represent foliage, which reflects the unity of the heavenly and earthly beginnings. In the corners of the icon there are four winged creatures — a lion, a taurus, an eagle and a man, symbolizing the four gospels and at the same time an aspect of God's revelation, as described in the apocalypse of John the Theologian.

Additional iconographic elements include an image of a staircase associated with the vision of the prophet Jacob, which symbolizes a person's path from earth to the heavenly Kingdom. Also visible on the icon are images of angels and archangels, emphasizing the heavenly protection and patronage of the Mother of God.

The color scheme, images of angels, animals, and geometric shapes on the Burning Bush icon carry a deep theological meaning — they all express the idea of God's protection, purity, and spiritual light. The icon depicts the inviolability of faith and the impenetrable protection of the Mother of God, who protects her faithful from fire and spiritual dangers.

Folk signs and traditions

Since ancient times, the holiday has had a special significance for village life. On this day, solemn liturgies and prayer services were held in churches, candles were lit in front of the icon, and the akathist was read. People brought vegetables and fruits of the new harvest to the church to thank the Mother of God for saving fields and dwellings from natural disasters. The consecrated fruits were then divided between family members and neighbors, believing that this would bring prosperity and protection to the house.

Much attention was paid to home traditions. In the red corner, they placed a candle in front of the Burning Bush icon and prayed for the protection of the dwelling. In some villages, it was customary to go around houses with an icon and holy water: the peasants believed that in this way the Virgin would protect the village from a fiery disaster. After the evening service, the families gathered at a common table. It was considered important to share a meal with those in need, because the mercy shown to one's neighbor is returned a hundredfold.

The weather on September 17 was considered especially important for the beginning of autumn and preparation for winter. If it was raining, a dry and warm autumn was predicted. A large number of ants promised a harsh winter with severe frosts. Clouds floating in layers warned of weather changes. An abundance of nuts and few mushrooms spoke about the upcoming snowy winter. A lot of mountain ash foreshadowed frosty days. And the morning fog was considered a good sign, as it "covers the earth with God's grace."

They also said: "A burning bush is a house that protects from fire." Therefore, on this day they always prayed for the protection of the dwelling and put candles for the health of the whole family.

Holiday bans

The holiday has always been accompanied by certain prohibitions. First of all, people tried to avoid quarrels and malicious words, because they believed that malevolence and irritation attract misfortune and fire. It was forbidden to burn garbage, make bonfires, or heat stoves unnecessarily.

Fire, which was revered as a symbol of purification, required respect and caution. Also, in the folk tradition, there was a ban on cutting down bushes and trees — in memory of the Old Testament bush, which became the prototype of the celebrated icon. Women were advised to put aside yarn and sewing so as not to "wound" the Mother of God's veil with sharp objects.

The prohibitions also applied to communication: it was not allowed to sing loudly, swear, or sort things out — the day should be spent in peace and harmony. It was impossible to visit or go for a walk in the woods, so as not to bring trouble to the house. It was also forbidden to lend money or postpone things for another day.

The modern meaning of the holiday

Today, September 17th remains the day when Orthodox Christians pray to the Most Holy Theotokos. Prayer services are held in churches, and firefighters and rescuers honor their heavenly intercessor, because the "Burning Bush" is considered their patroness. Exhibitions and lectures on the spiritual significance of iconography are held in cities, and the ancient customs of prayer services and harvest consecration are preserved in rural parishes.

The holiday reminds not only of the wonderful symbol of a burning and non-burning bush, but also of the importance of caring for home and family, the power of prayer and mutual assistance. The Burning Bush is not just an image in the iconographic tradition, but a living testimony of faith that unites people in the pursuit of peace and goodness.