Holy Week is also called White or Clean. This is due to the fact that in this period, Christians need to take care of their inner spiritual world, the purification of soul and body. On such days, the Orthodox Church does not celebrate the days of its Saints, does not commemorate the dead, and does not hold such sacraments as weddings, baptisms. This is the week before Easter, every day of which is great and holy. Orthodox Christians spend this time praying earnestly and being in strict abstinence.
Consider each day separately. What unites this period is that each of the great days below is filled with sadness and sorrow. It is not surprising that Holy Week implies a period of strict fasting. At the end of this week, Easter is celebrated.
On Monday, the story of a fig tree is recalled, in which Jesus did not find the fruit and withered it. This barren tree symbolizes souls who do not bear spiritual fruit in the kingdom of God. During the service, they also remember the biblical Joseph, the son of Jacob, whom the brothers sold into slavery. Like Joseph in the New Testament, the Jews, having hated Christ, put Him to death on the cross.
The book of Genesis reports that Joseph was taken out of prison and set over Egypt. Also, Christ, coming out of the tomb resurrected, became the King of the World. It is allowed to eat vegetables, fruits, bread.
Holy Week - Tuesday. Christians reflect on the coming of the Last Judgment, the resurrection of the dead. The Church tells the parable of the ten virgins and calls on the parishioners to stay awake. The Orthodox are reminded that the Heavenly bridegroom takes away wise virgins who have taken care of the oil for their lamps. They eat hot on this day without the presence of vegetable oils in the food.
Wednesday of the Holy Week is the day on which Christ was betrayed to suffering. Believers are compared to the repentant sinner Mary from Magdala and Judas Iscariot, who, having chosen the death of the Spirit, betrayed his Master and Lord.
This day is marked by the holding of the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, the cessation of great obeisances. Folk traditions prescribe collecting snow along ravines and watering cattle melted from it. The performance of such a ritual supposedly provides protection of the court from various diseases.
On the day of Great Thursday, also called the “Fours,” the Church recalls the following events:
- The last supper.
- Lord washing the feet of his disciples.
- Prayer in the garden of Gethsemane.
Russian customs prescribe to wake up before dawn and begin to cleanse himself and his house. Folk traditions call this day "Clean Thursday." Accordingly, believers at this time seek both spiritual and bodily purification.
Candles lit in the church and brought into the home, according to legend, bring happiness. Previously, with the blessed candles on the doorposts, a cross was burned to protect their home.
Widespread and another rite. We are talking about swimming in the hole, pouring clean water. The custom of consecration of salt, which was placed with the bread the night before on the table, has also survived. “Thursday's salt” was also wrapped in a clean rag, and then baked in an oven. Thus she was cleaned of filth.
On this day, eggs are painted, and preparations are underway for the Easter holiday table, cleaning and washing.
Holy Week on Good Friday is the most mournful time of mourning. Divine services are dedicated to the crucifixion and death of Christ. There is no liturgy, and Christians hold burning candles - a symbol of the greatness of the Lord. According to custom, the beggars are given alms; it is customary to distribute various foods to the poor.
On Great Saturday, one should prepare for the coming of the Resurrection of Christ. After the morning service in all the temples Easter, eggs, Easter cakes are consecrated. Priests put on bright clothes and hold a liturgy. Believers try to go to evening service to celebrate Easter.