The church celebrates many religious holidays. On September 11, Christians of the world preaching Orthodoxy celebrate a great holiday - the Day of the Beheading of the Head of John the Baptist, one of the closest associates of Jesus Christ. It was he who predicted the appearance of the Son of God, and then performed the ritual of baptism in the sacred waters of the Jordan.
history of the holiday
The Orthodox holiday of September 11 is far from a reason for fun. But it so happened in Russia that not only holidays are celebrated, but also mournful days.
John the Baptist by order of the ruler of Galilee was imprisoned. The anger of the ruler was his public accusation of the Forerunner in adultery. And that was true. Having abandoned his legal wife, the daughter of King of Arabia Arefa, he began to openly cohabit with the wife of his blood brother Herodias. The king’s mistress turned out to be a vengeful woman.
At the feast dedicated to Herod's birthday, Herodias danced before the guests. And she pleased her king and guests with her dances. And therefore Herod promised her to fulfill her every wish, whatever it may be. Herodias, taught by her mother, asked the king for the head of her offender. Herod could not refuse her request and gave the order to cut off the head of the captive and submit it to the festive hall on a platter. Herodias request was fulfilled - the girl received the head of John the Baptist.
Menu of the day
In memory of such a tragic event, the church established the Orthodox holiday on September 11, as well as the strictest fasting. It is forbidden to eat meat, sour-milk products, eggs and fish dishes, i.e. all the time. Such severe restrictions are a tribute to the death of John the Baptist.
Traditions
Ivan Lenten (the second name of the holiday) was also celebrated as a "turnip" holiday. After all, cleaning of turnips began from that day. But you cannot sing and have fun on this day.
September 11 is a great Orthodox holiday, celebrated which is accepted only by lean food. On this day, you need to treat the poor and the poor, as well as wandering pilgrims.
The day is very revered among the people. And today it is strictly forbidden to cook food from round vegetables, since they resemble the severed head of a saint. On this day, much is prohibited. In particular, you cannot pick cabbage, pick poppy heads, dig potatoes and remove apples from branches.
It is a great sin to take on a knife, an ax and a shovel today.
On the Orthodox holiday of September 11, you can collect roots. Beets and carrots are traditionally harvested on this day because they are fully ripe. But you can do this by reading special prayers. This is the only way to carry out the necessary work and not offend the saint. Without this garden work it was impossible.
Church holiday of John the Lent is a turning point in the life familiar to peasants. It became the last day of field work. It was from this day that harvesting of pickles began, which were supposed to feed the family the whole long winter. On September 11, according to tradition, the opening of autumn fair sales took place.
After the festive church service was over, it was customary to go to the bazaar. The necessary purchases were made there, as well as new things were purchased. In the afternoon, life returned to the usual course for the villagers.
Omens
The Orthodox holiday of September 11, the commemoration of John the Baptist, ended the summer. According to the old calendar, it was on August 29th. It was said about him that Ivan Lenten came and took the summer away.
Particular attention was paid to the behavior of birds, as it was believed that they predict the weather. A swan flying through the sky promised snow, but the goose - rain. A southbound crane wedge promised a short fall and early snow. If the starlings were in no hurry to fly away, then a dry autumn was expected, without rain. Flocks of rooks flying almost above the ground predicted good weather.
In September, the Orthodox celebrate several more important dates:
- September 14 - Church New Year.
- September 21 - the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
- September 27 - celebration of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.