The Day of the Holy Trinity in 2017 will be celebrated by the entire Christian world on June 4 - the fiftieth day after the Holy Resurrection of Christ, which is why the holiday is also called Pentecost.

This is one of the 12 main church holidays - it is dedicated to the gospel event - the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles and the glorification of the Holy Trinity.

What is the essence of the holiday

The Zion Upper Room, in which the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles in the form of tongues of fire, became the first Christian temple.

Since ancient times, Trinity has been considered the day of the founding of the New Testament Church on earth, since the Holy Spirit endowed the apostles with special power so that they could preach the Gospel throughout the world and convey to everyone the message of Jesus as the Savior of all mankind.

In honor of the descent of the Holy Spirit, the holiday received this name: this event denoted the trinity of God. The three hypostases of the Holy Trinity - God the Father, God the Son and the Holy Spirit - exist in unity, creating the world and sanctifying it with divine grace.

The holiday in honor of the Holy Trinity was established by the apostles - they themselves annually celebrated the day of the descent of the Holy Spirit and commanded it to all Christians. There is an indication of this in the Apostolic Constitutions.

But the holiday was officially established at the end of the 4th century after the adoption of the dogma of the Divine Trinity. Over time, Trinity Day has become one of the most beloved and revered holidays among the people.

The roots of Trinity Day go back to the times when Rus' was still pagan. The week at the beginning of summer marked the final victory of nature over the forces of darkness, the victory of spring over winter and the beginning of a hot summer.

Therefore, in addition to church ones, many folk traditions and customs appeared, which were closely intertwined with pagan ones, which became an integral part of this day.

Traditions

They prepared for the holiday of the Holy Trinity in advance - housewives began general cleaning in the house and in the yard a day or two before the holiday. We got rid of unused things, especially those that may remind us of unpleasant moments in life.

People who have their own gardens and vegetable gardens try to clear them of various kinds of weeds. They uproot weeds and stick their tops into the ground, then it is believed that these weeds will no longer litter their land.

On Trinity Sunday, houses and churches are decorated with branches of various trees, grass, and flowers, as young plants symbolize prosperity, wealth and continuation of life.

On Trinity Day, the whole family went to church in the morning, where a festive service was held that day. On this day you cannot ask anything from the Holy Spirit; it is only important to thank him for being the savior and faithful protector of human souls.

After the temple, everyone went home and had a festive dinner. The feast was rich and varied: porridge, pancakes, all kinds of pies, jelly and decoctions - the holiday was not a fast day, so everything was allowed.

On this day they also visited cemeteries and commemorated the dead, leaving treats.

In the villages, towards evening, a real celebration began - they organized round dances, sang songs, danced, and performed ritual ceremonies. Also, fairs were often held for the whole week, where there was also a lot of entertainment.

On Trinity Day it is still customary to visit people and give gifts.

Rituals and beliefs

The celebration of Trinity in Rus' lasts several days, but on the first day, which is popularly called Green Sunday, people should be especially attentive and careful.

Therefore, it is customary to decorate your homes with various aromatic herbs, and icons with birch branches, in order to protect yourself from various mythical creatures, such as mermaids, Mavkas, goblins and other evil spirits.

In the old days they believed that these days mermaids came ashore and lured guys. To avoid this, fires were burned along the banks of rivers and lakes for several nights in a row - it was believed that the hot fire was supposed to stop evil spirits.

The symbol of the Trinity was wreaths floating along the river - this is how girls told fortunes about their betrothed and, according to some beliefs, paid off mermaids and mawoks who also wanted to dress up. That’s why wreaths were very useful.

Another Trinity ritual was associated with greenery - a girl in love had to weave a wreath of meadow grass and birch branches for her boyfriend. Giving it means declaring love or at least sympathy.

Such a wreath could become not only a decoration and a symbol of tender feelings, but also protection from mermaids, who on Trinity night acquired the greatest power and were able to lure any guy to them.

The wreath was to be turned into a talisman by branches of wormwood, especially the flowering one, which, according to legend, repels any evil spirits, including mermaids, mermaids, and mawoks.

Trinity was also celebrated in forests, fields, and gardens - they sang songs and played fun games. Unmarried girls used their own woven wreaths to tell fortunes on this day. They threw wreaths into the water and sang songs; if the wreaths matched, then the girl would be wooed this year.

People believed that on a festive night they had prophetic dreams, which were usually given special significance.

There was also a belief that an honest person could find a treasure on this day, as if hearing its call from the depths of the earth.

Signs

A good omen for Trinity was matchmaking - it was believed that if they matched on Trinity and got married on the Intercession, it meant that these spouses would have a long, happy life, in love and harmony.

Flowers and medicinal herbs collected on such a day are considered healing and can cure any ailment, and the collected dew has a special power that can heal and give strength.

People believed that rain on Whitsunday would bring the harvest, mushrooms, and warm weather. It was a bad omen that if it was hot that day, it meant that the whole summer would be dry.

People believed that after Trinity the weather would stabilize and warm, sunny days would come.

On the Day of the Holy Spirit, it is customary to give away all the change to the poor, thereby protecting yourself from adversity and illness.

The material was prepared based on open sources

Happy Trinity Day!

“Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us;
Lord, cleanse our sins;
Master, forgive our iniquities;
Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name's sake.

Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.”

Trinity is one of the most important holidays for believers, and is also one of the most beloved and long-awaited holidays among the people. Every year the date of celebration
Trinity Sunday changes because it depends on what date Easter was. But Trinity is always celebrated on the fiftieth day after Easter, and therefore in 2018 this bright holiday fell on May 27.

Sometimes it is also called the day of the descent of the Holy Spirit. It was on this day that the Holy Spirit descended on the holy apostles, followers of Jesus Christ, which symbolizes the trinity of God.
From that day on, God gave the apostles the gift of speaking in different languages. And it is Trinity that is considered the birthday of the Church. The week after it is called “Green Christmastide”.

Family tree. Ritual for Parents' Saturday

The Saturday before the holiday is a memorial day. People in churches light candles for the repose of deceased relatives. They especially pray for those who died a premature death, considering them victims of treacherous mermaids.

The eve of the holiday is Parents' Saturday: the only day of the year when the church prays for the souls of people who died unbaptized.

On Parents' Saturday, plant a family tree: a seedling in your summer cottage or an indoor perennial plant, such as a ficus. At the bottom of the hole or pot, place a little thing associated with your family: an inexpensive piece of jewelry that belonged to your mother or grandmother, a fragment of a saucer from a family set, an old button.
If you don’t find anything like this, bring a handful of earth from the place where you or someone from the older generation of your relatives spent their childhood and youth.

Attention: Do not under any circumstances place soil from the grave under the tree - nothing can be brought into the house or garden from the cemetery!

For the first time, you need to water the family tree with enchanted water. Take a spring or tap water just after midnight, place both palms on the vessel with water and begin to name the names of all the ancestors you remember.
Every time you name a name, say: "Peace be unto you and eternal salvation."
Repeat the ritual of charming water every month on the full moon: the souls of your departed will receive relief, and you will receive support from your family.

Trinity is celebrated for three days. Housewives prepare very carefully for it: they clean the house, decorate the home with fresh branches of maple, birch, willow, linden, flowers and herbs, which symbolizes prosperity and a new life cycle.

Not only houses, but also churches are decorated with birch branches on Trinity Sunday. The green color of fresh birch branches symbolizes rebirth and renewal.
Priests dress in green robes for Trinity.

On the Feast of the Trinity, a special service is performed in churches with the reading of kneeling prayers: the priest reads prayers, kneeling in the Royal Doors, facing the believers, while the parishioners also kneel, for the first time since Easter.

The floors in churches are covered with freshly cut grass, a bunch of which after the service anyone can take home as a talisman.

You can also bring a birch twig with you to the temple to consecrate it, and then take it home. At home, consecrated birch branches are placed next to icons.
It is believed that they will protect the house and its inhabitants from troubles and adversity all year round.

Under no circumstances should you throw away birch branches brought from the temple. They are dried and placed next to the icon; in extreme cases, they can be burned seven days after Trinity.

Trinity is a bright holiday, so on this day one should not indulge in despondency. Also, on such a bright holiday, there is no need to quarrel with anyone, swear, use foul language, quarrel, get angry, or harbor a grudge.
Try to spend this holiday in harmony with yourself and with others, doing good deeds.

Green meal

On the feast day of the Holy Trinity, it is necessary to gather with the whole family for lunch. Housewives prepare treats for the festive table in advance.
There is no fasting on this holiday, so any food can be served on the table.

❧ Scrambled eggs
Housewives on this day prepare special scrambled eggs in the morning. It consists of two eggs, since both of its “eyes” should symbolize a friendly couple - husband and wife. While the dish is fried in a frying pan, the hostess reads a prayer to the Holy Trinity.
Salt scrambled eggs with Thursday salt. Season with green onions, garlic and parsley. Moreover, the greens are not chopped, but placed in twigs or long green feathers along with the growing head of the onion.
It is believed that this preserves the integrity of the family.

❧ Meat and fish dishes
There are no restrictions on food on Trinity Sunday (and during the week after the holiday, fasting is not observed on either Wednesday or Friday), which means you can prepare savory dishes. Namely: cutlets, chops, roasts.

❧ Pancakes and loaf
Pancakes are also a traditional Trinity dish. Our ancestors baked pancakes and commemorated the dead with them, and distributed them as alms to the poor and needy.

You should definitely bake or buy a loaf. This is a traditional “wedding” bread, always round - in the shape of the sun, the highest Slavic deity.
In the old days, specially invited people baked a loaf of bread - most often women, who were certainly married and had children, that is, happy in family life. It turned out that God blessed their families, and through them the blessing is passed on to the young family. While kneading the dough, the women sang special ritual songs, said prayers and incantations calling on the Lord to descend from heaven and help bake the loaf. So it’s best that your loaf for the holiday of the Holy Trinity is baked by a happily married woman (or bought for you at a bakery). Instead of a loaf, you can serve a round yeast pie.

Girls of marriageable age and single ladies should take a few pieces of a loaf, wrap it in a clean rag, read the Lord’s Prayer over the bundle and with all their hearts ask the Lord (or a Higher Power) for a quick meeting with their betrothed.
Place the package behind the icon or in a place where no one will see or touch it.
Store until the wedding to crush and add crumbs to wedding baking - then the family will be strong.

❧ Pies
There must be a variety of baked goods.
It is best, of course, to prepare baked goods with eggs and herbs, but a sweet pie will also come in handy these days.
In ancient times, Trinity pies were perceived as something special, and a piece of pastry was certainly hidden behind the icon. When their daughters were getting ready to get married, their mothers gave these pieces of trinity baked goods as a kind of amulet for peace and happiness in the new family.

❧ Salads
The more salads there are on the table, the brighter the holiday will be. In this case, it is advisable to use more lettuce leaves, cucumbers, cabbage;
The main condition of the holiday is preparing dishes with the addition of a large amount of greens. Considering that it is customary to decorate the house with greenery on Trinity Sunday, housewives should generously add green herbs to their dishes.

Trinity Traditions

The Holy Trinity is a big holiday, so doing heavy physical work on this day is prohibited. It is worth putting aside everyday chores and household chores as much as possible, and devoting as much time as possible to prayers and communication with loved ones.
Such activities are not sinful, but it is believed that everyday fuss should not distract us from the main essence of the holiday.

But you can collect medicinal herbs.

❧ First day - Green Sunday- is popularly considered a day of activity and deceit by mermaids and other mythical evil spirits. The greenery that decorates houses is protection and amulet against them. In the morning of this day, festive services are held in churches. Then people visit each other.
Mass celebrations and fairs begin.

Trinity has always been considered a girl's holiday. They weave wreaths, lowering them into the river for fortune telling. Then they went into the forest for a walk. For this day, they baked a loaf of bread and distributed it to unmarried girls in the forest. These pieces were dried and stored until the wedding, then kneading crackers into dough for the wedding loaf.
They believed that they would bring prosperity and love to their new family. Then a picnic was organized under the birch tree - a festive meal.
In the evening, the people were entertained by mummers.

❧ The second day of the holiday is called Klechal Monday. After the service, the priests went to the fields to read prayers asking God for a blessing on the future harvest.

❧ On the third, God's Day, the guys chose their brides. The girls “drove a poplar”, in the role of which was an unmarried girl - the first beauty in the village.
She was decorated with wreaths, ribbons, branches and taken around the courtyards. Meeting Topol was considered great luck. On this day, water in wells was blessed.

People say that it is on Trinity that mermaids come out of the rivers into the fields; at night they start their games and live in the forests until Peter’s Day (July 12).
Mermaids can tickle travelers to death, so swimming in rivers during Christmas time is considered dangerous.

Green Christmastide

Long before the adoption of Christianity, in early June, festivities related to the veneration of Mother Earth took place in Rus'. They were called “green” or “emerald” days, hence the popular name for Trinity Day - Green Christmastide.

According to legends, on Green Christmastide the earth should not be disturbed - planting or replanting plants, digging and loosening, removing weeds. Let the birthday girl rest, then she will be favorable to man.

Trinity spell for good luck

On Trinity Sunday they cast a spell for good luck and success in business:

“I will get up, pray, and go out, crossing myself,
I’ll climb a high mountain and look around on all four sides.
How on the eastern side a black horse grazes in a green meadow, wild and violent.
No one saddled him, no one rode him, that horse did not know the stirrups or reins.
I will tame that horse, and he will walk under me obediently, carry me wherever I want.
My will is strong, my word is true. Amen".

Love spell for Trinity

And in order to bewitch her beloved, on Trinity Day a woman collects grass, weaves a small wreath from it and, when she goes to bed, puts it under her pillow with a spell:

“How these herbs were twisted and intertwined into a wreath,
so let the servant of God (name) curl around me, the servant of God (name),
how the wreath will wither and dry,
so let him dry and grieve for me, God’s servant (name),
doesn’t binge on food, doesn’t wash it down with drink, doesn’t go on a spree;
whether he is at a feast or during a conversation, whether he is in the field or in the house - I would not leave his mind.

Be my words strong and molded, stronger than stone and damask steel,
a sharp knife and a greyhound spear.
And the key to my words is both a statement and a strong fortress,
and the strength is strong in the heights of heaven, and the castle is in the depths of the sea.
Let it be so!".

Birch magic for Trinity

The main symbol of the Trinity is the birch tree - all kinds of rituals are associated with it. The floors of the huts were covered with its leaves, and gates, thresholds, windows and icons were decorated with bunches of birch branches.
Branches of apple, rowan, maple, and willow were often added to birch trees. But in no case did they take branches of coniferous trees (they symbolize death) and aspen (this is a vampire tree).
It was believed that the birch tree, which had absorbed the energy of the awakened earth, would protect against evil forces, give health, prosperity, save and increase the new harvest.

On the holiday of Trinity, you can perform a ritual to fulfill your cherished desire. You need to approach a young birch tree, hug it, then pull a branch towards you and ask the birch tree for help, say your wish out loud, weaving a braid from the thinnest branches of the tree.
When curling, they tried not to crush the leaves or break the twigs and branches: already curled birch trees were decorated with flowers, they hung towels, scarves, belts on them, and thought about their cherished things...

In a few days, it’s worth visiting “your” birch tree: if the braid is intact, the dream will certainly come true; if it’s unraveled, alas.

By the way, if, while walking in the forest or park, you see such braided branches - do not touch them! Maybe someone made a wish, or perhaps they left a misfortune on the birch tree.
Whoever undoes such a braid will ruin another’s luck or take on other people’s misfortunes.

In ancient times, when curling wreaths, girls worshiped. They exchanged some things - rings, scarves, and after that they called themselves godfather.
This ritual was of great importance and was quite in tune with the Orthodox idea of the Trinity - consent.
The basis of kumleniya is a sworn promise of friendship and mutual assistance for a certain period.
The ritual was accompanied by incantations with the following words:

“Let's kiss each other, godfather.
Let’s make friends so that we won’t quarrel with you, but be friends forever.”

After the ritual, the participants in the ritual called each other “sisters,” “godfathers,” or “friends,” maintaining sisterly relations for as long as possible.

Folk proverbs about the Trinity

God loves trinity.
Without the Trinity, a house cannot be built.
The trinity of fingers makes a cross.
During Trinity Week, rain means a lot of mushrooms.
On Trinity, every branch is a helper and a healer.

It’s interesting that you can make a weather forecast for Trinity in advance.

Dew that falls on Trinity is considered very beneficial for health. Girls are advised to wash their face with it to preserve youth and beauty.

If it rains on this day, there will be a good harvest, a warm and mushroom summer.

Hot weather is considered a bad omen on Pentecost; then the summer promises to be dry.
based on materials from fakty.ictv.u, zonatigra.ru

It is believed that if you carefully adhere to the ancient customs of the Trinity, you can attract happiness and prosperity to your home.
Happy Trinity to you!

Long before the advent of Christianity, Slavic peoples celebrated Green Week. It marked the end of spring and the beginning of summer. To this day, some pagan rituals and fortune telling have been preserved, which are carried out on the holiday of the Trinity. The customs of ancient times are based on the renewal of life - this is the time when the first leaves appear on the trees and flowers bloom. And for the holiday of Trinity, churches and houses were decorated with greenery - a symbol of the growth and renewal of the Christian faith.

Trinity or Pentecost?

The Feast of Trinity is one of the most beautiful holidays in Orthodoxy. It always falls at a time when the first leaves on the trees begin to bloom. Therefore, on this holiday, people decorate houses and churches with green branches of birch, maple, and rowan.

Trinity Sunday does not have a fixed date of celebration. It is scheduled for the fiftieth day after Easter. The Bible says that it was on this day that the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles. The disciples received the ability to preach the word of Christ. Therefore, this holiday is otherwise called Pentecost or the Descent of the Holy Spirit.

Only in the 14th century did they begin to celebrate the Trinity holiday in Rus'. The customs and traditions on this day have been observed since ancient times. The founder of the holiday was St. Sergius of Radonezh.

Old Testament holiday

Pentecost is a Jewish holiday that is celebrated on the 50th day after. According to legend, on this day the people of Israel received the Law of Sinai. Traditionally, in honor of the celebration, entertainment for the people, mass celebrations, and sacrifices are organized.

He did not give the Law of God to his people. This happened on the fiftieth day after the exodus of the Jews from Egypt. Since then, Pentecost (or Shavuot) began to be celebrated every year. In Israel, on the same day, the festival of the first harvest and fruits is celebrated.

When did the Trinity appear in Christianity? The customs and traditions of the celebration originate from the Old Testament Pentecost.

Orthodox holiday

The apostles retired to celebrate the Jewish Pentecost. The Savior, before his martyrdom, promised them a miracle - the coming of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, every day they gathered in one of the Zion upper rooms.

On the 50th day after the Resurrection, they heard a noise that filled the small space of the house. Flames appeared and the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles. He showed them three hypostases - God the Father (Divine Mind), God the Son (Divine Word), God the Spirit (Holy Spirit). This trinity is the basis of Christianity, on which the Christian faith firmly stands.

People who were not far from the upper room heard a strange noise - the apostles were speaking in different languages. Jesus' disciples received amazing abilities - to heal, prophesy and preach in different dialects, which allowed them to carry the word of God to all corners of the world. The apostles visited the Middle East, India, and Asia Minor. We visited Crimea and Kyiv. All the disciples, except John, suffered martyrdom - they were executed by opponents of Christianity.

There is only one God. The customs of the church holiday began in the morning. The whole family went to church for worship. After which people returned home. They held a gala dinner, went to visit, congratulated friends on the bright holiday, and gave gifts.

Slavic holiday

In our country, the holiday of the Trinity began to be celebrated only 300 years after the baptism of Rus'. Before this, the Slavs were pagans. But even today there are rituals and signs that originated in those times.

Before Trinity, this day was considered the border between spring and summer. Its name is Semik (Green Week), or Triglav. According to pagan religion, three deities ruled all humanity - Perun, Svarog, Svyatovit. The latter is the keeper of light and human energy. Perun is the defender of truth and warriors. Svarog is the creator of the Universe.

In Semik, people held merry celebrations and danced in circles. Houses were first decorated with greenery, from which medicinal tinctures and decoctions were then prepared.

Thus, from the pagan celebration, a church holiday arose - Trinity. The customs and signs of those ancient times are still relevant among the people. For example, the greenery that was used to decorate the church on Pentecost was taken home and dried. It was sewn into canvas bags. This sachet served as a talisman for the home.

Celebration traditions

How is the Trinity Day celebrated? The customs of most holidays begin with cleaning the house. Only after the room was sparkling clean did the women decorate the rooms with green branches and flowers. They are a symbol of fertility and wealth.

The housewives prepared the festive table - they cooked pies and gingerbreads, cooked jelly. There is no fasting on this day, so Orthodox Christians are allowed any food. In churches, the Divine Liturgy is celebrated on Trinity Sunday, and immediately after it, the evening liturgy. During it, kneeling prayers are read. The clergy ask for the granting of grace to all those present, for the sending of wisdom and reason to the believers.

After the service, people sit down at the festive table, invite guests, give gifts and congratulate each other. According to tradition, it was customary to get married on this day. It was believed that if the matchmaking took place on Trinity and the wedding on Pokrov, a happy life awaited the young family.

How is Trinity celebrated in other parts of the world? Traditions, customs, and rituals from different countries are united by festive services. And in England, religious processions are even held on this day. In Italy, rose petals are scattered from under the ceiling of a church. In France, trumpets are blown during worship, which symbolizes the descent of the Holy Spirit.

Folk customs for Trinity

According to folk legends, mermaids wake up on Pentecost. In this regard, the villagers have several customs.

In the villages they made a stuffed mermaid and danced around it during festivities. Then it was torn into small pieces and scattered across the field.
Before going to bed, women ran through the village with a broom to protect themselves from mermaids.
One girl was dressed as a mermaid, taken to a field and thrown into a grain harvest. After which everyone fled to their homes.

What other folk practices are the Trinity famous for? Traditions, customs, rituals consisted of driving away evil spirits from the gates of the house. According to legend, on this day the merman woke up, and the villagers burned fires along the shore to ward off evil spirits.

Much attention was paid to decorating the house. Only branches of maple, birch, rowan, and oak could protect people and give them strength and health.

Another custom was to water the branches and flowers that were in the temple with your tears. Girls and women tried to cry harder so that drops of tears would fall on the greenery. This method helped the ancestors get rid of the summer drought and autumn crop failure.

First day

All festive events were divided into 3 days. The first was called Green Sunday. On this day, icons were decorated with birch branches, and a special prayer was said for Trinity.

Folk festivities were held in forests and fields. People danced, played, and sang songs. The girls wove wreaths and lowered them down the river. Such fortune-telling helped to find out what fate awaited in the coming year.

People remembered their deceased relatives. In the cemetery they swept crosses and monuments with a birch broom to ward off evil spirits. They left treats for the deceased at the graves. That night, according to folk tales, people had prophetic dreams.

Second day

Feast Monday is the second day of the celebration of Pentecost. People were rushing to church in the morning. After the service, the priests walked through the fields with blessings. This was done in order to protect the crop from drought, rain and hail.

The third day

Girls celebrate God's Day most of all. They organize celebrations, games, and fortune telling. According to folk tradition, a fun activity is held - “Drive Poplar”. The most beautiful girl was dressed up, decorated with greenery and wreaths - she played the role of Poplar. Then the youth took Topolya home, and each owner gave her a tasty treat or gift.

Holiday symbol

There is still a ritual of curling a birch tree. During the process, the girls wished good health to their mother and other relatives. Or, while curling the birch tree, they thought about the young man they loved - thus tying his thoughts and thoughts to themselves.

During the festivities, a small birch tree was decorated with ribbons and flowers were flown into it. After round dance chants, they cut it down and began a triumphal procession through the village. An elegant birch tree was carried around the entire village, attracting good luck to its residents.

In the evening, the ribbons were removed from the tree and a traditional sacrifice was performed. The branches were “buried” in the field, and the birch itself was drowned in a pond. So people asked for a bountiful harvest and protection from the spirits.

Early dew was collected on Trinity Sunday - it was considered a strong medicine against illnesses and illnesses. Such rituals existed among our ancestors. Some of them can still be found today. What can't you do on Trinity Sunday?

What is forbidden to do on Pentecost

On this holiday, it was strictly forbidden to work in the garden or around the house. Therefore, zealous housewives carried out general cleaning before Trinity. And on the holiday itself they only decorated the house and prepared a rich meal.

What other prohibitions exist? What not to do on Trinity Sunday? All home repairs are best left for another day. You can't sew. Do not wash, cut or dye your hair.

On this day you cannot think about bad things or talk about someone in a negative way. It is forbidden to swim - otherwise the disobedient person will die in the near future (according to one version, he will be tickled by mermaids). And the one who remained alive after swimming on Trinity Sunday was declared a sorcerer.

You should not be offended or swear on this day - Trinity is a bright holiday. Signs and customs (what you can’t do and what you can do) - it all comes down to prayer and kind words. Trinity is a holiday of renewal of life, so you should surround yourself only with positivity on this day.

Parents' Saturday

The day before Trinity began, people went to the cemetery and commemorated their deceased relatives.

Since ancient times, a funeral dinner was prepared on parents' Saturday - cutlery was set out for the deceased. The deceased was invited to a meal.

On this day the bathhouse was heated. And after the whole family had washed, they left water and a broom for the deceased.

On Trinity Parents' Saturday they remember suicides and ask for repose for their souls. It is read on Trinity. But the Holy Church claims that this is a delusion - suicides will not be able to find peace after death. Therefore, only in home prayer can you ask for them.

Signs for Pentecost

The Trinity is rich in beliefs and signs. The customs and traditions of the holiday carry many centuries-tested omens.

Rain on Pentecost means an abundance of mushrooms and close warmth.
If the birch is fresh on the third day after the holiday, it means wet haymaking.
They get married on Trinity, they get married on the Intercession - for love and harmony in the family.
To attract wealth into your home, you need to place several
The heat on Trinity means a dry summer.

The entire week of celebration was called Rusal Week. Thursday was considered especially important - on this day the mermaids tried to lure people into the water. Therefore, in the evenings people tried not to leave the house. Swimming was prohibited for the entire week. And you should definitely carry wormwood with you - this herb repels evil spirits.

Nowadays, the Trinity holiday is celebrated in nature, with songs and fun. Customs and signs of ancient times become irrelevant and gradually disappear. But people still decorate their homes with greenery so that peace, tranquility, happiness, health and prosperity reign in it. And the girls carry wreaths to the reservoirs and, holding their breath, set them afloat: wherever the wreath floats, wait for the betrothed from there, and if it washes up to the shore, you know it’s not your destiny to get married this year...

In 2017, Trinity Day is celebrated on June 4. The Day of the Holy Trinity, Trinity, Pentecost, Descent of the Holy Spirit is one of the main Christian holidays, included in Orthodoxy among the twelve holidays. The Orthodox Church celebrates Trinity Day on the 50th day after Easter, Sunday.

On Trinity Day, one of the most solemn and beautiful services of the year is held in Orthodox churches. After the liturgy, Great Vespers is served, at which stichera glorifying the descent of the Holy Spirit are sung, and the priest reads three special lengthy prayers:
- about the Church;
- for the salvation of all those who pray;
- about the repose of the souls of all the departed (including those “held in hell”).
While reading these prayers, everyone (including the clergy) kneels - this ends the post-Easter period, during which no kneeling or prostration is performed in churches.

According to Russian tradition, the floor of the temple and the houses of believers on the Day of the Holy Trinity is covered with freshly cut grass, the icons are decorated with birch branches, and the color of the vestments is green, depicting the life-giving and renewing power of the Holy Spirit. Trinity is a very beautiful and beloved holiday among the people.

Rituals for Trinity

Trinity Day is one of the most important holidays among the Eastern Slavs, especially loved by girls. In folk tradition, Trinity Day is part of the Semitsko-Trinity holiday complex, which included Semik (the seventh Thursday after Easter two days before Trinity), Trinity Saturday, and Trinity Day. In general, the holidays were called “Green Christmastide”. The main components of the Semik-Trinity festivities were rituals associated with the cult of vegetation, maiden festivities, maiden initiations, commemoration of the drowned or all the dead.

Among the Slavic peoples, the holiday of the Holy Trinity is also closely associated with seeing off spring and welcoming summer:

During Trinity (Semitic) week, girls 7-12 years old they broke birch branches and decorated the house with them outside and inside.
Thursday (the next day) children's morning fed scrambled eggs, which was then a traditional dish: it symbolized the bright summer sun. Then children went into the forest to curl a birch tree: it was decorated with ribbons, beads, flowers; the branches were tied in pairs and braided. Children danced around the decorated birch tree, sang songs, and had a festive meal.
On Saturday, on the eve of the Holy Trinity, the Slavs have one of the main memorial days. This day is often called “stuffy Saturday” or parent’s day.
On the day of the Holy Trinity, everyone went to church with flowers and birch branches. On this day, houses and temples were decorated with a green carpet of leaves and flowers. After the festive service in the church, the youth went to develop a birch tree. It was believed that if this is not done, the birch tree may be offended. After the birch tree had developed, they repeated the meal, again danced in circles and sang songs. Then the tree was cut down and carried around the village singing. Often the birch tree could also be sent down the river, believing that the tree would give up its strength to the first shoots in the field.

Traditions for Trinity

As usual in Russia, Orthodox holidays are closely intertwined with folk traditions:

So, leaving the church, people tried to grab grass from under your feet, to mix with hay, boil with water and drink as a healing medicine. Some made wreaths from the leaves of the trees that stood in the church and used them as amulets.

Beautiful Trinity tradition Decorating houses and temples with branches, grass, and flowers has been around for centuries. The ritual of decorating for Trinity is not accidental. In folk tradition, greenery symbolizes life on Trinity Day. Traditionally, decorating houses on Trinity Sunday with branches, herbs and flowers, people express joy and gratitude to God for reviving them through baptism into a new life.

Historically, to decorate temples and houses, according to folk traditions, birch branches are used. We can say that the Trinity holiday without a birch is the same as celebrating Christmas without a tree. At the same time, in some areas the tradition of decorating houses and churches on Trinity Day may be slightly different and oak, maple, rowan can be used for decoration...

The people revered Trinity as a great holiday, they carefully prepared for it: they washed and cleaned the house and yard, put out dough to prepare dishes for the festive table, and prepared herbs. On this day, pies and loaves were baked, wreaths made of birch (in the south made of maple) and flowers were made, guests were invited, and young people held parties in the forests and meadows.

The girls wore their best outfits, often sewn specifically for these holidays. Everywhere heads were decorated with wreaths of herbs and flowers. Dressed up girls usually walked around during a general meeting of the people - the so-called "bride's viewing". For a long time it was believed good omen to get married on Trinity. The wedding took place in the fall, on the Feast of the Intercession of the Virgin Mary. Many still believe that this helps family life: those married on Trinity, they say, will live in love, joy and wealth.

On this day, roes were baked for the girls - round cakes with eggs in the form of a wreath. These roe deer along with scrambled eggs, pies, kvass made up a ritual meal, which the girls arranged in the grove after curling the birch tree, that is, decorating it with ribbons, flowers, and weaving wreaths from its thin branches.

The girls worshiped through these wreaths- they came up in pairs, kissed each other, sometimes exchanged pectoral crosses and said: Let's kiss each other, godfather, let's kiss each other, we won't quarrel with you, we'll be friends forever. For the ritual of nepotism curled the tops of two birch trees, intertwined them with each other. Then the girls split into pairs and walked under these birch trees, hugging and kissing. Having thought about each other, they formed one big round dance and sang trinity songs. Then we went to the river. When we approached the river, everyone threw their wreaths into the water and used them to tell fortunes about future fate. After this, the birch tree was cut down and carried to the village with songs, they placed it in the center of the street, they danced around the birch tree and sang special, Trinity songs.

What not to do on Trinity Sunday - popular beliefs

A whole cycle of beliefs and prohibitions was associated with the Trinity Days, the violation of which was strictly prohibited under the threat of misfortune:

It was forbidden to make birch brooms on Trinity;
for a week it was forbidden to fence the fence or repair harrows so that “ugly-looking domestic animals would not be born”;
it was strictly forbidden to work on the first three days of Trinity - however, you can prepare a treat, as well as invite guests to a festive meal;
It was impossible to go to the forest for a week, to swim - swimming on Trinity Day is undesirable, because, as our ancestors believed, that Trinity Day belongs to mermaids - if you swim, the ancient Slavs believed, you will go to the bottom. Starting from the “Green Christmastide” and until Peter’s Day (July 12), mermaids come out of the pools, hide in the forests, in the trees, luring travelers with their laughter.

Signs for Trinity

There are other beliefs and traditions for the Trinity. Let's now find out what signs there are on Trinity Day.

If it rains on Trinity, then expect a mushroom harvest.
Flowers and medicinal herbs collected on such a day are considered healing and can cure any ailment.
It is believed that from Monday - Holy Spirit Day there will be no more frosts, warm days are coming.
On the Day of the Holy Spirit, it is customary to give away all the change to the poor, thereby protecting yourself from adversity and illness.
There was also such a belief that an honest person could find a treasure, as if hearing its call from the depths of the earth.
There was a belief that plants on Trinity are endowed with special magical powers, which was reflected in the custom of collecting medicinal herbs on Trinity night.

Trinity Celebration

Trinity passes noisily and cheerfully. In the morning everyone rushes to the temple for the festive service. And after it they organize folk fun with round dances, games, and songs. Loaves were definitely prepared. They invited guests to a festive dinner and gave each other gifts. Fairs were held in some areas. With the revival of faith in Russia, the traditions of celebrating Orthodox holidays are also being revived. And already in our time, folk festivities are organized in the cities of the country on Trinity Day.

Russian culture, its traditions and customs are a separate phenomenon of the world heritage. Orthodox holidays are closely intertwined with the roots of Russian customs, which are passed down from generation to generation. And signs for the Trinity are always carefully preserved and passed on by inheritance.

Descent of the Holy Spirit

Pentecost, Trinity, the Descent of the Holy Spirit or Trinity Day is one of the main Christian holidays, which is celebrated with a particularly solemn service. Trinity Sunday falls on the 50th day after Easter. This day is especially revered among the people. The Orthodox are looking forward to it, preparing for the holiday and waiting for a miracle.

The Trinity has long been revered by our ancestors. It was believed that on this holiday the end of hard work comes and the time comes for harvesting a generous harvest. It is not surprising that from those ancient times, folk signs for the Trinity have reached the present generation. All rituals themselves were considered especially important - in no case could they be neglected or ignored.

So what was the mystery of the celebration? How amazing were the holidays for the ordinary Russian person? It's time to get acquainted with several unique customs, traditions and signs associated with the great Orthodox holiday.

Briefly about the holiday

The Day of the Holy Trinity or Green Christmastide is honored in every Orthodox family. One of the most important Christian holidays is celebrated on the 50th day after Easter, which is why it is sometimes also called Pentecost. Trinity Day usually falls in the last days of May or the beginning of June. The first days of summer are associated with the end of hard work and the beginning of a rich harvest.

Trinity has three big holidays - this is Parents' Saturday (the day when deceased ancestors are remembered), Trinity Sunday (the most important day of the holiday) and Spirits Day (the name speaks for itself - the Day of the Holy Spirit).

Church interpretation of the holiday

Where did the signs and customs for Trinity come from? This is connected, first of all, with folk observations and interpretation of the holiday. To understand the essence of each sign and phenomenon, it is worth paying attention to the religious significance of this day.

After the resurrection of Jesus Christ, those who believed directly in the Lord God himself believed in his power. And in the power of the Spirit only when, on the 50th day after the resurrection of Jesus, the 12 apostles and the Virgin Mary gathered in one room heard loud sounds coming from heaven. After this, each disciple was engulfed in a flame that penetrated inside and filled the entire being - so the Holy Spirit himself entered each of them, who gave the apostles great knowledge and the opportunity to preach the word of God in different languages.

The so-called triumph of the Holy Trinity took place - God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit gathered together - which was witnessed by ordinary Christians.

How is Trinity celebrated among the people?

There are quite familiar signs and customs for Trinity, which are revered in every family. To do this, you don’t need to go somewhere at midnight, look for healing herbs and look at the stars. Household rituals are also part of the spiritual celebration of the great Christian holiday.

So, for example, on Parents' Saturday it is worth visiting the graves of deceased relatives, going to church for a service and lighting candles “for the repose of the soul.” On this day you cannot be sad - it is customary to remember deceased ancestors with good words, only joyful moments.

In the evening, on the eve of Trinity Sunday, parishioners go to church with large bouquets of birch branches, freshly cut grass and wildflowers. It is believed that blessed bouquets have healing properties, so the plants are carefully stored throughout the year. In case of illness, you can brew teas and healing infusions from dried flowers and branches.

During Sunday services, parishioners pray to God and ask him to grant the Holy Spirit to their departed ancestors.

Monday - Holy Spirit Day - symbolizes the victory of the Holy Spirit over evil forces. On this day, it is customary to pray for deceased relatives and remember them only with good words. On Holy Spirit Day, it is customary to ask God for the repose of souls. After the service, parishioners, leaving the church, distributed change and treats to the poor, protecting themselves from illness and misfortune.

There are special folk signs for Trinity. The weather on this day can tell you what the harvest will be like and what to expect from the coming winter. For example, it was believed that the earth could reveal its secrets before the celebration of the Day of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, many diligently searched for treasures hidden deep in the bowels of the earth.

Signs for Trinity for unmarried girls

Pentecost for young girls is one of the most important holidays, which can tell their future fate. On this day, they wove beautiful wreaths, put them in water and watched how they behave. If a necklace of flowers floated on the water - a favorable sign, if it spun in place - to a single life in the near future. It is an unfavorable sign if the wreath drowns - this symbolizes the death of close relatives or even the betrothed.

Young girls traditionally celebrated this holiday in the forest near birch trees. Trinity week is a “mermaid” game. At this time, you should not have entered the water - it was believed that the mermaid could be pulled into her pool. It was possible to protect yourself from them only with the help of wormwood.

Among other folk signs for Trinity, the traditional symbolism of this holiday should be noted. Birch is a symbol of rebirth and youth. This tree became especially revered during Christmas time. Birch branches were used to decorate homes and fences, the entrance to the house and the yard, as well as corners in barns where pets lived. The branches were taken out into the field to beg their ancestors for a rich harvest.

Among the traditions and signs of Trinity for unmarried girls, it is worth noting the custom of weaving wreaths from birch branches. It was believed that this is how a girl interweaves her thoughts with the thoughts of a young man.

But the grandmothers went to the graves of their ancestors to sweep the “little eyes” of their parents and other relatives - they swept the graves of the deceased with birch branches.

Traditions and customs

Trinity Day is a special holiday on which people are accustomed to perform a lot of rituals. At the same time, they are interpreted and perceived as customs, and not as superstitions. This is precisely the case when all signs and beliefs have an exclusively justified meaning. Therefore, it can be argued that folk signs for Trinity are distinguished by a deep meaning.

There are things that simply must be done on this holiday. But there are things that are extremely undesirable in the first days of summer. It is worth noting that the celebration of the Trinity itself has pagan roots. Of course, the church is against such beliefs, but it is difficult to convince people of what was passed on to them through their mother’s milk.

Signs for single girls and guys

From a very early age, children are taught to honor Christian holidays and folk traditions. The younger generation closely monitors what they do on Trinity Sunday. Signs help predict the future on the eve of a great holiday. Over time, young girls and boys themselves begin to take part in the rituals.

Wreaths have already been mentioned. All that remains is to repeat the symbolism:

If a wreath floats on water, there will be happiness.
If you washed ashore - new love.
If it stands still, the next year will pass without changes.
If you drowned, there will be trouble.

Signs and superstitions for the Trinity are passed down from generation to generation. Thus, grandmothers often put out a new tablecloth for the holiday - it was believed that the fabric absorbs great power, which helps to attract eligible suitors. For the Holy holiday, they baked all kinds of pastries - the remains were not thrown away, but kept for the happiness of the future family.

Weddings cannot be played on Trinity Day - it is believed that the life of the newlyweds will not be enviable. But matchmaking on this day will be favorable - the life of the new family will be long and happy. After matchmaking on Trinity, it was customary to marry Pokrova.

Signs for Trinity: what not to do?

There are some things that are highly discouraged to do on this day. Failure to comply with prohibitions can anger the spirits of deceased relatives who wander among living people on this day. On the Day of the Holy Trinity, under no circumstances should you work, do handicrafts or do housework. Loaves, bread and buns were baked on the eve of the holiday. On Trinity it was forbidden to dig in the garden and plant beds. Also on this day it was strictly forbidden to swim - just remember the story about mermaids. By the way, about them. It is believed that the mermaid is the soul of a baby girl who died before baptism. A young drowned girl who did not have time to get married could also become an inhabitant of the waters.

What are the signs for Trinity? What can't you do on this holiday? According to tradition, on Sunday you should go to the graves of your ancestors. If this prohibition is violated, deceased relatives may become angry and take away someone from the living.

Holiday dinner traditions

As was already mentioned just above, bread and all kinds of pastries were made on the eve of the holiday. Folk signs for Trinity say that on this day only the closest people should gather at the table. You should not invite enemies and unwanted people - this holiday should remain pure and joyful.

Traditionally, the table was covered with a green festive tablecloth, which was then carefully stored to attract eligible suitors. Among the variety of dishes on the table, there must be bread and any other home-made baked goods. The tastier and more varied it is, the brighter and happier life will be in the coming year.

Young families should pay attention to this tradition. Baking loaves and bread on Saturday, the eve of the great Orthodox holiday, can become a good family tradition in which everyone can take part. Folk omens for Trinity say that the festive table should not be complete without chicken eggs. In principle, the festive table on this day should be distinguished by abundance - various vegetables and fruits, sweet pastries, loaves and bread, fish and meat dishes, as well as sweets and drinks - everything should indicate well-being and prosperity.

Holy holiday in modern times

The signs and traditions of Trinity are well known to residents of villages and small towns. Unfortunately, with the growth of urbanization, the townspeople simply began to forget the bright holiday and everything connected with it. But in vain - even the very performance of the rituals itself carries great emotional power, which will allow you to receive a charge of positive energy.

Villagers prepare brooms for the bathhouse on Trinity Sunday. You cannot break young trees and tear off the top branches - only side shoots are allowed, so as not to destroy the tree. It is believed that on this day all plants enhance their healing properties. That is why knowledgeable people collect medicinal herbs, leaves and shoots the day before. Among the many signs and superstitions for Trinity, one more should be noted, which will be of interest to young girls - if you collect thyme on the eve of the holiday, weave a small broom from it and sew it into a pillow, life will be long and happy, and the long-awaited chosen one is about to appear on the horizon .

Fortune telling for Trinity

The Church denies such events in every possible way, but you really want to know your fate and have at least a glimpse into the near future. That is why, among all the diversity of signs, there are certain rituals that help lift the veil of secrecy.

What do they do on Trinity? Signs tell you how to recognize your chosen one and make your life with him long and happy. First of all, it should be understood that all fortune telling should be performed only with pure and bright thoughts. On this day, nature reveals its secrets, shares mystical knowledge and helps people. Grandmothers and mothers put birch branches under the pillows of young girls. It was believed that the image of a man in a dream is the future chosen one.

What else is remarkable about the Trinity? Signs of wealth are what interested many villagers and villagers. There was such a custom - a woman (maybe even a married one) approached a birch tree and, without looking, plucked a branch. If it was smooth and even, the year will be successful and fruitful. Otherwise, expect trouble and disaster.

Weather for the whole year

During the entire Trinity celebration, older people carefully monitored the weather - it is believed that the Green Christmastide was a kind of barometer for the whole year. Signs for Trinity and weather:

It was impossible to prepare birch brooms if it was raining.
For a better cabbage harvest, you should put its leaves in birch twigs brought from the temple after the service.
A good mushroom harvest promises rain on Trinity Sunday.

Trinity is a great and bright Orthodox holiday that has great mystical power. If you behave correctly on this day, observe all traditions and rituals, and also carefully follow the signs, you can feel how happiness is literally knocking on your door. Bright thoughts and good intentions, gratitude for every day you live and generosity - this is the key to a real holiday that will remain in every family.

Folk customs and traditions of celebrating Trinity. Feast of the Holy Trinity: traditions, customs, rituals and folk signs