The Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos in 2019 falls on the end of August. On this day, the hostesses set a festive table and treat everyone with delicious homemade dishes.
The Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos is a beautiful and very important holiday for Orthodox people. It falls on the last summer month. Often believers are interested in the exact date of this holiday in order to prepare for it in advance.
history of the holiday
This celebration, dedicated to the memory of the death of the Mother of God, is one of the main Orthodox holidays. The word "Assumption" in the title does not symbolize the usual physical death of people, but the ascension of the soul to God.
According to the history of the holiday, after Jesus ascended to Heaven, Mary remained among the people, and the Apostle John took over her. When earthly life became too difficult (due to the atrocities of King Herod), both of them went to live in Ephesus. The Mother of God spent all her days in fervent prayers. She asked God to speed up the moment of death and take her closer to her.
The prayers were eventually answered. One day the Archangel Gabriel suddenly appeared before Mary. From a conversation with him, the Mother of God learned that there was very little left for her to be among people - only three days. The Virgin Mary wanted to say goodbye to the apostles before leaving the other world. The latter managed to get all together and come to the box of the Mother of God, on which she lay awaiting her own death.
After the death of the Mother of God, the coffin with her body was moved to the cave. The apostles remained with him, but outside the cave, for several more days, spending all the time in prayer. Only one of them - Thomas did not have time to say goodbye to the Mother of God. He was allowed to enter the cave and bow to the remains. When the entrance was opened, everyone saw that the body was not in the coffin. The Mother of God ascended to heaven.
Peculiarities
The date of the holiday changes every year. In 2019, it is August 28th. The celebration falls on Wednesday. For 9 days, the clergy wear blue clothes. Day 1 - forefeast, the rest - afterfeast. It is on the 28th that housewives should set the table with a variety of dishes. After all, the holiday ends with a strict fast. Festive dishes should be treated not only to your family, but also to people in need.
In Russia there were very interesting traditions associated with the day of the Assumption of the Most Holy Theotokos. Young people on this day sent matchmakers to the girl they liked. It was believed that young ladies who were left without a groom before the holiday would be alone until spring.
Also, the peasants tried to harvest and start harvesting vegetables and fruits for the winter. This tradition has survived to this day.
On such a significant Orthodox holiday, one should not use swear words and, in general, enter into conflicts with people around him. Especially with family and friends. If a person is in a bad mood, you need to try to get rid of him as soon as possible, start smiling and rejoicing. It is important to provide help to everyone who needs it. On a holiday, you cannot refuse support to people who asked for it.
It is a very good omen to finish on August 28 all the important things that have been started and to celebrate the holiday with ease, with a pure heart.
