The Transfiguration of the Lord is the twelveth church holiday, which Orthodox believers celebrate on August 19. Among the people, it is usually called the Apple Savior.
Transfiguration of the Lord: the history of the holiday
The Transfiguration of the Lord is one of the major church holidays. It has a rich history. The Bible describes how Jesus once called his three disciples, John, James, and Peter, to Mount Tabor to pray. While the Master was praying, they fell asleep. After awakening, the disciples saw that Jesus was transformed and became completely different. He shone all over, was dressed in white clothes. In Christianity, the Transfiguration symbolizes the endless love of the Son of God for people.
When Jesus talked with his disciples, a snow-white cloud arose over them, and after the disappearance of the vision, Christ told the apostles that he would die, and his death would atone for the sins of all mankind. Upon returning from the mountain, Jesus ordered to collect apples and consecrate them.
Transfiguration of the Lord in 2019
The Transfiguration of the Lord is celebrated annually on August 19. In Russia, this holiday is known as the Apple Savior. It is rich in church and folk customs, signs. Interestingly, according to the Gospel, the sacred event took place forty days before Easter, but the Orthodox Church celebrates the Transfiguration in August. According to one version, this discrepancy can be explained by a desire to avoid the severity of Great Lent. But Apple Spas still falls on the Assumption Fast.
Holiday traditions
The Transfiguration of the Lord is closely related to both Christian rites and modern traditions. The church prepares for the holiday in advance. In all churches on the night of August 19, an All-night vigil is organized. The participation of believers in Matins is also mandatory. At the Transfiguration of the Lord, it is customary to wear white clothes as a symbol of the divine light that illuminated Mount Tabor.
On a holiday, a cross is carried out in churches, which is worshiped by all parishioners. According to tradition, the harvest should be consecrated on this day. Traditionally, people carried grapes to the church, but in Russia grapes do not ripen by this time, therefore apples have become a symbol of the Transfiguration of the Lord. They are taken to church to thank God for the harvest and receive blessings.
Despite the fact that the holiday falls on the Assumption Lent, not only fruits, but also fish can be served on the table. Traditionally, on this day, they eat preparations that housewives make for the winter. People treat each other and take the consecrated apples to their relatives' graves.
The Transfiguration of the Lord is accompanied by festive festivities and round dances. Such traditions have been preserved in some villages and even cities to this day. There are a number of signs that people should definitely pay attention to. On a holiday, you should eat an apple to be healthy and happy. You also need to treat a poor person with any fruit, taking the initiative on your own. You cannot quarrel at the Transfiguration of the Lord. The conflicts that erupted on this day promise to be protracted.
In accordance with folk traditions, hard physical labor is prohibited on Apple Spas, you cannot do needlework. Before the Transfiguration of the Lord, it is not recommended to taste apples, grapes, pears in the garden. There are also signs associated with the weather. If the weather is dry and warm on a holiday, the winter will also be warm. If the storks did not fly away before the Apple Savior, it will be warm in the fall, the winter will be late, and the spring will be cold and prolonged.
