Signs and customs for the Trinity. Trinity: signs, rites and traditions Rituals, rites, signs for the Trinity

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 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 exactly 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. 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. All kinds of pastries were baked for the Holy Day - the remains were not thrown away, but were 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 mentioned 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.

The Day of the Holy Trinity, or Pentecost, is one of the closest Christian holidays to Russian people. By this time, and Trinity is celebrated on the fiftieth day after Easter, nature finally awakens, a new, full-fledged and full-blooded life begins. The floors of the temples are covered with freshly cut grass, the walls are decorated with birch branches, even the color of the priests’ clothes on this day is green.

This is a symbol of renewal, a symbol of beginning. After all, on this day our Church was born.

On this day, almost two thousand years ago, the apostles were sitting in the upper room (upper room) of one of the Jerusalem houses on Mount Zion. Whose house it was is unknown. But it was he who was destined to become the first Christian temple. Indeed, in the Zion upper room, Christ appeared to His disciples twice after His Resurrection, there He broke bread and filled the cup with wine, thus performing the first liturgy. In the Upper Room of Zion, the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles and the Virgin Mary - and this happened on the fiftieth day after the Resurrection of Christ and on the tenth day after His Ascension to Heaven.

By this time, the apostles were no longer confused and depressed, as after the crucifixion of Christ. The Savior's disciples already understood that He left behind not just a handful of followers, but the Church. Despite the fact that the apostles were not residents of Jerusalem (most of them were from Galilee), they had not gone home for fifty days, meeting daily in that same Zion upper room. After all, Christ Himself asked them not to leave the city and wait for the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

And then “suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as if from a rushing strong wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And cloven tongues as of fire appeared to them, and one rested on each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance" (Acts of the Apostles 2:2-4). Thus, on this day in the Zion Upper Room the triune God appeared in his third hypostasis, hence the name - the Feast of the Holy Trinity.

God the Father created the world and sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to show people the way to salvation, and God the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles, and through them, on each of us, to be close to people. The community of people in which the Holy Spirit is present is called the Church. Every Orthodox Christian prays “In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit...” In addition, on this day God gave the apostles the opportunity to speak in different languages. After all, if the earthly history of Christ is over, then the life of Christ’s Church has just begun. The apostles had to go to different countries and tell people about the Truth that God brought to them in every possible way.

One morning, having heard a strange noise, the surprised residents of Jerusalem began to approach the house where the apostles had gathered, and were very surprised when they heard that the people inside the house were speaking different languages. They even thought that the people speaking were drunk. Then the Apostle Peter came out to the crowd and said: “...men of the Jews, and all those living in Jerusalem! Let this be known to you, and listen to my words: they are not drunk, as you think, for it is now the third hour of the day; but this is what was foretold by the prophet Joel: And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; and your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. And on My servants and on My handmaids in those days I will pour out My Spirit, and they will prophesy” (Acts of the Apostles 2:14-18).

Exactly what Peter said happened. Having received from God Himself the gift of prophesying, healing, and most importantly, bringing the Truth to people, the apostles dispersed throughout the world and preached in its farthest corners. The apostles were executed (only one of the twelve apostles, John, died a natural death), but what could the enemies do against those with whom the Holy Spirit is always present, Christians? Generations of people, rulers, and even entire states disappear from the face of the earth, but the Church has existed for almost two thousand years. Starting once with that very small group of people in the upper room on Mount Zion in Jerusalem...

The material uses a reproduction of K. Lebedev’s painting “The Descent of the Holy Spirit”

Paskha.ru

Traditions of celebrating Trinity in Rus'

Trinity is a very beautiful holiday. Houses and temples are decorated with branches, grass, and flowers. And this is no coincidence. Greenery and flowers symbolize life. This is how people express joy and gratitude to God for reviving them through null baptism into a new life.

Historically, birch branches were used to decorate temples and houses. This tree is considered blessed in Rus'. It is not without reason that many poems and songs are dedicated to him. The holiday of Trinity without a birch is the same as Christmas without a tree. But Russia is a large country, with different climatic conditions, apparently, this can explain the fact that in some areas the holiday trees were oak, maple, and rowan. 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 festivals with games, performances, and songs are organized in the cities of the country.

Trinity - Green Christmastide

Trinity Day has been one of the favorite holidays of the Russian people since time immemorial. Many folk customs and rituals are still associated with it, celebrated in addition to the church celebration. In ancient times, when the memory of the pagan past was still fresh in Rus', so many original manifestations of popular superstition were associated with the Trinity, or “Semitskaya” week - more than with any other holiday except Christmastide. This week, dedicated to the goddess of spring, who defeated the demons of winter, has long been celebrated with noisy national games. The end of May and the beginning of June, on which Trinity Day falls, were especially suitable for celebrating the spring revival of the land, which by this time was covered with the most lush vegetation, which had not yet lost its charming freshness.

The pagan month of our distant ancestors, which in this case coincided with Christian holidays, gave rise to their unification with ourselves. Little by little, the ancient veneration of the goddess of spring - fair-haired Lada - was forgotten, and the customs that accompanied it merged with new rituals, creating an unusually bright atmosphere around the first summer holiday. Over time, the pagan spirit of this latter dissolved in the worldview of the new faith of the Slavs, enlightened by the desire for the mountain peaks of goodness; but the ancient customs that have survived the centuries-old past still show how strong the blood ties of the plowman people are with the life of their ancestors that surrounded them and with the nature that surrounds their life from everywhere.

“Semitskaya” - the seventh week after Easter - the week ending with Trinity Day, is still called “Green Christmastide” in some areas (for example, in the Rybinsk district of Yaroslavl province). In the old years, she was called by this nickname everywhere in folk Rus', which also called her “rusal”, “green”, “klechal”, “suffocating wake”, “heat” and other suitable names - each of which finds its explanation in the remnants of Slavic-Russian paganism. According to a popular joke - “Honest Maslenitsa called Semik to visit”... and, - add the eloquent villagers, - “Honor and praise to her for that!” Semik is actually Thursday in the last week before Pentecost. On this Thursday, dedicated by the ancient pagan Slav to the supreme god Perun the Thunderer, the most important preparations were made for the celebration of Trinity Day.

Everything was the same as in the remote wilderness, where this Thursday is still a welcome guest of unassuming rural youth, who, according to legend, pay spring tribute to the memorable relics of the past. In the Tula province, the Semitsk birch tree is still not even called anything other than “kumoyu,” and the word “kumoyu” back in the 40s and early 50s only meant kissing when passing under this very birch tree.
Semik is primarily (and in other areas exclusively) a girls’ holiday. nullIn the Volga region, upper and middle, everywhere on this day there is a maiden fundraiser in villages: eggs are collected, cakes are baked, delicacies are purchased. Girls, entire villages, go to the grove, to the banks of the river - to curl birch trees, “play songs” and feast. Wreaths are hung on birch trees, with which the Reds make wishes about their fate, throwing them into the water on Trinity Day itself. Following the feast, round dances begin, which stop from Trinity to Dormition.

Semitsk round dances are accompanied by special rituals dedicated to the “birch tree”, which is given special honors - probably as a living personification of the ancient goddess of spring. About fifty years ago, in the Voronezh province, a straw doll decorated with birch branches was brought to Semitsk feasts - in which, undoubtedly, a clear echo of ancient paganism was heard. In some places on Semik they wrap ribbons around some especially curly birch tree growing on the bank of a river, and sing to it an old song: “My birch, my birch, my white birch, my curly birch!..”, etc. In the Vologda province Semik is better known as “Polyany”. This is a consequence of the fact that all the customs associated with it are celebrated in the clearings.

Semitic customs were characteristic of more than just the Slavs. Even the ancient Greeks and Romans had special spring festivals dedicated to flowers and trees. The Germans had the so-called “festival of wreaths”, which had even more in common with our Semik. According to comparative data of pagan theology, Semik is a prototype of the union of heaven and earth.

Greenery and flowers still constitute the distinctive features of the celebration of Trinity Day; Everywhere in Rus', churches and houses are decorated with birch branches on this day - both in villages and in cities. In the old days, this custom was given special meaning, connecting two worlds - pagan and Christian. Games organized in honor of pagan deities existed in Poland even after five centuries from the adoption of Christianity; according to the Polish historian Dlugosz.

Dlugosz is a famous Polish historian who lived in the 15th century. He was born in 1415, and was educated at the University of Krakow; upon completion of the course (dialectics and philosophy) he was secretary of the Bishop of Orzhev - while being ordained to the rank of canon. In 1448, his diplomatic career began, bringing him closer to the royal court. From 1467, Dlugosz was entrusted with the task of educating the royal children. Before his death, he was elected archbishop, but death preceded his consecration to this rank: he died in 1480. Throughout his diplomatic and pedagogical activities, he worked zealously on the historical monuments of his homeland. Of his works, the most thorough is the “History of Poland,” brought “from fabulous times” to the third quarter of the 16th century. The entire history of the Polish people is studied by Dlugosz - as a subject of glorification of Poland and a lesson in the state's service to the Church and its tasks] they were called “The Herd”. In Lithuania they existed even longer. In White Rus' there is still a lot in common with the ancient Polish-Lithuanian folk customs in general and those associated with the celebration of Trinity Day in particular.

There is a belief that Slavic nymphs and naiads - mermaids living in river pools - emerge from the water this week. On the eve of Trinity Day, according to Little Russian belief, they run away into the fields and start their night games. - “Boom! Bang! Straw spirit! - they seem to shout: “My mother gave birth to me, she gave birth to me unbaptized!” Mermaids, according to popular belief, are the yearning souls of babies born dead or who died unbaptized. From “Green Christmastide” to Peter’s Day, they live in the forests, calling travelers to them with their hooting and laughter, whom they tickle to death. During the green mermaid week in Little Russia no one swims - for fear of falling into their hands; Semik is known here as the “great day of mermaids”. Wormwood and the herb “dawn” are considered to be a protective remedy against mermaid spells. In the Chernigov province, until recently, the custom of “mermaid send-off” existed, when river enchantresses were expelled by an entire village of boys and girls. In the Spassky district of the Ryazan province, the Sunday following Trinity Day is known as a “mermaid fast”; after seeing off the mermaids, games of “burners” and “duck” are stopped here until next spring.

In the old days, preachers especially rebelled against the belief about mermaids and the folk games and fortune telling associated with it, denouncing the people of pagan superstition. In contrast to the popular celebration of riotous Semik, it was established to commemorate the poor buried in the so-called “poor houses” and “poor houses” on this Thursday. But the cheerful celebration did not darken in popular life: laughter and songs quickly gave way to tears and sobs on the same day.

Of the ancient customs associated with this holiday, not all have reached the border of our days. Much has disappeared without even being included in the pages of folk studies. It was reported that in the Yenisei province. (Minusinsk, env.) peasant women, having chosen a curly birch tree on Semik and cut it down, dress it in their best dress and put it in a cage until Trinity, and then - with songs - take it to the river. In Kazan province. (Chistopolsk. u.) On the eve of Trinity, a game is held in honor of the pagan god Yarila. In the Penza and Simbirsk provinces, on the day following Trinity, girls, dressed in the worst, shabby sundresses, come together and, calling one of their friends “Kostroma,” put her on a board and carry her to the river for a bath and burial. Then they bathe themselves and return home, where they change into all the festive clothes and dance in circles until late at night. In Oryol province. on Trinity Day they “pray for a loaf” baked from flour brought by all the girls of the village chipping in: they go to the grove with this loaf and sing over it. In the Pskov province: in many villages, graves are covered with bunches of flowers brought from the church from the Trinity mass. This is called “clearing the parents’ eyes.” In many places in Rus' in the old years, bride viewings took place on this holiday. The girls gathered in the meadow and, having gathered in a circle, slowly moved with songs. Grooms stood around and “looked out” for brides.

Many of the described customs have already disappeared, others have changed beyond recognition; but there are also many who still live out their lives with the same appearance with which they were created by the popular imagination in ancient days. Trinity Day during the time of the Moscow Tsars of All Rus' was accompanied by special solemnity in royal everyday life. The Tsar-Sovereign “appeared to the people” on this great holiday. The royal exit was furnished according to a special charter. The sovereign walked in royal attire: he was wearing the “royal cloth” (purphyry), the royal “caftan,” a crown, barms, a pectoral cross and a baldric; in hand - a royal staff; on the feet are shoes studded with pearls and stones. The crowned pilgrim was supported by the arms of two attendants. They were surrounded by a brilliant retinue of boyars dressed in golden fairies. As the tsar walked to mass, the tsar's retinue walked side by side: people of lower ranks were in front, and the boyars and okolnichy were behind the sovereign. The bedsider and the attorneys carried the “concoctions”: a towel, a chair “with a head”, a footstool, a “solnushnik” - from rain and sun, and everything else that was required for everyday life.

In all the splendor of his royal vestments, the sovereign entered the Assumption Cathedral, accompanied by the boyars and all his neighbors. At the front of the entire procession, the attendants carried a bunch of flowers (“broom”) and a “leaf” (woody, without stems) on the carpet. The royal exit was announced by a resounding ringing from Ivan the Great “with all the bells ringing”; the ringing stopped when the sovereign took his royal place. On the steps of this “place,” upholstered in red satin with gold braid, nearby attendants supported the sovereign. The mass was celebrated solemnly. At the end of it, before Trinity Vespers, the cathedral key-keepers approached the Tsar with the appropriate bows and presented him on the carpet with a leaf of wood sent by the Patriarch. Having mixed it with the “sovereign leaf” and various herbs and flowers, they covered the entire royal place with it and sprinkled it with rose water. With the sheet taken from the sovereign, they went to cover the places of the patriarch and other spiritual authorities. The remainder was distributed to the boyars and other pilgrims throughout the temple. The Emperor knelt and - as they said at that time - “lay on the sheet,” reverently listening to the words of the prayer. When the Divine service ended, he left the cathedral in the same solemn way, “appeared to the people,” who greeted him with joyful cries, and - preceded by one of the nearby stewards, carrying the “broom” of the sovereigns, returned to his royal chambers. The ringing of the bells did not stop throughout its journey from the cathedral to the palace.

During Trinity Green Week, the princesses and the hawthorns had fun in the palace with games-null round dances, under the supervision, if not of the bright eyes of the Empress-Tsarina herself, then of the watchful gaze of the riding noblewomen and mothers. For games and round dances, both in the Tsarina’s and in the princess’s mansions, special spacious vestibules were allocated. There were also “fool jokers” assigned to the princesses, bahari, domrachei and party-goers with buffoons, everyone who was supposed to provide “fun” and “merry undertakings”. The princesses were amused by hay girls, “game girls”, with whom - probably - the same Semitic songs were “played” that were heard at that time under the birch trees over the water throughout Rus', which celebrated its ancient games in honor of the “Honest Semik” and the Trinity - Green Christmastide .

Folk customs and signs for Trinity

Trinity is Sunday, the fiftieth day after Easter, a holiday in honor of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Its other names are Trinity Day, Day of the Descent of the Holy Spirit, Pentecost.
According to the church calendar. The Day of the Holy Trinity is also called the day of the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles.
Pentecost is the second of the three great holidays of the ancient Jews, established in memory of the giving of the Law to the people at Mount Sinai.

According to legend, on this day the descent of the Holy Spirit took place on the apostles.
Jesus' disciples then all gathered together. Suddenly there was a noise from the sky, as if from a strong wind. At that moment tongues appeared and descended on each of the disciples.

And they began to speak in different languages. Multilingualism was revealed so that they could preach Christian teaching among different nations. The Jewish holiday of Pentecost passed into the Christian church.

According to the folk calendar. Trinity Day can rightfully be called green Christmastide. On this day, parishioners held masses in churches with bouquets of meadow flowers or tree branches, and houses were decorated with birch trees. Wildflowers that had been in the church were dried and stored behind the icons for various needs: they were placed under fresh hay and in the granary to prevent mice, in holes in the ridges from shrews and in the attic to eliminate fire.
Trees were transported to village streets in whole cartloads and decorated with them not only doors, but also window jambs, and especially the church, the floor of which was strewn with fresh grass (everyone, leaving the church, tried to grab it from under his feet in order to mix it with the hay, boil it with water and drink as healing). Some people made wreaths from the leaves of the trees that stood in the church and placed them in pots when growing cabbage seedlings.
Sunday was spent in the forest, around a birch tree.

In the villages, a loaf of bread was baked in the morning and guests were invited, for whom wreaths of flowers and birch had already been woven. And after lunch, the fun began for the young people. The beckoning grandmother called the girls to a party in the grove, where a tablecloth was laid out, on which loaves decorated with flowers were placed. The girls began to dance in circles, and the boys looked for brides in the circle dances. Trinity loaves, tablecloths and wreaths were of great importance for future marriage life. The tablecloth was secretly covered with the table under another, upper tablecloth at the bride's ceremony (it was supposed to chain the betrothed). The loaf was dried in breadcrumbs and stored until the wedding. These crackers were then mixed into a wedding loaf for the happiness and love of the newlyweds, and some girls secretly passed the wreath to their lovers as a messenger of the marriage vow. Fortune-telling was also carried out with the help of wreaths, which played just as important a role during the “green Christmastide” as during the winter ones. On Trinity Day, girls developed birch trees: a wreath is developed - the desired will not come true, a wreath withers - expect changes in life: marriage or (carry and have mercy!) Death, if the wreath is green - the continuation of girlhood, which in general rarely pleased anyone. And in the evening, when the fun gradually died down, they went to the river and threw wreaths into the slowly darkening spring water. If the wreath floats - this is a favorable sign; if it spins in place - the wedding will be upset or trouble will begin in the family, drowning - to great misfortune: to the death of relatives or the betrothed. And if the wreath stays in place, then there will be no wedding this year. After the fortune telling, happy or sad, they went home. And the next day, Monday, a new holiday fell - the Day of the Holy Spirit, or Spirits Day, from which, according to popular belief, a real warm summer began.

Birch

The birch tree became a symbol of the holiday, probably because it was one of the first to dress in bright, elegant greenery. It is no coincidence that there was a belief that the birch tree has a special growth power and that this power must be used.

They decorated windows, houses, courtyards, and gates with birch branches; they stood with birch branches at church services, believing that they had healing powers. On Trinity Sunday, the birch tree was destroyed - “buried”, drowned in water or taken out into a grain field, thereby trying to beg from higher powers for the fertility of the earth.
Curling a birch tree is a ritual from ancient times. The girls believed that they would tie their thoughts tightly with the guy they loved.
Or, curling the branches of a birch tree, they wished their mother a speedy recovery. Birch branches were filled with healing power on these days. An infusion of birch leaves was also considered healing. Our ancestors also used birch branches as a talisman against all unclean spirits. Until now, peasants stick birch branches into the grooves of the corners of a house in the Vologda region so that purity and healing spirit are transferred to the walls.
After mass, the girls changed their outfit, put fresh birch wreaths intertwined with flowers on their heads, and in this attire they went into the forest to develop a birch tree. Having arrived there, they stood in a circle near a curled birch tree, and one of them cut it down and placed it in the middle of the circle. All the girls approached the birch tree and decorated it with ribbons and flowers. Then a triumphal procession opened: the girls walked in pairs, in front of everyone one of them carried a birch tree. In this way they surrounded the birch tree around the entire village. On one of the streets they stuck a birch tree into the ground and began to dance around it. Guys joined them. In the evening they removed the ribbons from the tree, broke off one twig at a time, and then tore the tree out of the ground and dragged it to the river to drown. “Drown, Semik, drown angry husbands!” - and the unfortunate birch tree floated to where the current of water carried it (Vladimir province).

On this day, the girls parted with the wreath woven in Semik. They threw him into the water and watched. It was bad if the wreath sank: you won’t get married today, and maybe you’ll even die. If the wreath stuck to the other shore, a girl’s love will take root and stick to the heart of any guy.

The youth of the Novgorod region performed a ritual adapted specifically to the Trinity, called “shaking gunpowder.” During a walk in the meadow, among round dances and games of ogaryshi (burners), one of the men would tear off the cap from the young spouse, shake it over his head and shout loudly: “Gunpowder on the tube, the wife doesn’t love her husband.” The young woman quickly responded to this cry, stood in front of her husband, bowed to him at the waist, took off the cap that was placed on his head at the moment of her appearance, took her husband by the ears, kissed him three times and bowed to him again in all four directions. At the same time, the villagers aloud assessed her qualities and made various jokes about her. The young women were usually shy and said: “When they shake gunpowder, it would be better to fall through the ground.”

On Trinity Sunday, the ritual of remembrance of the dead was performed. Only on Trinity Sunday were funerals held for the dead who had not been buried during the year. Thus, in times of war, plague, and famine, the dead were usually dumped in a common pit. During Trinity-Semitic week, the bodies of the dead were sewn into matting, coffins were made and buried.

On Trinity Day, old women went to the cemetery to sweep the graves with bouquets and birch branches, which they held in their hands, “to clean the eyes of their parents.”

On Trinity Sunday, dew was collected and used as a potent medicine for ailments and for sowing vegetable seeds.

Folk signs for Trinity

Rain on Trinity - a lot of mushrooms, warm weather.

If the birch trees placed on Trinity Day for decoration are still fresh after three days, then expect wet haymaking.

From Trinity to Dormition there are no round dances.

If they get wooed on Trinity and get married on the Intercession, it means that these spouses will have a long, happy life, in love and harmony.

The Monday following Trinity is Spiritual Day. They said: “Since Spiritual Day, warmth has been coming from under the earth from more than one sky.”

“The Holy Spirit will come, it will be in the yard, as on a stove.”

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 sculpted, stronger than stone and damask steel,
a sharp knife and a greyhound spear.
And the key to my words is both a confirmation 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.
Often, branches of apple, rowan, maple, and willow were 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.

Interestingly, 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!

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 a 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.

Trinity is a great holiday in Christianity. This is a significant holiday for every believer, since it implies the unity of God, which became the beginning of true faith. The Feast of the Holy Trinity is always celebrated on the 50th day of Easter, which is also significant for all believers. Due to the fact that Easter is celebrated on different days every year, the celebration of Green Christmastide is accordingly different, but has not changed on the 50th day. In 2019 it falls on June 16th.

In this article

Why does God love the Trinity?

This question has long interested, and still interests, humanity. This is due to the fact that the number three occurs in almost all word forms and has a special meaning. It can be found in sayings and proverbs, everyday expressions, scientific definitions, and of course, in the biblical canons.

If we take it from the point of view of a religious concept, the expression “God loves the Trinity” denotes the unity of God’s principle, presented in the form of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. It was in this number that he appeared before his apostles and endowed them with the ability to understand the languages ​​of other people in order to convey to them the faith. In addition, it was on this day that the first sermon was preached, which became the beginning of the construction of the Kingdom of God on earth.

What does the icon of the Holy Trinity protect from?

This icon is one of the most important, because it reflects the unity of the Lord in a three-faced image. The history of the appearance of this image in the form of a mosaic appeared in the 5th century, and in icon painting it could only be seen in the 14th century. According to Orthodox canons, there is no clear depiction of images on the icon, since this contradicts the concept of the incomprehensible and the trinity of the divine principle. This is due to the fact that no one has ever seen God. But knowledge and faith in him allows Christians to honor him in exactly this guise.

Archpriest Alexander Prochenko will express the essence that the icon of the Holy Trinity reflects:

Due to the fact that the icon of the Holy Trinity is one of the most important images of this bright day, it is endowed with powerful divine power. This allows believers to turn to her, asking for help in solving difficult everyday situations. Although initially it was considered a confessional, Orthodox believers confessed before it, cleansing themselves of sins. In addition, this icon protects the person asking from committing any bad deeds in the future.

What do you need to know about the Trinity?

The majestic holiday of the Holy Trinity implies respect for many traditions and customs that have been maintained for many centuries. The main ones were that it was necessary to decorate their houses with greenery, and especially with birch branches and meadow grasses. According to Orthodox beliefs, this contributes to:

• cleansing from an unclean spirit;
• getting rid of malicious intent;
• and makes it possible to find happiness and peace of mind.

Traditions

But today, many traditions and customs have been lost, although the main ones still remain. They are that:

1. In addition to decorating your home with greenery, on this Sunday they traditionally attend church, where a special service is held. You must have a birch branch with you.
2. After the service, guests are invited to the house and treated to a festive meal. The main attribute on the table on this day should be a loaf of bread, hearty pancakes with butter and any dish prepared with eggs.
3. Another custom of this day is mass celebrations, which consisted of round dances, chants, lighting bonfires, as well as all kinds of fortune telling.

Signs

As for the main signs of the Trinity, the ancestors believed that thanks to them it was possible to foretell fate, therefore they were treated with special respect. Today, many years later, signs and customs have retained their significance and are revered with the same faith. The main ones are:

1. If it rains on this day, it foretells a good harvest. In addition, to obtain a harvest, a birch twig is placed behind the window frame, and meadow grass under the floorboard.
2. Another sign is that if after 3 days of consecration the birch branches remain fresh, then this portends wet haymaking.
3. In addition, the ancestors tried to redo all the work associated with the garden, since this is a bad omen that could bring trouble to the house.
4. It was a very bad sign if the weather was hot outside that day. According to this sign, you should expect a poor harvest, since the summer will be completely dry.
5. To give strength, as well as to heal from various diseases, you need to collect morning dew.
6. And also on this day, according to the advice of ancestors, you cannot set a wedding day, this was a bad omen. And the marriage of this couple will be unhappy. But matchmaking, on the contrary, foreshadowed the happiness and grace of the future family.

What not to do

Due to the fact that all preparations are being made for the celebration, there is something that cannot be done on Trinity:

1. You can’t swim, because you can drown, the mermaids could drag you with them.
2. You cannot iron, wash, sew, knit.
3. You cannot swear, quarrel or be offended.

About conspiracies

In addition to traditions and rituals, it was possible to perform various conspiracies for the Trinity, which could help in any endeavor. It was believed that on this day they have special power and will allow true believers to receive their cherished things. But, at the same time, their thoughts must be pure, without malicious intent.

For health and beauty

According to beliefs, Sunday morning dew acquires healing and magical properties, so it was collected and treated for various diseases. But besides this, it was used to prolong youth and preserve female beauty.

On the dew

To do this, you need to put on a dress made of natural fabric and go at dawn to walk and roll around in the dew. Be sure to wash your face with clean morning dew and say:

The Feast of the Holy Trinity bestows beauty:
sparkle in eyes and hair,
scarlet reflection on the lips,
velvet skin,
and my thought is bright.

Then bring the outfit home and dry it. You can also wear it in case of illness or malaise.

Charming healing herbs

To do this, a bouquet of wormwood, yarrow and St. John's wort is taken to the morning service and blessed. Also say a prayer in front of the icon of the Holy Trinity, placing seven candles in front of it. Then, after the service, you need to come home, take an old bowl and set fire to a twig of St. John's wort in it. While it is smoking a little, you need to go around all the rooms in the house, fumigating them with smoke. While saying these words:

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, come out of sickness and infirmity,
be gone evil spirits
get lost!

When these words are spoken, the bouquet of herbs should be divided, that is, the wormwood branches are divided into two parts, and one of them lies under the bed, and the second part is hung above the front door. Yarrow from this bunch is used as a decoction, which is added to bathing water. But St. John's wort branches can be brewed as tea.

Trinity conspiracies for illnesses

Of particular importance on this day is the ritual against illnesses. This is especially true for children. When a small child gets sick very often, you can use the power of conspiracy.

For swimming

This day you need to give the child a bath, and after bathing, pour the water under the old oak tree, while saying the words:

I'm pouring out the disease
I save a child from illness.

According to traditions, such a ritual will save the child from illnesses, since it is believed that when bathing on this day, the disease passes into the water, and after that the poured water goes directly to the tree.

Ritual with herbs

Another conspiracy against diseases on Pentecost is considered to be a ritual with herbs. In this case, it is necessary to collect twigs of St. John's wort, yarrow and wormwood. Then, buy three candles and attend the morning service, and after that come home and light them in the room where the patient is. Place the herbs on the floor and say three times:

The candles were lit - the illnesses went away,
scattered the herbs - all the diseases were taken away!

When these words are spoken, the patient is required to walk on them throughout the day. It is imperative that the candles burn out completely. The next day, the herbs are thrown away as far from the house as possible.

For wealth

There are many conspiracies for material well-being and wealth. To attract money to your home, you can perform a very simple ritual.

It consists in the fact that it is necessary to collect leaves of lovage, peony and birch in advance. Leave them on the windowsill for three days, namely, so that they see three Moons and three Suns. Then sprinkle them with holy water. Already at home, stand on the threshold between the rooms that are closest to the exit. The foot must be in the middle of the threshold, that is, touching the floor of two rooms. During a money conspiracy, the following words are spoken:

Pass Trinity, my loneliness.

Then fill the bath with water, put herbs in it and take a bath. At the same time, it will not only attract material wealth, but also improve health, as well as get rid of accumulated negativity.

For love and marriage

On all major holidays, it is customary to perform ceremonies or rituals concerning the betrothed. It is believed that on this day there is an opportunity to find out your destiny and attract love or get married soon. Many girls want to meet their soul mate and for this they conduct similar rituals on Trinity.

For a bouquet

To do this, you need to pick a small bouquet of field herbs on the way to the morning service and bless them. After finishing, be sure to place three candles in front of the icons with female images and light the candles. Arriving home, they are crushed and a decoction is prepared. When it cools down, wash yourself with this water, saying:

Ant-grass,
you grew up in a field,
took care of the path.
Bring me the groom (bride),
so that the soul burns with love,
so that life is in full swing.

For a wreath

Another effective love spell is a ritual that must be performed immediately before the holiday itself. To do this, you need to collect wild flowers and herbs, and at midnight weave a wreath from them. During this action the following words are spoken:

Girls are walking along a green field,
flowers are collected,
They make wreaths and throw them into the water.
The betrothed-mummer,
catch the wreath for me,
servant of God (name), give it.
Forever and ever. Amen.

Then go to a body of water, preferably a river, and let it go with the flow. Then, when returning home, you cannot talk to anyone and even turn around if you hear any rustling sounds.

A simple ritual for marriage

Regarding marriage, you can use a fairly simple ritual. It consists in the fact that an unmarried girl should bless the collected bouquet and a birch twig at the morning service on Trinity Day. Then, at home, she must weave it into a wreath, saying the words, and then arrange it under her pillow. While weaving a wreath, you need to say the following words:

Jesus Christ!
I put a wreath of holy herbs under my head.
How these herbs merged and intertwined into a wreath,
so let the servant of God (husband’s name) curl,
intertwined around me
around our house.
And let my words be strong,
sharp and sculpted.
Now and forever, and forever and ever.
Amen.

To fulfill a wish

Every person has his own cherished desire and wants it to come true. This day, due to its magical properties, provides an opportunity to find out whether it will come true.

To carry it out you will need to perform the following actions. In the morning, at dawn, you need to find a birch tree, make your deepest wish and break off a birch branch. At the same time say the following words:

Bless the Trinity,
Holy Mother of God.
The branch breaks off,
and (name) fate will appear.
In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Amen.

After this, count all the buds and leaves on the broken branch. If the number of buds and leaves is even, then your wish may come true soon. And if it is odd, then the wish will not come true, and it is better to refuse it.

A spell for good luck in an important matter on Trinity

This ritual must be performed if very important matters are foreseen or a trip is planned soon. Or you are supposed to get a job.

To do this, at dawn it is worth casting a spell for good luck. Its peculiarity is that at dawn you need to warm your hands, but this is not done through glass, but best of all on the street. At this time it is necessary to pronounce the words:

I'll get up and pray
I will go out, crossing myself,
I will climb a high mountain,
I'll look around in four directions.
How on the eastern side a black horse grazes in a green meadow,
temperamentally wild and violent.
Nobody saddled him
no one rode it,
That horse did not know the stirrups and reins.
I'll tame that horse
and he will walk around the house obediently,
take me wherever I want.
My will is strong,
my word is true.
Amen.

Ritual with birch

One of the important rituals on this Sunday is the weaving of wreaths from birch branches. Basically it was done in the afternoon, and in the evening they were launched on the water and made a wish. In addition, on this day it is customary to decorate your homes with birch branches from this tree. It is believed that it is a strong talisman against all sorts of troubles and illnesses, and also brings good luck and prosperity.

Amulet for family happiness

In order for happiness to reign in the family on the Day of the Holy Trinity, since ancient times, an appropriate amulet was made.

It was prepared from two eggs, since they symbolize a friendly couple, namely husband and wife. While preparing this amulet, the wife must say the appropriate words:

Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us;
Lord, cleanse our sins;
Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for your name’s sake.
Lord have mercy (three times).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
And now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Amen.

1. Scrambled eggs must be salted exclusively with Thursday salt and be sure to season with green onions, garlic and parsley.
2. It is very important that the greens are whole; they cannot be chopped. This symbolizes the integrity of the family.
3. At the same time, the scrambled eggs should be round in shape.
4. Then, it was placed in a loaf, which had previously been consecrated in the church.
5. Afterwards, such a “sandwich” is wrapped in a towel, and the married couple must go to the grove where the birch tree was decorated in advance.
6. And only then could this dish be eaten.

The plot is quite simple, but very powerful.

To strengthen the family

The family life of a husband and wife sometimes experiences discord, which negatively affects their relationship. Therefore, to strengthen your married life, you can perform a very good ritual.

1. In addition to cooking scrambled eggs, it is believed that on this day it is necessary to treat all your family and friends to a meal.
2. The main attribute in this is the white tablecloth that covers the festive table.
3. After the feast, this tablecloth must be removed and, without washing, placed under the family bed for the spouses.

According to legends, this will help strengthen family ties and renew ardent feelings.

Ritual for home protection

According to old legends, birch is a symbol of purity and innocence. Thanks to its properties, you can cleanse not only yourself of evil spirits and thoughts, but you can also protect your home.

1. To do this, before the holiday, general cleaning is carried out not only in the house, but also in the yard.
2. A very important point in this case is that you need to wash the floors with the addition of wormwood.
3. Afterwards, fumigate all the rooms with incense or you can use thyme.
4. Then, decorate the house with meadow grasses, and of course, birch branches.

Trinity candle

In Orthodoxy, it is advisable to light a candle to the icon of the Holy Trinity on the holiday, but this is not obligatory. On this day, you can put them with any image that is needed at the moment.

In addition, despite the fact that on this day the dead are remembered, it is better to light candles for the repose on the eve of the holiday, namely on Saturday. This is due to the fact that she is considered the Parent, so it is necessary to remember the deceased.

On Sunday, it is recommended to light candles for the health of your loved ones. Because the holiday represents the beginning of unity, health and the beginning of life. After lighting, the candle can be preserved and used during rituals or while saying prayers.

Fortune telling for Trinity

Despite the fact that Orthodoxy is against all kinds of fortune-telling, it has long been the custom that on Pentecost girls indulge in all sorts of magical rituals. They were mainly associated with the definition of marriage, the search for a betrothed and love spells.

On wicker wreaths

Fortune telling on wicker wreaths, which unmarried girls made from all sorts of meadow herbs and birch branches, was considered one of the most truthful. After which they were launched into a natural reservoir, thinking about the narrowed one. If the wreath was caught by the current and floated, it meant that this girl would soon have a special event and the coming year would be successful. But if he drowns, then there will be trouble.

Throwing wreaths

Another fortune-telling activity for the girls was throwing wicker wreaths onto the roof of the house. If it falls back, it means she will soon be married, and the remaining wreaths promised another year without her betrothed.

To the birch

Since the birch tree is the main symbol of the Trinity, fortune telling was also performed on it. To do this, the girls went out into the birch grove and from afar selected any birch tree. Afterwards, when she approached the chosen tree, it was possible to determine from its bark what kind of marriage she would have. If it was rough, it foreshadowed difficulties in the family. Smooth - happiness and well-being in family relationships. And when the tree turned out to be old and rotten, the marriage will be very bad.

Removing damage

Orthodoxy does not welcome any magic, but provides the opportunity for cleansing from evil spirits, damage and other magical actions. Damage is a rather powerful spell, which is sometimes quite difficult to remove. But on the Holy Trinity, you can perform a ritual that will help remove even very strong damage.

1. To do this, you need to collect a bouquet of wildflowers; you can also take garden flowers, but there must be at least 40 species.
2. Then, with this bouquet you need to go to church and bless it at the morning and evening services.
3. It is worth remembering that the ceremony will last 40 days, that is, according to the number of flowers collected.

To perform the ceremony, every day one flower is taken from the collected bouquet and placed in a glass. After which it is watered with sacred water. When all the water from the flower has drained into the glass, then dip your finger in this water and wet the top of your head three times. And then all the water is drunk.

In addition, you need to prepare a small box, into which you need to put one coin after each time. In the end you should get 40 coins in 40 days. After they expire, visit the church again and order yourself a service about health.

Be sure to listen to the entire prayer service, and do this for three days in a row. At the end, candles are lit to Saint Panteleimon, Saint Tryphon and the immortals Cosmas and Dimiam. And the coins that were collected (40 coins) were to be divided among the poor.

And in conclusion

Trinity is a majestic holiday in Orthodoxy, which is celebrated on the 50th day after Easter.

Everything you need to know about the Trinity can be found in the final video:

On this significant day, believers absorb an even greater sense of the presence of the Lord, which gives them strength and faith, as well as the opportunity to atone for their sins and avoid committing them in the future.