On December 4, believers celebrate the Christian Orthodox holiday – Introduction to the Church of the Most Holy Theotokos. The celebration is connected with the event when it became known that Mary's parents, St. Anna and St. Joachim, brought their daughter to the temple to dedicate her to the Most High. According to signs, Doing December 4 is associated with the arrival of winter and the beginning of the Vvedenskaya fair.
Traditions
People say that the Introduction is the gateway to winter. The ancient traditions of the Orthodox holiday are based on centuries-old signs.
On December 4, the Vvedenskaya fair begins, where they sell sleds, the most popular form of transport in Russia. On a church holiday in folk festivals, the first sled trips around the city are made. Traditionally, on December 4, newlyweds open the first toboggan run, riding on a sled with bells.
According to signs, after December 4, you can not dig the ground, do laundry and cleaning. Christians try not to swear, swear with neighbors or lend money – there is a sign that someone who does bad things can bring grief or misfortune to the house.
There is a custom to visit and invite guests – according to a sign, if there are a lot of people in the house, there will be prosperity and prosperity all year round. The holiday falls on Christmas fast, so fasting Orthodox are advised to eat only fish dishes.
According to church custom, on December 4, a divine service is held in the church, during which believers offer prayers to the icon of the Mother of God.
Since the holidays, the Orthodox associate another sign – it is believed that on December 4, Vedunitsa walks among people, the most powerful witch who sees everything, knows and has miraculous powers. She takes the form of animals and enters the house to observe the life of the family. Therefore, happy housewives try to weave a lot of canvases before the holiday so that Vedunitsa will notice their economy and give the house well-being.
Signs for December 4
One of the most important folk signs for December 4 is the appearance of frosty patterns on glass. It is believed that December invites winter, and that, passing by on a sleigh, draws glass. The day is known for changeable weather – a thaw is replaced by frost, which makes the roads sag and freeze.
According to the Introduction, December folk signs about the weather determine the weather conditions for the whole winter. For example, according to popular belief, if it snowed on December 4, it will last until spring. And the snow that fell before this day will soon melt.
- after December 4, the snow has not melted – there will be a good harvest;
- if it's frosty in the morning, wait for a cold winter and a sultry summer;
- the sun is shining on December 4 – to a clear sky in winter;
- if the weather is warm, there will be a drought next year;
- if the ringing of a bell is heard – to frost, a dull ringing – to snowfall;
- porridge turned red in the stove – to snowfall;
- severe frost portends a cold;
- the horse is stubborn – snow will fall;
- if it is cloudy and it is raining, the summer will be poor;
According to signs, December 4 is a favorable day for conspiracies for good luck, prosperity, a happy family life and prosperity in the house.
Prayers
On this day, one must pray to the icon of the Holy Mother of God, and even better read the akathist in front of her appearance. An appeal to the Most Holy Theotokos purifies the soul and grants peace. They ask her for intercession before God, mothers turn to her in prayers for their children.
For Christians, this Feast has a special divine power. And the petitions addressed to the Theotokos on the day of the Introduction are the most effective and powerful.
Herbs harvested on December 4th
In December, herbalists collect the fruit. For example, during this period, people harvest pine buds and alder cones. The top of the shoot with a part of the branch is cut off from the trees. Then it is dried and used in the preparation of medicine. The collection of medicinal ingredients continues throughout the winter.
Orthodox parishioners believe that the Almighty gave them a chance to atone for their sins and ascend to heavenly blessings on the day when the girl Mary entered the divine abode. And by their act, Mary's parents show the believers that love and respect for the Almighty must be brought up in a child from childhood.
