Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos: the main traditions and signs of the holiday

October 14, Thursday, the Orthodox Church celebrates the everlasting great holiday Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary.

This is one of the most revered holidays among the people. And for Ukrainians, it is of particular importance, because it is timed to Day of Ukrainian Cossacks
, and Day of defenders and defenders of Ukraine
which is a public holiday and a public holiday.

Many traditions and rituals were observed on this holiday. And some have survived to this day. Also on October 14, people carefully watched nature
and by signs they made a forecast of what the autumn and coming winter will be like.

Folk traditions on the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos

• On Pokrov it was believed that autumn meets winter, and therefore all work was associated with the completion of autumn work and preparing for winter
  .
• The name of the holiday in people caused associations with the first snow
  … Often, he could already fall to the ground in the middle of autumn, long before the beginning of winter, and cover it, as if with a handkerchief. Therefore, the shining vestments of the Mother of God were compared with a snow-white blanket.
• On this holiday, our ancestors are sure to be with the whole family went to church for service
  , lit candles and prayed to the icon of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos. Saint Mary was asked, first of all, for intercession, help, health and healing, as well as for prosperity and prosperity.
• Unmarried girls on this day asked the Mother of God send them a groom
  and a happy family life.
• Since the day of the Intercession already frost began
  , and by this time people were in a hurry to complete all the field work. Livestock was put in stalls for the winter, buildings and houses were insulated, and stoves were heated.

• Household chores and handicrafts replaced street work for women, and folk festivities with songs and fortune-telling moved to houses on evening gatherings
  … Also, active preparations for autumn weddings began.
• The Day of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos has long been considered one of the most favorable periods for the start of weddings, and it is not for nothing that a snow-white cover in the form of a wedding veil is a symbol of the bride’s purity and innocence.
• As in other great holidays, they did not study on Pokrova. serious and dirty work
  .

Signs for the holiday of the Intercession on October 14

• One of the main popular signs says: what more snow
  will be on Pokrov, the more weddings will take place this year.
• Unmarried girls tried to adhere to an interesting omen about grooms: if on Pokrov good fun
  , a worthy betrothed will soon meet.
• Bad sign
  on Pokrov – to borrow money.
• If the hostess bakes a lot of pancakes
  , then the house will be warm even in severe frosts.
• According to popular observations: what is the Pokrov – such is the winter
  .
• From where on the day of the Intercession The wind’s blowing
  , from that side the first frosts will come.
• If on Pokrov the cranes fly away
  , winter will be early and cold.

Icon of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary: prayer

Icon “Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary” / Photo: wikipedia.org

My abiding queen, my Most Holy Hope, friend to the sire and strange Intercessor, help in need and embittered by the veil, see my attack, see my sorrow: everywhere I am possessed by temptation, but there is no intercessor. You yourself help me as if I am weak, feed me as strange, instruct me as if she was delusional, heal and save me as hopeless. Not an imam of more help, no other intercession, no consolation, only to You, O Mother of all those who grieve and are burdened! Look at me, a sinner and in anger, and cover me with Thy holy omophorion, may I be delivered from the evils that have eaten me, and I will praise Thy name. Amen.

Earlier, we told you what to give for the Day of Defenders and Defenders of Ukraine-2021.