Every year, Orthodox Christians celebrate the Transfiguration of the Lord. The date of the holiday, which is popularly called the Apple Savior, remains unchanged in 2024 - August 19. In ancient times, many signs and traditions arose that are still observed by believers. However, some customs are condemned by the clergy, so it is important to know which rituals are contrary to Christian teachings.
History of the Orthodox holiday
The story of one of the most important Christian events is described in the Gospel. 40 days before accepting the cross on Golgotha, the Messiah, accompanied by three apostles, visited Mount Tabor and there appeared before his disciples in full glory.
In the 4th century, on the site of this event, by order of Queen Elena, a temple was built in honor of the Transfiguration of the Lord. From that moment on, Christians began to celebrate the great holiday. On this day, it is customary to consecrate grapes as a symbol of a good harvest. There are vineyards in only a few regions, so they consecrate apples. Hence the popular name of the Transfiguration - Apple Savior.
It's easy to remember what date 2024 is for the celebration of Apple Savior. This is a non-transferable church holiday with a fixed date - August 19th. The Transfiguration of the Lord is the 6th day of the Assumption Lent, on which believers are allowed to indulge - they are allowed to eat fish dishes.
There are 3 Spas in the Orthodox calendar:
- August 14 celebrate the first - Honey;
- August 19 second - Apple;
- August 29 the third - Walnut.
In the name of the holiday there are associations with the name of Christ and with the expectations of a rich harvest. "Spas" is the root of two words - "Saviour" , it is often used in relation to the Messiah and "salvation" , which symbolizes the supply of harvest for the future to prevent possible famine.
Apple Savior in worship
The all-night service is being performed with lithium, the blessing of bread. If there are many believers in the temple, the lithium is transferred to the courtyard, passes under the open sky. Matins is performed in the usual order, followed by the liturgy, the reading of the Apostle, the Gospel. The service ends with a prayer service, as well as a procession - the parishioners with the priest at the head go around the temple. Often, on the eve of a solemn event, children who have already reached the age of 3 are baptized and tonsured.
Apple Spas is accompanied by the consecration of fruits. The ritual has a symbolic meaning, it is held as a token of gratitude to the Lord for the new harvest. Believers donate part of the fruit to the temple.Offerings in the form of apples and grapes in many monasteries are used to make church wine, which is necessary for the Eucharist (communion).
Folk traditions - do's and don'ts
Traditionally, on this day, dishes with apples are prepared - pies, pancakes, sweet buns and salads. It is believed that the consecrated fruit acquires miraculous qualities, can fulfill dreams. Therefore, it is customary to make wishes before the start of the festive meal. Some communities adhere to the rule not to eat apples before the Savior.
Among the ceremonies are treating guests and loved ones who are in need with ripe fruits, as well as visiting burial places. The dead are commemorated at the cemetery, often leaving consecrated fruits on the graves.
The Church has a negative attitude to the tradition of leaving food on the graves. The ritual originated in pagan times and has nothing to do with Christianity.
There are 3 prohibitions that it is desirable to observe on a solemn day:
- It is customary to celebrate a church holiday by gathering friends and relatives, drinking alcohol. However, it is forbidden to arrange noisy gatherings, abuse alcohol, scandal and gossip.
- This day is one of the most important in Christianity, therefore it is not recommended to engage in hard physical labor if you can postpone work for another day.
- The celebration is celebrated during the Dormition Fast, so you can not eat meat of animals and birds.
Greed, self-interest or greed is one of the 7 deadly sins. Therefore, on the day of the Transfiguration of the Lord, it is especially unacceptable to sin by hiding fruits in bins away from those in need. With a good harvest, it is customary to put a cart with apples next to the gate so that any passer-by can treat themselves.
Folk omens
Apple Spas combines church traditions with folk beliefs:
- If a fly lands twice on a hand, good luck awaits the person. Therefore, it is not recommended to kill insects on this day.
- If you spend a little time under an apple tree, your he alth will definitely get better, and your soul will get rid of worries.
- If until this day the parents of a deceased child do not eat apples, angels in heaven treat the soul of the baby with heavenly fruits.
The holiday marks the end of summer, so bad weather means the arrival of a snowy winter. Dry and sunny weather is a sign of a calm and warm autumn. If the leaves turn yellow by this holiday, the cold will come soon.
And although it is customary for believers to bless apples on this day, it is not necessary to do so. It is enough to visit the temple and take part in the morning service to thank the Lord for the harvest.
