On Lazarus Saturday, the resurrection of Lazarus is celebrated, an event thanks to which many believed in the Savior and his supernatural abilities. Christians are convinced that the return to the life of the righteous is one of the greatest miracles performed by the Son of God during his stay among people. In 2024, the holiday will traditionally be celebrated before Palm Sunday.
Celebration date
Lazarus Saturday falls annually on the sixth day of the sixth week of Great Lent. However, it does not have a fixed date on the calendar. This is a moving holiday. The day of celebration depends on the day of Easter and is determined separately for each church year.The date of Lazarus Saturday in 2024 is April 27th. The next day (April 28) the Orthodox will celebrate Palm Sunday, and after seven days (May 5) - Easter.
History
Lazarus is an ordinary resident of Bethany (a small town near Jerusalem). Jesus Christ considered him his friend and often visited him. One day, Lazar fell seriously ill. His body could not cope with the disease, resulting in death. Upon learning of this, the Savior went to Bethany. The journey took 4 days. Arriving at the tomb, he said, "Lazarus, get out." After this, the righteous one came to life and appeared to the people in a funeral robe. Information about the incident immediately spread throughout the district. The next day, Jesus entering Jerusalem on a small donkey was greeted like a ruler. Such worship was not to the liking of the high priests and they decided to execute the Son of God.
According to the Bible, after the resurrection, the righteous man lived for another three decades.Fleeing persecution, he immigrated to Cyprus, where, as a bishop, he popularized Christianity. After his second death, he was buried near the city of Kition. Today there is the city of Larnaca, whose name comes from the word "larnax" , which translates as "sarcophagus" . Bethany, where the resurrection took place, was named Lazarion. In the 9th century, the relics of the Saint were transferred to Constantinople (now Istanbul), and a temple was built on the island in his honor. They began to venerate him even earlier, about / century.
Lazarus is not the first to be resurrected by the Savior. Somewhat earlier he had done the same with the son of a woman from the city of Nain and the young daughter of the Jew Jairus.
Celebration traditions
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the raptured people threw palm branches in front of him. Since there are no palm trees in Rus', willow shoots were used instead. Willow is an early plant. Her kidneys symbolize the beginning of a new life, well-being. For shoots, they went to the nearest reservoirs, where willows, as a rule, are in abundance.In the evening they were taken to church to be blessed.
For the service on this day, the priests change their black robes for festive white ones. Believers pray for good he alth, deliverance from ailments. At the same time, they are baptized with the right hand, and the shoots are kept on the left. Subsequently, they are brought to a dwelling and placed in a holy corner, where they remain until the next Lazarus Saturday. The number of branches is usually odd or equal to the number of family members.
On Lazarus Saturday, buckwheat pancakes are fried, potatoes are baked and cereals are boiled, which are subsequently seasoned with vegetable oil. Although the holiday falls on Great Lent, believers are given relief on the menu. Caviar is allowed for use. Red wine is also not forbidden. Believers dilute it with mineral water in a ratio of 1: 3 (per part of alcohol 3 - water). Wine is a hearty drink that perfectly satisfies hunger and thirst. On Lazarus Saturday you can cook fish, but you can't eat it.Fish dishes are left for tomorrow - on Palm Sunday. During these couple of days, Christians should get stronger before the toughest fasting in the last week before Easter.
As with any other church holiday, some actions are vetoed on Lazarus Saturday. There is no specific list in the holy books, so each believer has his own interpretation. In general, over the centuries, the people have more or less developed a common list of prohibited cases. It is believed that one should not engage in physical and intellectual labor, wash, quarrel and fight, refuse requests, arrange shopping and go to entertainment venues, have a noisy rest, have sexual intercourse.
Signs
Arriving home, believers lightly slap household members with consecrated willow. It is believed that this relieves ailments.
Other signs:
- Treat relatives with homemade pies - bring harmony to their home.
- To see a shooting star - soon to receive good news.
- Warm and sunny weather - to tangible warming.
- To see a running hare - to the cold.
- To ask in prayers for material goods - to anger the Almighty.
- A large number of willow buds - for a happy year.
- Consecrate the seeds in the church - get a rich harvest
- Plant a willow sprout in a pot for indoor plants - protect the house from harm.
Even observing all church prescriptions, Christians are often drawn into the cycle of fuss. The reason for this is a formal approach to faith. Lazarus Saturday is the most important holiday, so it is recommended to find out what date it will be in 2024 in order to do all the work in advance and subsequently not be immersed in empty thoughts and worries.
