Introduction to the Feast of the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos on November 21: activities to avoid on the Third Feast of the Immaculate Conception and related omens.

Today, we will unveil the mystery surrounding the entry of the Mother of God into the Holy of Holies, the house of God.

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We will share insights about the Christian upbringing of the Holy Virgin, popular signs, and the most significant prohibitions of the holiday.

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When is the celebration day, and what traditions exist?

Today, we often turn to the Holy Virgin with prayers. People seek her forgiveness before God for their sins and wrongdoings. They ask for assistance in various life needs.

Those who desire the protection and guidance of the Holy Mother pray to her with special fervor on November 21. This day marks the date of her introduction to the temple. Many years have passed since the little 3-year-old Mary first stepped into the temple.

And now, in the church, a prayer of thanksgiving to the Holy Virgin is heard, along with a special sermon. The icon of the Mother of God occupies a place of honor. There is a special solemnity preserved. The introduction of the Mother of God into the temple is linked to the determination of her future fate.

The history tells us that, as a 3-year-old child, Mary easily ascended 15 high steps and later received the blessing of the high priest Zechariah. The entry of the daughter of Saint Anne and Joachim is associated with the promise to dedicate the child to the Lord's service.

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Anne was unable to conceive a child and repeatedly turned to God with tears, pleading for help from the Almighty. She promised the Lord to dedicate the child, whether a son or a daughter, to Him.

When Mary ascended the high steps into the temple with ease, everyone was surprised that the little girl did not look back or call for her parents, as small children usually do.

Later, Mary was raised by the preachers of the Jerusalem temple. Alongside her were pious maidens. The mother of Jesus prayed, diligently engaged in her studies, and grew in great love for the Almighty.

In ancient times, there was an interesting tradition on the eve of this holiday. Orthodox people would stay up late, as it was customary to prepare large candles known as "brotherly" candles.

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Initially, they were made by young bachelors and later by older men. In the morning, the female parishioners would take these candles to the temple to be blessed. This way, they symbolically accompanied the Holy Virgin to the Lord's temple.

For women carrying this candle, the mission was considered very honorable. Interestingly, this ancient tradition still exists in some countries today. However, it has not survived in Ukraine, while in neighboring Poland, people continue to honor it.

What treats are prepared on this day, and what signs exist?

This holiday falls during the Christmas fast. Therefore, the festive table should be lean. Meat, eggs, cottage cheese, sour cream, etc., are not allowed. The date of the holiday falls within the first period, which is the most lenient.

Starting from the first day of the fast, November 15, soups, cereals, hot vegetable dishes, and dishes with vegetable oil are permitted, but only on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. In 2024, November 21 will fall on a Thursday.

An interesting tradition of baking berry pastries on this day has survived to our times. The dough should be egg-free. You can make delicious yeast dough using water.

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It is customary to take children who have not yet confessed to the sermon on this day. It is important that the prayers of women on this day are for their families. It is best for the whole family to come to the Lord's temple together.

Regarding signs, one of them is related to snow. Since the holiday marks the beginning of the first winter month, snow sometimes falls on this day. This is why people say: "The Entry of the Mother of God has come – winter has come to Ukraine."

If the first snow falls before the Entry, it will quickly melt. Indeed, this is true, as in mid-November 2024, the first snow had already fallen in some regions of the country, which melted quickly.

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According to popular belief, snow falling after this holiday will remain until spring. It is essential to observe the weather on November 21. If it is windy and cold, then the winter period will also be cold.

It is believed that winter will come with frost, cold, and snow. However, if the weather is "frost and sun, a wonderful day", then the wheat harvest will be high. If it is frosty outside, expect a hot and sultry summer.

Moreover, it is said that the same weather should occur on Christmas Day. If it snows on the Entry, expect it to snow on December 25 as well. If it rains, then it will rain on Christmas too.

There is also a popular belief regarding the ringing of church bells. They may ring loudly on the holiday. If so, and you hear them while walking away from the church, it signifies that frost is coming. A dull sound indicates heavy snowfall.

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What should not be done on the holiday?

Now let's talk about the prohibitions on this day. The church holiday should begin with prayer. It is advisable to attend the festive liturgy, confess, and partake of communion. Turn to the icon of the Holy Virgin.

It is preferable not to engage in any heavy physical work. Dedicate the morning of this day to the church and prayers. Throughout the day, it is not permitted to argue, quarrel, judge, or discuss anyone.

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It is no longer advisable to dig the ground. It is believed that until the day of the Annunciation, which in 2025 falls on Tuesday, March 25, one should not touch the soil with a shovel. It is also better not to wash, sew, embroider, clean mills, etc.

On church holidays, one should not lend money to anyone, even to the closest people. It is prohibited to hold noisy feasts, drink excessively, or use foul language. Any lavish celebrations on this holiday are forbidden.

It is not permissible to marry or have a wedding on November 21, as this day falls within the Christmas fast. Most importantly, maintain your inner peace, tranquility, and understanding of the essence of the holiday, as well as awareness of your sins and sincere repentance.