Easter Dos and Don'ts: Customs, Restrictions, and Symbols to Observe
In the Orthodox Church, Easter, also known as Pascha, is a significant and joyous celebration, filled with time-honoured traditions and practices. Here's a look at some of the key customs associated with this festive period.
Firstly, it's important to note that weddings are not typically held in churches during Easter or Easter week. This is not a canonical prohibition, but rather a tradition that has been upheld over the years.
Another tradition that has its roots in the church is the practice of visiting the cemetery on Radonitsa, the Tuesday of the second week after Easter. This custom, however, did not originate from the church but emerged during the Soviet era. Visiting cemeteries on Easter itself is not a traditional practice.
Easter gifts can take many forms, from pleasant and useful items to Easter eggs. Fresh flowers are often used to decorate the Easter table, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The Easter week, or Bright Week, is a period of celebration. During this time, a special Easter liturgy is served every day until Thomas Sunday. Clergymen advise attending the Easter liturgy at least once during Bright Week.
The consumption of meat, eggs, and dairy products is permitted after the Easter fast. This festive meal, which Orthodox families enjoy at home after the Easter service, allows for eating and drinking anything, but in moderation.
There are several superstitions related to the weather on Easter in folk culture, but the church does not approve of such superstitions.
One of the most iconic traditions is the blessing of Easter cakes, eggs, and eggs on Holy Saturday. These items are then set on the table for the Easter meal. It is also possible to bless holiday gifts on Easter Sunday, as noted in 'Foma' magazine.
It is not forbidden to work on Easter, but it's better to spend the day in church and with loved ones. Doing household chores on Easter is a pious tradition, but it's important to do so reasonably. If an Orthodox person dies during the Bright Week, they are buried with a special, Easter rite.
Finally, it's customary to exchange Easter greetings. The traditional greeting is 'Christ is risen!' and the response is 'Indeed He is risen!' This exchange signifies the joy and hope that Easter brings to the Orthodox community.
While the search results do not contain information about the author of the article reporting on traditional Easter customs, we hope this overview provides a clear and concise understanding of the practices associated with this important religious holiday.
