On December 22, Christians of the Eastern Rite celebrate the feast of the conception of the righteous Anna of the Virgin Mary.. This day is dedicated to Saint Anna, the grandmother of Jesus Christ.

history of the holiday.

The parents of the Virgin Mary, Joachim and Anna, did not have children for a long time, this caused them great sorrow and public censure. Once Joachim brought an offering to the temple, but the high priest refused to accept it..

Frustrated, Joachim withdrew into the desert and began to pray. Anna stayed at home, but also gave herself to prayers. An angel appeared to both of them, who informed them that they would become parents. The couple promised that they would dedicate their child to God.

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When the Virgin Mary was three years old, her parents took her to the temple and handed her over to Saint Zacharias. Shortly after the introduction of the Most Holy Theotokos into the temple, 80-year-old Joachim died. Saint Anna passed away to the Lord at the age of 79. The venerable age of the righteous couple is evidence that the birth of the Holy Virgin to them was possible thanks to the special Providence of God.

The first mention of the holiday appeared in the VIII century..

What not to do on Anna winter.

On this day, you can not swear, swear and wish others harm.

On a holiday you can’t sew, knit and embroider, you can’t even just pick up a needle.

It is also believed that on this day you can not leave the house in the evening and at night..