On February 16, Christians of the Eastern Rite celebrate the Day of Semen and Anna. This holiday is dedicated to Semyon the God-bearer and Anna the Prophetess. They are considered patrons and protectors of babies..

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history of the holiday.

According to legend, Semyon the God-bearer was one of 72 interpreters who translated the Holy Scriptures from Hebrew into Greek.. When he was translating the book of the prophet Isaiah, he wanted to correct the phrase " Saint Semyon thought that instead of the word " Then an angel appeared to the saint and said that he would not die until he was convinced of the veracity of these words..

Years passed, Semyon grew old, but did not die. When he was 360 years old, an angel appeared to him again and told him to go to the Temple in Jerusalem.. There Semyon met Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.

Saint Semyon recognized in the baby the Savior about whom the prophets wrote. The elder took Jesus in his arms and predicted his future glory, after which he blessed the Holy Family. This event took place on the Candlemas, which symbolizes the meeting of mankind on behalf of the elder Semyon with the Son of God.

An elderly woman Anna was also present in the temple.. Everyone knew a widow from a noble family who did not leave the temple, constantly prayed and observed fasting..

For many years, Anna spread the prophecy about the birth of the Son of God, instilling hope in the hearts of people.

What not to do on a holiday.

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

It is also impossible to engage in any business other than those that benefit others..

You should also not sew, knit, embroider and do needlework.

You can not drink alcoholic beverages.

Do not wear black clothes, take or borrow money, it is believed that this can bring poverty.