On April 7, Christians of the Eastern Rite celebrate the feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary - one of the most important twelfth holidays. It is believed that on this day the Virgin Mary received the news from the Archangel Gabriel that she would become the mother of the Savior..

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What is customary to do on a holiday.

Not only religious, but also folk traditions are associated with this day, which our ancestors followed from antiquity..

On the feast it is customary to attend the liturgy. At the end of the liturgy, it was customary to release white doves, which are considered a symbol of the Holy Spirit..

The people also believed that on a holiday it is necessary to release birds into the wild.. It was believed that they could convey to the angels news of the good deeds of people..

It was also believed that it is very important to spend this day in a good mood and in the circle of relatives and friends..

It was forbidden to work on a holiday. The proverb says that on this day "

It was also customary to prepare Annunciation salt. Each of the family members threw a pinch of salt into a special bag, after which the hostess ignited it and took care of it for special occasions.. It is believed that such salt can cure even the hopelessly ill.. If the salt is not useful within a year, it must be burned at the stake..

Prayer to the Virgin Mary.

I glorify Your grace, Lady, I pray You: enrich my mind. Teach me to walk straight, following the paths of Christ's commandments. Bound by the captives of the falls, by Your supplications, the lightened fate of man, the bride of God. Take care of me both day and dark night, delivering me from evil enemies. It gave life to God, revive my soul, lost by addictions.

Blessed Virgin, hear the voice of Your unnecessary servant. I shed tears before You, Most Pure One, I cleanse my soul from filth. I bring groans from the heart. Deliver me from dirty tricks, crushing my soul, I zealously implore Christ about this.; To him honor and worship befits now, and constantly, and forever and ever.. Amen.