What is the 11th of September Orthodox holiday. What can and can not be done on September 11, in the Orthodox holiday
On September 11 Christians honor the prophet JohnThe Baptist, who is one of the main saints in Orthodoxy. According to the holy scripture, the prophet John dealt with the preparation of the people for the coming of Jesus Christ. The ceremony of Christ's Baptism on the banks of the Jordan River - one of the most significant events in Christianity - was conducted by John, which marked his prophetic mission in the Christian life. Let's see why the Orthodox celebrate this day and what can not be done on it.
Why is September 11 an Orthodox holiday?
John the Baptist was executed on September 11 by the kingHerod for bravely and fearlessly exposing vices, both ordinary people and kings. Since then, every year on September 11, Orthodox Christians celebrate one of the most important and sad church holidays - "The Beheading of John the Baptist."
On a note: The Orthodox holiday on September 11 in variousChristian cultures has different names: John the Baptist, Ivan Post, Ivan Sukhoi, Ivan Poletok, Golovosek, The Feast of the Feast, Ivan the Autumn Watchman, the Floater. The essence of the holiday is the same - the veneration of the prophet John the Baptist.
What can not be done on September 11: signs
With the holiday of September 11 - the worship of the prophet John the Baptist is associated with many signs, rites and prohibitions that are strictly observed by Christians around the world, for example:
It is forbidden to take anypiercing-cutting objects: a knife, scissors, an ax, a needle, a scythe and so on, since all this reminds of the execution of John. Also, it is not recommended not only to put round plates and dishes on the table, but also to eat foods that have a round shape: watermelon, round bread, since the severed head was presented to King Herod on a round dish
The holiday of September 11 is also called Lenten Ivan,that is, all Christians are recommended to observe a strict fast. It is assumed that those who fast on John the Baptist will be absolved of all sins. All lean dishes should be prepared in advance, as cooking on this day is also not recommended
On this holiday it is forbidden to eat vegetables and fruits of red color, symbolizing the shed blood of the Prophet John
On this day, the Christian world commemorates allthe deceased, the victims of the truth, because it was John the Baptist who was the first righteous man to pay his life. Since 1979, the Russian church on September 11 holds a memorial service for all the dead Orthodox soldiers who gave their lives "for Faith and the Fatherland"
To work on the feast of John the Baptist is a big sin, and any initiatives on the holiday of September 11 can turn into a failure
September 11 is the beginning of autumn, i.e. marks the onset of cold weather. On weather this day our ancestors predicted the future weather: if the cranes fly to the south, soon the cold will come, and if the swans - then to the early snow.
