The Trinity (Pentecost) is one of the largest and most beautiful holidays in the Christian religion. They celebrate it every year on different days, on the 50th day after Easter . Many know how to celebrate the Trinity, but not everyone knows the history of its origin.
Pentecost in history
The question of how Orthodox Christians celebrate the Trinity is inextricably linked with the Bible. In it, this day will be marked by the descent of the Holy Spirit on the earth on the 50th day after the Resurrection of Christ. Pentecost is associated with the date of the creation of the first Christian church, and is also considered a symbol of a new stage in the life of all mankind.
Traditions of the Trinity
There are special traditions about how to celebrate the Trinity. For the church and parishioners this day is special and important. The priest traditionally dresses a festive cassock emerald color, symbolizing life. At a time when the Trinity is celebrated, nature also comes to life: flowers blossom and trees bloom, the riot of herbs pleases with the arrival of heat. That is why there was a tradition to decorate your home and church with young branches of trees - a symbol of renewal and the flowering of the human soul.
On the day before the Trinity, a commemorative Saturday is celebrated, dedicated to all those who died prematurely, not by their own death, disappeared or were not buried according to Christian custom. At night, the service is held before the celebration.
On the day of Pentecost, the traditional Sunday liturgy is not ruled, instead a special festive service is held. After the Liturgy, Vespers are followed, accompanied by three prayers, in which the Holy Spirit descended to earth. A whole week after the holiday, you can not fast.
Bible pages
The Holy Book describes all the events that happened to the twelve disciples of Jesus, who long before his crucifixion warned the apostles about the coming coming of the Holy Spirit. Every day the disciples gathered, and at Pentecost decided to retire from mass fun in one of the Sinai rooms. Here they heard a loud noise similar to a hurricane that filled the entire room. Then the fiery tongues appeared out of nowhere and seemed to separate each of those present. Thus the Holy Spirit descended into 12 apostles in the image of God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit.
Around the house, hearing the noise, people gathered. All the disciples of Christ began to talk to each other in different languages, which caused real perplexity among others who accused them of abuse of wine. Then Peter addressed the people and repeated the words of the Holy Scripture, which described the coming of the Holy Spirit. By the way, the Zion room was the first Christian church in history.
Holiday in Russia
In Russia the Trinity has always been, probably, the most beloved and cheerful holiday. And in the way the Trinity was celebrated in Russia, the traditions of ancient pagan celebrations that coincided with this day were reflected.
Pagans during this period organized mass games dedicated to the goddess of spring - Lade, who defeated the wicked winter.
Since the cold season was behind, and all the plants actively began to grow, they were associated with the symbol of life and rebirth. Girls gathered wild flowers, wove them wreaths, then threw them into the water to tell fortunes on the betrothed. The floor in the houses was sprinkled with freshly cut grass, all adorned with birch branches. There was also a tradition to weave the tops of young birch trees into arches, through which young couples passed and kissed.
The Feast of the Holy Trinity and the way it is celebrated today has many different traditions that have gone through the ages and survived to this day.