For Orthodox believers, the cross is an important symbol, so it protects from evil and bad thoughts, and it also personifies faith in the Lord. In honor of his vital energy and strength, on September 27, according to the church calendar, it is customary to celebrate the Exaltation of the Holy Cross - a holiday with its own superstitions and customs.

What is the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross?

The celebration is dedicated to the fact that the Cross on which the Savior was crucified was found many years later. He became a symbol of the memory of believers about the suffering that the son of God had to endure. The erection of the honest and life-giving Cross of the Lord is humanity's tribute to Jesus, and it is a kind of symbol of faith and honor. The cross has divine power, which is able to heal and protect from everything dark on earth. He gives a believer hope and the opportunity to fill his heart with love and kindness.

History of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

The celebration has an ancient history, which revealed many secrets to people. After they crucified Christ, the enemies did everything possible to destroy the existing clues that would lead to the Cross, but at the same time, believers did not lose hope of finding it. The history of the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross tells that the Roman emperor Constantine, before one of the battles, received a sign from God in the form of the face of the Cross, and he realized that he must look for it.

The emperor's mother Elena decided to help him and started from the place where the terrible execution of the Savior was carried out. She interviewed a large number of people, and in the end she managed to find a sacred place where three Crosses were found, and which of them was life-giving, it was not clear. The sage said that sick people should be touched with Crosses, as a result, one of them was able to heal a woman and bring a person back to life. On the site where the relic was found, a temple was built in honor of the Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord.

Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord - signs and customs

The main tradition of this church holiday is going to the temple and attending the liturgy. Some churches organize religious processions. The Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord, whose traditions and customs have been formed for many years, is a great opportunity to pray for well-being and deliverance from sins. It is believed that if on this day you sincerely turn to the Higher Forces with your desire, then it will certainly come true.

A number of traditions are connected with the Exaltation of the Holy Cross:

1. The peasants considered this day the end of the heat and the onset of autumn. By this day, all work related to agriculture should be completed.
2. At the service, you need to buy three candles, with which you should cross the corners in the house, saying a prayer.
3. The cross was painted on the door of the house to protect all residents. In addition, people hung various amulets that bring prosperity.
4. On this holiday, it was customary for the people to woo brides, who always read a special prayer, asking for a happy family life.

Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord - what can not be done?

In most cases, some prohibitions are associated with church celebrations, and the Exaltation is no exception, so, in addition to the taboo on eating meat, there are other restrictions:

1. It is impossible to miss the service for the Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord, except for good reasons.
2. It is forbidden to start something new on a holiday, as the business will end in failure or a quarrel.
3. It is impossible to raise your voice, use foul language, engage in needlework and quarrel at the Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord.
4. It is forbidden to keep the doors of the house and the barn open so that the snakes do not climb there for hibernation, and with them the evil spirits.
5. It is not recommended to visit the forest on a holiday, because there is a belief that on this day the goblin counts all the forest inhabitants, so you can catch his eye and this will lead to trouble.

Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord - signs

Since ancient times, people have noticed that with the onset of this holiday, it is necessary to prepare for winter. There are other folk signs on the Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord:

1. If a snake crawled into the house, then this is a harbinger of trouble. It is believed that the reptile symbolizes an emergency and serious illness of one of the people living in the house.
2. People believed that on this holiday the souls of the dead become birds and fly next to their living relatives, so on this day it is recommended to feed them with bread.
3. It is believed that a cat in the house is a harbinger of happiness for the next seven years. According to the sign, on this holiday you need to shelter a homeless animal, which will bring prosperity with it.
4. If a person found a cross on this holiday, then this is a harbinger of great trouble, since the fall of this object is a symbol of decline and sadness. In case of raising it, you can take all the misfortunes upon yourself.

Signs of the weather are also associated with this important holiday for believers:

• to see high-flying geese is a harbinger of a high flood, and vice versa;
• Cranes fly high and chirp - they prophesy a warm autumn;
• the north wind on this holiday promises a warm summer;
• the west wind is observed for several days - the weather will soon deteriorate;
• a red circle around the moon at sunrise - the weather will be dry and clear.

Rituals for the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

There are many ancient rituals that people perform in order to change for the better different areas of life. The erection of the honest Cross of the Lord is an excellent occasion for single girls to attract love to themselves and get married. The presented rite is not considered a love spell, since it simply attracts suitors, but does not bewitch them. It is important to perform this ritual in a house where there is a basement, which should be under the floor, and not separately. It is necessary to open the lid and say the plot presented nine times.

Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord - fasting

Since the Cross is an Orthodox relic, which is a symbol of suffering, on this day, according to church rules, it is customary to keep a strict fast. Previously, it was believed that people who neglect this condition, God sends seven sins. If the believer observes the prohibition, then the Lord will remove seven sins from him. On September 27, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is forbidden to eat any meat dishes, since it is believed that the eaten meat of a slaughtered animal destroys all prayers that were previously said.

Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord - icon

On the image dedicated to this holiday, in the center of the whole composition is the Cross, which is located on a stepped platform, and is held by the ministers of the church. The icon of the Exaltation of the life-giving Cross of the Lord also includes the image of believers who rejoice that the shrine has been returned. In the background of the composition is a temple. There are several images where some of these details are missing. The icon of the Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord has a powerful power that can work wonders. You need to say the following prayer before her.

Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord - prayer

Prayer texts addressed to the Higher powers, which are read in front of the icon of the Cross, have tremendous power. There is evidence that they help get rid of various diseases, improve personal life, conceive a child and solve other problems. The prayers of the Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord should be said from a pure heart at home or in church. It is important to believe that the wish will come true, and the Higher powers will provide the necessary assistance.

Akathist to the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

A song of praise is read with an appeal to a particular saint, so that he can help in resolving issues and in finding consolation. The Exaltation of the Holy Cross is a holiday during which an akathist is read. You can do this not only in the temple, but also at home, taking into account the following features:

1. The song of praise is sung standing up, and this rule applies to all believers, with the exception of those who are not healthy.
2. First you need to clear your head of bad thoughts so that nothing interferes.
3. It is important to stand in front of the icon, but if it is not there, then you can pronounce the text near the window.
4. In the end, it is recommended to contact the guardian angel.

Troparion to the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

The hymn, without which it is impossible to imagine the church liturgy, is the troparion. All existing texts have the same structure, so first there is a clear description of the holiday, and then a request, where believers ask for today and their souls. The choir performs the work, but the singers sing along with the parishioners. The Orthodox holiday of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross also has its own troparion, which cleanses, gives blessings and helps to receive the maximum of the Lord's energy.

Canon of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

A canon is a liturgical text in which a feast is glorified. It includes troparia, which are united by a common theme. Having described what the Exaltation of the Holy Cross means, it is necessary to understand the rules for reading the canons:

1. The text must be spoken aloud, and each word must be clear. This is important in order to better assimilate what has been said on a spiritual level.
2. It is better to read the canon while standing, looking at the icon, but if the state of health is poor, then you can sit or lie down.
3. Many cannot learn the text by heart, so you can read it.

At the end of September, Christians who live according to the "old style" celebrate the holiday Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord. In Orthodoxy, this holiday is called.

When is the Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord celebrated?

The Russian Orthodox Church and other churches living according to the Julian and New Julian calendar celebrate the Exaltation September 27.

Holiday in Orthodoxy Exaltation of the honest and life-giving cross of the Lord belongs to the number of the master's twelve, that is, associated with Jesus Christ and belonging to the 12 most important (besides Easter).

Catholics and representatives of other Christian denominations living according to the Gregorian calendar celebrated this holiday September 14.

history of the holiday

The holiday was established in memory of finding the queen Elena cross of the Lord. Historians attribute this event to 326.

According to legend, the Byzantine emperor Konstantin, being a zealous Christian and having received God's sign, he decided to definitely find the cross on which he was crucified Jesus Christ. In search of Konstantin sent his mother - the queen Elena, who is considered one of the most important figures in the development of Christianity.

Elena went to Jerusalem, where, according to the church, after lengthy inquiries and careful searches, she found three crosses, on one of which, in her opinion, Jesus was crucified. The excavation also unearthed four nails, which those who led the search believed were the same with which Jesus was nailed to the cross.

The problem of how to select the one on which Jesus was crucified out of the three crosses found was also solved. The “correct” cross turned out to be life-giving and healing, unlike other artifacts found during excavations.

In honor of the find, Emperor Constantine ordered the famous Church of the Resurrection of Christ to be erected in Jerusalem, which included Golgotha ​​and the Holy Sepulcher. Queen Elena did not wait for the consecration of the temple - she died in 327. And eight years after her death - September 13 (26), 335 - the temple was consecrated. The feast in honor of the erection of the cross was established the next day - September 14 (27).

Feast of the Exaltation in the folk calendar

According to the folk tradition on the Exaltation, the life-giving cross protects everything living from the evil eye, dark forces and evil. Therefore, in Russia on this day, everyone was consecrated with homemade crosses, which were placed in huts, in barns, in barns, in secluded places in the yard, etc.

It was believed that the imposition of the cross helps to protect households, huts, cattle and harvested crops from various troubles.

Signs and sayings for the Exaltation

On Vozdvizhenye, the caftan with a fur coat moved, the hat moved closer - that is, the pre-winter cold is coming.

It was believed that the Exaltation was the last day of the Indian summer, after which the heat was no longer expected.

The last cart from the field is moving to Vozdvizhenie - it is in a hurry to the threshing floor - that is, the autumn suffering is ending.

The keys to summer are at the blue tick - that is, these days the last migratory birds fly south.

It was also believed that on Vozdvizhenie the bear was already laying down in a den.

Elevation Prohibitions

In Russia, on Exaltation, it was strictly forbidden to go into the forest, because at this time “snakes and reptiles go underground” and can drag a person with them.

On Exaltation, they tried to keep the doors and gates locked so that the forces of evil would not get into the house, barn or barn.

They tried not to start important things on the Exaltation, it was believed that otherwise a person would face a severe failure and serious losses.

The Exaltation is one of the great church events. So that troubles and failures bypass you, follow the traditions and signs of the holiday.

Every year on September 27, the Orthodox Church remembers an event that took place many years ago in Jerusalem - the miraculous discovery of the Cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified.

In addition to the Exaltation of the Cross, a national holiday is also celebrated on this day - the end of the Indian summer, or the Third Autumn. Therefore, many traditions and signs of the holiday are not only religious, but also folk in nature.

Traditions of the Exaltation of the Cross

Like any other church holiday, the main tradition for the Exaltation is visiting temples and churches, listening to divine liturgies. Processions are held in many cities. On this day, they prayed for the healing of loved ones, for a rich harvest next year, and asked for deliverance from sins.

The cross is a special Orthodox relic, symbolizing suffering. Therefore, a strict fast should be observed on this day. Previously, it was believed that God punishes the one who neglects this tradition with seven sins, and removes seven sins from the one who did not taste fast food.

It was believed that prayers on this day have special power. If you sincerely pray or ask for something on this day, it will certainly be fulfilled.

It was forbidden to serve any meat dishes on the table on this holiday. It was believed that a person who tasted the meat of a slaughtered animal on this day kills all the prayers he uttered.

According to folk traditions, on September 27 it was forbidden to go to the forest. It was believed that on this day Leshy walks through the forest and counts all the forest inhabitants, and if a person gets in his way, the traveler will not find the way back from the forest.

The cross symbolizes divine protection. In ancient times, those who wanted to protect their home and their loved ones, on September 27, drew a cross on the doors of their homes. This tradition continues to this day.

For the peasants, this day was considered the final end of the Indian summer and the onset of autumn. By this time, all matters relating to agriculture should be completed.

Signs for the Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord

Both for believers and for those who are far from religion, signs were very important on this day. And many random things acquired a sacred meaning.

September 27 is the last day of Indian summer. It was believed that autumn begins to move towards winter.

In Russia, this day was celebrated as a national holiday - cabbage. Women who served cabbage pies were considered good housewives. Young girls and boys gathered on this day for festivities, the girls set the table, and the guys chose their brides.

On September 27, many signs foreshadowed the onset of cold weather: birds flew south, bears lay down in a den, and snakes hid in a hole.

Believers always put spiritual meaning into Orthodox holidays. The exaltation of the Cross of the Lord, along with Easter and the Nativity of Christ, has a special meaning for Christians. If you also honor this great event, do not forget to observe the traditions and signs of the holiday, and then happiness will not bypass you. Peace to you and your home, and don't forget to press the buttons and

25.09.2017 07:19

Many folk holidays were dedicated to seasonal phenomena and events. And even the beginning of autumn and farewell to ...

Tuesday, September 26, 2017 7:51 pm + to quote pad

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross is a holiday that the Orthodox Church celebrates on September 27. On this day, believers remember how in 326 the Cross was miraculously found in Jerusalem, on which Jesus Christ was crucified. We will talk about the events, meaning and traditions of the Exaltation of the Cross.

What is the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

The full name of the holiday is the Exaltation of the Holy and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord. Orthodox Christians remember two events on this day.

According to Holy Tradition, the Cross was found in 326 in Jerusalem. It happened near Mount Calvary, where the Savior was crucified.

And the second event is the return of the Life-Giving Cross from Persia, where he was in captivity. In the 7th century it was returned to Jerusalem by the Greek emperor Heraclius.

Both events were united by the fact that the Cross was erected before the people, that is, raised. At the same time, they turned him to all parts of the world in turn, so that people could bow to him and share with each other the joy of finding a shrine.

The Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord is the twelfth feast. The Twelfth Feasts are dogmatically closely connected with the events of the earthly life of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Mother of God, and are divided into the Lord's (dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ) and the Theotokos (dedicated to the Mother of God). The Exaltation of the Cross is the Feast of the Lord.

When is the Exaltation of the Holy Cross celebrated?

The Russian Orthodox Church commemorates the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on September 27 according to the new style (September 14 according to the old style).

This feast has one day of pre-feast and seven days of after-feast. Prefeast - one or several days before a big holiday, the services of which already include prayers dedicated to the upcoming event being celebrated. Accordingly, the afterfeast is the same days after the holiday.

The holiday is on October 4th. The celebration of the holiday is the last day of some important Orthodox holidays, celebrated with a special service, more solemn than on ordinary days of the afterfeast.

What can you eat on the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

On this day, the Orthodox have a strict fast. Do not eat meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. Food can only be seasoned with vegetable oil.

Events of the Exaltation of the Cross

Description of the events of the Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord, which took place in the IV century, we find in some Christian historians, for example, Eusebius and Theodoret.

In 326, Emperor Constantine the Great decided to find the lost shrine, the Cross of the Lord, at all costs. Together with his mother, Queen Elena, he went on a campaign to the Holy Land.

It was decided to carry out excavations near Golgotha, since the Jews had a custom to bury the instruments of execution near the place of its commission. And, indeed, three crosses, nails and a board were found in the ground that were nailed over the head of the crucified Savior. As the Tradition says, a sick person touched one of the crosses and was healed. So Emperor Constantine and Empress Elena found out which of the crosses was the one. They bowed to the shrine, and then the Patriarch of Jerusalem Macarius began to show it to the people. To do this, he stood on a dais and raised (“raised”) the Cross. People worshiped the Cross and prayed: “Lord, have mercy!”.

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In the 7th century, with the memory of finding the Cross of the Lord, another memory was connected - about the return of the Tree of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord from Persian captivity.

In 614, the Persian king conquered Jerusalem and sacked it. Among other treasures, he took to Persia the Tree of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord. The shrine stayed with foreigners for fourteen years. Only in 628 did Emperor Heraclius defeat the Persians, make peace with them, and return the Cross to Jerusalem.

How the further fate of the shrine developed, historians do not know for sure. Someone says that the Cross was in Jerusalem until 1245. Someone that cut it apart and took it all over the world.

Now a part of the Cross of the Lord rests in an ark in the altar of the Greek Church of the Resurrection in Jerusalem.

History of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

As Tradition says, the Cross of the Lord was found before the feast of Easter, the Holy Resurrection of Christ. Therefore, at first the Exaltation of the Cross was celebrated on the second day of Easter.

In 335, the Church of the Resurrection of Christ was consecrated in Jerusalem. It happened on September 13th. In honor of this, the Feast of the Exaltation was postponed to September 14 (according to the old style; according to the new style - September 27). The bishops who came to the consecration from all over the Roman Empire told the whole Christian world about the new holiday.

Liturgy of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

On the day of the Exaltation of the Cross, it is necessary to celebrate the All-Night Vigil and the Liturgy. But now they rarely serve all night, so the festive Divine service on the eve of the holiday, the vigil, becomes central.

The Exaltation is the Lord's (dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ) twelfth feast. Therefore, its service does not connect to any other service. For example, the memory of John Chrysostom is transferred to another day.

Interestingly, during Matins on the Exaltation of the Cross, the Gospel is read not in the middle of the temple, but in the altar.

The climax of the feast is when the preeminent priest or bishop, dressed in purple vestments, carries out the Cross. All those praying in the temple kiss the shrine, and the primate anoints them with holy oil. During the general veneration of the Cross, the troparion is sung: “We bow to Thy Cross, Master, and glorify Thy holy Resurrection.”

The cross lies on the lectern until October 4 - the day the Exaltation is given. On surrender, the priest takes the cross to the altar.

Prayers of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Troparion of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Save, O Lord, Thy people and bless Thy heritage, granting victory to the Orthodox Christian against the opposition and Thy keeping Thy Cross living.

Translation:

Save, O Lord, Thy people and bless Thy heritage, granting victory to the faithful over enemies and preserving Thy people by Thy Cross.

Kontakion of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Ascended to the Cross by your will, to your namesake Your new residence, grant Your bounty, Christ God, rejoice with Your strength Your faithful people, giving us victories for comparisons, allowance for those who have Your weapons of the world, an invincible victory.

Translation:

Ascended to the Cross voluntarily, to the new people named by You, grant Your mercy, Christ God; rejoice in Your strength to Your faithful people, giving us victory over the enemies, to help those who have from You, the weapons of the world, an invincible victory.

Magnification of the Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord

We magnify Thee, Life-Giver Christ, and honor Your Holy Cross, by which Thou hast saved us from the work of the enemy.

Prayers to the Holy and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord

Prayer one

Honest Cross, guardian of soul and body, wake up: cast down demons in your own way, driving away enemies, exercising passions and giving us reverence, both life and strength, with the assistance of the Holy Spirit and honest prayers of the Most Pure Theotokos. Amen.

Prayer two

O Most Honorable and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord! Of old, you were a shameful instrument of execution, now the sign of our salvation is forever revered and glorified! How worthily I can, unworthy, sing to Thee, and how dare I bow the knee of my heart before my Redeemer, confessing my sins! But the mercy and inexpressible philanthropy of the humble Boldness, Spread on you, gives me, let me open my mouth to glorify Thee; for this reason I cry to Ty: rejoice, Cross, the Church of Christ is beauty and foundation, the whole universe is affirmation, all Christians are hope, kings are power, the faithful are a refuge, angels are glory and chanting, demons are fear, destruction and expulsion, the wicked and unfaithful - shame, the righteous - delight, the burdened - weak, overwhelmed - a haven, the lost - a mentor, obsessed with passions - repentance, the poor - enrichment, floating - helmsmen, the weak - strength, in battles - victory and overcoming, orphans - true protection, widows - intercessor, virgins - protection of chastity, hopeless - hope, sick - doctor and the dead - resurrection! You, foreshadowed by the miraculous rod of Moses, a life-giving source, soldering those who are thirsty for spiritual life and delighting our sorrows; You are a bed, on which the Resurrected Conqueror of Hell rested royally for three days. For this sake, and in the morning, and in the evening, and at noon, I glorify Thee, the blessed Tree, and I pray by the will of the One who has blossomed on Thee, may He enlighten and strengthen my mind with Thee, may He open in my heart a source of perfect love and all my deeds and my paths will overshadow Thee May I magnify Him who is nailed to Thee, for the sake of my sin, the Lord my Savior. Amen.

Icon of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

The most common plot of the icon of the Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord took shape in Russian icon painting in the 15th-16th centuries. The icon painter depicts a large crowd of people against the backdrop of a single-domed temple. In the center on the pulpit stands the Patriarch with the Cross raised above his head. The deacons support him by the arms. The cross is decorated with twigs of plants. In the foreground are the saints and all who came to venerate the shrine. On the right are the figures of Tsar Constantine and Empress Helena.

Icon. 18th century From the festive row of the iconostasis of the church in the village of Selezenikha, Tver region. State Institute of Restoration, Moscow.

Folk traditions and signs of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross

In Russia, the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Life-Giving Cross of the Lord united church and folk traditions.

On this day, the peasants painted crosses on the doors of houses, put small wooden crosses in the manger for cows and horses. If there was no cross, it was replaced by crossed rowan branches.

September 27 was also called the third Oseniny or Stavrov day. It was the final day of Indian summer, the third and last meeting of autumn.

“Exaltation is in the yard, the last shock from the field is moving, the last cart is in a hurry to the threshing floor!”

“On the Exaltation, a fur coat stretches for a caftan!”.

"A zipun with a fur coat will move to the Exaltation!".

“The exaltation of the caftan will be lifted, he will put on a fur coat!”.

“Exaltation - the last cart moved from the field, and the bird flew away!”.

The day was fast:

“Whoever fasts on Exaltation, seven sins will be forgiven,”

“Even though on Sunday, the Exaltation falls, and everything on it is Friday-Wednesday, Lenten food!”,

"Whoever does not fast with the Ascension - the Cross of Christ - seven sins will be raised on him!"

The Feast of the Exaltation was also called "cabbages".

“Smart, woman, about cabbage - The movement has come!”,

"The rise of cabbages, it's time to chop the cabbage!",

“Then chop cabbage, that from the Ascent!”,

“A good man has pies with cabbage on the Day of the Ascension!”,

“On the Vzdvizhenye, the first lady is cabbage!”

They also said:

“The frost does not hit either Vozdvizhenskaya or Annunciation cabbage!”

The youth arranged "Kapustensky evenings"; they lasted two weeks.

On September 27, 2020, we will celebrate one of the most significant Orthodox holidays, which is one of the twelve, that is, the twelve most important after Easter. It is non-transferable, that is, its date does not change from year to year. Its full name is the Exaltation of the Holy and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord.

History of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

This holiday has a long and glorious history. It was installed by the Equal-to-the-Apostles Emperor Constantine in memory of finding the main Christian relic in 326 in Jerusalem, near Golgotha, where Jesus Christ was crucified.

The holiday began to be celebrated the next day after the consecration of the temple in honor of the Ascension of Christ, erected in this city at the command of Constantine. The date has one day of forefeast (September 26) and seven afterfeasts (September 28 - October 4). The Exaltation is preceded by Saturday and the Week before the Exaltation (Sunday).

For several centuries, traditions of this holiday have developed, signs of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, and many beliefs are also associated with it.

We will tell you what you can not do on the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord, and what should be done. In particular, is it possible to go to the forest to see the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, to clean the house and much more.

Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord - signs and customs

On this day, you need to visit the temple, pray before the icon of the Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord. She is approached with requests to bestow the grace of God in difficult life situations. It helps to gain strength of mind, restores health to those who suffer from joint problems, constant headaches.

The symbol of this holiday, the cross, is of great importance in Orthodoxy: it protects from evil, unclean thoughts and deeds. It gives people the opportunity to let hope and love into their hearts, to fill the world with kindness.

By this holiday, it is customary to install crosses on the domes of churches under construction, to consecrate small churches and chapels. On this day, believers buy three candles in the temple, with which they baptize the corners of their dwellings, reading a prayer. According to legend, if you sincerely, with a pure heart, pray on the Exaltation Day, then the Life-Giving Cross will raise a person from his deathbed.

The people used to believe that at that time there was a struggle between honor and wickedness, truth and falsehood, which were “erected” on top of each other. And the forces of good, thanks to the Lord's Cross rising from the bowels of the earth, prevailed.

To attract the help of higher powers, people drew with garlic, charcoal, chalk, or cut crosses with a knife on the doors of houses, lintels or mats (thick beams located across the building).

Small wooden crosses or rowan branches folded crosswise were placed in the manger for cattle to protect the animals from evil spirits.

Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord - what can and cannot be done on this day?

Among the people, the holiday was called "kapustnitsy", since at that time it was customary to harvest cabbage for the winter. Many proverbs and sayings are dedicated to him:

• "Exaltation - cabbage, it's time to chop the cabbage!",
• "On the Vozdvizhenie, the first lady is cabbage",
• "Take it easy, woman, about cabbage - Exaltation has come",
• “Then chop cabbage, that from the Exaltation”, etc.

The girls dressed up, went to visit each other to chop cabbage, sang and joked at work. The boys looked after their brides. The autumn parties hosted by the youth were called "skits".

Some customs were forgotten over time, but many signs and beliefs about the Exaltation of the Holy Cross have survived to this day.

What can not be done on the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord?

Since the cross is a symbol of suffering, then, according to the church charter, a strict fast should be observed on this day: you can not eat meat and dairy products, eggs, fish. It is believed that those who do not eat food of animal origin will be forgiven of seven sins. On those who do not fast, seven sins will be rolled up.

Some people are interested: "Is it possible to go to the forest to the Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord"? In the old days, this was strictly forbidden, so as not to be bitten by snakes. People believed that on this day they crawl from all sides to go into the ground until spring. It was necessary to firmly lock the gates, gates and doors: God forbid, a snake would crawl into the house.

It was also impossible to go into the forest, so as not to meet a werewolf or a goblin, who arranged an inspection of his possessions. Evil spirits could harm a person he met - lead astray or scare. In this case, it was necessary to take off your clothes, shake them properly and read a prayer. It was believed that this would help to find a faster way home.

There were other pagan signs and customs on the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord. For example, in the old days on this day it was forbidden to cross strange footprints on the ground, as they could be left by forest evil spirits. They said that whoever crosses these traces will soon become seriously ill.

But to see the birds that fly south was considered a good omen: at the same time, you can make a wish, which, as they say, will certainly come true.

Also at this time, "barn name days" were celebrated - the name day of the spirit living in the barn. In order not to disturb him, no work was carried out in the barn. An embroidered towel was left on the window and a treat for the barn owner at night.

Other signs of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

What else can and cannot be done on the day of the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross?

According to tradition, on the twelfth church holiday one cannot do housework, do repairs, clean, sew, knit, embroider, etc.

Also, you can’t quarrel and swear with anyone, especially with loved ones, otherwise negative energy will return to people three times.

It is also not worth starting new business on Exaltation, which can end in complete failure; It is not recommended to lend and lend money.

There are many weather signs associated with the holiday. It is believed that autumn at this time passes its rights to winter. They used to say: "The warmth will move to Vozdvizhenie, and the cold will move."

The Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord was also called Movement or Shift, meaning movement, a change in state.

If the north wind blows on the day of the holiday, then the summer next year will be warm; the western wind portends bad weather in the summer months; frosts in the morning - by early winter.