The Feast of the Presentation of the Most Holy Theotokos, or the Third Most Holy, is one of the most important in the church calendar and is celebrated by Christians all over the world. In 2024, it will be celebrated on November 21 in the new style and December 4 in the old style.
The history of the holiday and its meaning
The holiday is connected with apocryphal texts, which tell about how the parents of the Mother of God - the righteous Joakim and Anna - brought the three-year-old Mary to the Jerusalem temple. After long years of waiting for a child, they made a vow to dedicate it to God. According to legend, Mary climbed the steps of the temple on her own, where she was met by the high priest. Contrary to tradition, he took her to the Holy of Holies, a part of the temple that only men were allowed to enter once a year.
Mary remained in the temple until the age of 15, after which, having made a vow to devote her life to God, she moved to Nazareth under the care of Joseph. This event symbolizes the beginning of the spiritual journey of the Mother of God, which precedes the birth of the Savior.
When is Induction celebrated in 2024
Entry into the temple is one of the 12 biggest church holidays, which dates back to the 4th century. According to the new style, it is celebrated on November 21, and according to the old - on December 4. The holiday is popularly known as the Third Pure One, which completes the cycle of autumn holidays dedicated to the Mother of God:
- First Pure - Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 28).
- The Second Most Holy - the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (September 21).
- The Third Pure One - Introduction to the temple (November 21).
Traditions and ceremonies
Solemn services are held in temples on the Third Purification. Parents often bring their children to the first confession, which symbolizes spiritual education. This day is also the beginning of winter according to folk beliefs. Earlier, fairs, festivities and gatherings were organized on this occasion.
A special folk omen of the holiday concerns the guests: the first person to enter the house will foretell the coming year.
- A woman - possible financial difficulties.
- A man is stability and prosperity.
- The girl is for love.
- Good luck to the guy
- A child is trouble.
- An old woman is a bad sign.
What not to do at Introduction
There are a number of prohibitions on entering the Church of the Holy Mother of God:
- Engage in heavy physical work.
- Swear, drink alcohol.
- To hurry - it is believed that this will bring bad luck during the year.
- Borrow or borrow.
- Do cleaning, washing or sewing.
Despite popular signs, the church does not impose strict prohibitions, urging believers to spend this day in prayer and spiritual reflection.
