Nativity of the Holy Virgin: what is possible and what is forbidden to do

One of the twelve most important Christian holidays is the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which believers of the Orthodox Church celebrate annually; according to the new church calendar, it falls on September 8.

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On this day, September 8, a little girl was born in the family of Anna and Joakim, decent Israelis. Her birth was a miracle, because Anna could not get pregnant for many years. The girl was named Maria, and in the future she was to become the mother of the Savior - Jesus.

On the birthday of the Virgin Mary, special services dedicated to the Mother of God are held in churches, and believers adhere to traditions - both church and folk.

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What should not be done on the day of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

• It is strictly forbidden to work on this day. Such a ban these days is not easy to fulfill, so there is a small clarification - under the ban is hard work, you cannot do general cleaning in the house.
• Throw away crumbs from the dining table. If you sweep away the remains of food, you should pour them out for birds or pets.
• Meat and meat products cannot be consumed - on September 8, on the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a one-day fast is established.
• On this important holiday, alcohol in any form, including beer and low-alcohol drinks, cannot be consumed.
• You can't swear, make scandals, quarrel with loved ones and scold children. On the day of the Nativity of the Mother of God, thoughts should be bright and pure - leave quarrels for later.

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What can and what should be done on the Nativity of the Holy Mother of God

• Among the people, the Nativity of the Holy Mother of God is also a milestone marking the end of the harvest. By this day, the peasants tried to clean everything that was still left in the fields and in the garden, and the beekeepers began to prepare the beehives for the winter.
• Traditionally, on the Nativity of the Holy Mother of God, the tables were set, relatives and friends were invited. Housewives baked bread and pies, decorated them with the letters "R" and "B" ("Nativity of the Virgin").
• Although on this day the church recommends giving up meat and wine, fish is allowed.
• The Nativity of the Holy Mother of God is considered a women's holiday, so some traditions are connected precisely with women's desires. So our ancestors believed that if a woman washes herself with water from an open reservoir before dawn on September 21, she will preserve her beauty and youth for a long time, and unmarried girls will find a husband this year.
• Believers should start the morning of the Nativity of the Holy Virgin by visiting the church, where a special service is held at this time.