What is the date of the Annunciation in 2024? History of the holiday

The Annunciation is one of the twelve holidays celebrated by all Christian denominations. Annunciation Day falls on the Great Lent period.

Source: freepik

For Christians - Orthodox, Catholics, Protestants, the importance of the Annunciation is difficult to overestimate, because it was on this day, as the Gospel says, that the Virgin Mary learned that she would become the mother of the savior of the human race.

When is the Annunciation 2024

The Annunciation, unlike Easter, for example, is celebrated annually on the same day, exactly 9 months before Christmas. That is, the date of the holiday is fixed - March 25, and then it can fall on different periods of pre-Easter preparation.

History of the holiday of the Annunciation

It all started long before that day - three-year-old Maria was sent by her parents to be raised in the Jerusalem temple, where she lived in prayers and piety. For 10 years of her life, the girl saw nothing but the walls of the temple and made a firm decision to dedicate herself to God, vowing never to marry. When Maria turned 14, according to the law, she had to leave the church and return to her parents, but unfortunately, by that time she was left an orphan. Then a compromise solution was found - Mary was betrothed to the elderly Joseph, known for his righteousness. The marriage was of an exclusively formal nature, as the Gospel says, Maria remained a virgin.

A few months after Mary entered Joseph's house, the Archangel Gabriel appeared from heaven and announced that she was chosen to bring the Son of God into this world. Appearing to the Virgin Mary, Angel Gabriel greeted her: "Rejoice, Gracious One, the Lord is with you!". Thus, the angel brought the good news of the virgin conception of the future Messiah.

Thus, the Church considers the Annunciation to be the beginning of a new era of humanity and the evangelical history of Christ.

Source: instagram@mriyphotography

How to celebrate the Annunciation

As on any big holiday, liturgies are held in churches and cathedrals on the Annunciation. Attendance at the service on this day is considered mandatory. Moreover, it is impossible to work on the Annunciation, and the special ban on sewing and knitting does not come from the church, but rather is an echo of pagan times.

In the church it was possible to get consecrated prosphora - unleavened church bread. In addition, particularly diligent housewives baked prosphora themselves and then carried them with them for consecration to the church.

Traditionally, on the Annunciation, birds are released from cages as a symbol of good news and liberation not only of people, but of all living things. But even in this tradition there are echoes of our pagan past - peasants released forest birds on this day to ask the gods for a good harvest.

After the church service, the table was set at home, and there were consecrated prosphora and fish dishes on it.

On Annunciation, March 25, it is customary to prepare Annunciation salt in a special way, which is believed to have healing properties. The pre-prepared salt should be fried in a pan, saying it in your prayer. When the salt cools down, pour it into small containers and use little by little throughout the year.