On Tuesday, August 6, Orthodox and Greek Catholics celebrate the Transfiguration of the Lord, or, as this holiday is popularly called, Apple Spas. UNN has collected for you the traditions and prohibitions that accompany the celebration of this holiday.
History of the holiday
The Feast of the Transfiguration is considered one of the greatest Twelve Great Feasts. It is believed that this holiday has been solemnly celebrated since ancient Christian times.
According to biblical tradition, the Transfiguration of the Lord took place on Mount Golgotha. One day, Jesus Christ, along with the apostles James, Peter, and John, went there to pray. Jesus prayed while his disciples rested after an exhausting journey. When the apostles awoke, they saw a radiance around the Son of God, and all his clothes became white. Then a voice from heaven said: "This is my beloved Son, whom I love. Obey him."
Jesus asked them not to tell anyone about this, but instead, when everyone came down from the mountain, he ordered the disciples to gather apples and consecrate them.
Like many Christian holidays, Apple Spas is tied to pre-Christian times – it was during this period that our ancestors celebrated holidays associated with the change of seasons – when summer gradually turns into autumn, changes occur in nature. It is believed that until this period, apples from the new harvest were not consumed.
Traditions and prohibitions
Believers go to churches with baskets, in which, according to tradition, they carry apples for consecration. However, it is believed that other fruits can also be placed in the basket – pears, plums, grapes. Sometimes people also put vegetables, in particular, onions, garlic. In addition, honey can be placed. Baskets are usually decorated with wheat ears and flowers.
It should be remembered that alcohol is forbidden to consecrate. Also, meat products are not put in the basket for Apple Spas. But you can put apple pastries, but they must be lean, because the Dormition Fast is underway.
Traditionally, consecrated gifts are given to relatives, friends, and the needy.
On this day, loud festivities and quarrels are forbidden. Also, traditionally, weddings were not held at this time.
Recipe for lean apple cookies
Ingredients
2 small apples
4 tbsp semolina
2 tbsp lemon juice
A large handful of raisins
5 tbsp flour
1 tsp baking powder
5 tbsp oil
Method of preparation:
Grate the peeled apples on a coarse grater.
Combine grated apple, lemon juice, raisins, and semolina. Refrigerate for an hour.
Add oil, flour, baking powder, and knead the dough.
Preheat oven to 180 degrees.
Place the dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten with your hands into a rectangle 1 cm high.
Bake lean apple cookies for 30 minutes. Cool before serving.
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