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Apple Spas: traditions and prohibitions, and what to put in the basket

August 5, 2024 at 02:01 PM • 114005 переглядiв

On Tuesday, August 6, Orthodox and Greek Catholics celebrate the Transfiguration of the Lord, or, as this holiday is called in the people, Apple Spas. UNN has collected for you the traditions and prohibitions that accompany the celebration of this holiday.

Holiday History

The Feast of the Transfiguration is considered one of the greatest twelve holidays. It is believed that this holiday has been solemnly celebrated since ancient Christian times.

According to biblical traditions, the Transfiguration of the Lord took place on Mount Golgotha. Once, Jesus Christ, together with the apostles James, Peter, and John, went there to pray. Jesus prayed while his disciples rested after a tiring journey. When the apostles woke up, they saw a radiance around the Son of God, and all his clothes became white. Later, a voice rang out from the heavens, saying: "This is my beloved Son, whom I have loved. Obey him."

Jesus asked no one to tell about it, but when everyone came down from the mountain, he ordered the disciples to collect apples and consecrate them.

Like many Christian holidays, Apple Spas is tied to the holidays of pre-Christian times - it was during this period that our ancestors celebrated holidays related to the change of seasons - when summer gradually changes to autumn, changes occur in nature. It is believed that apples from the new harvest were not eaten until this period.

Traditions and prohibitions

Believers go to temples with baskets, in which, according to tradition, they carry apples for consecration. However, it is believed that other fruits - pears, plums, grapes - can be put in the basket. Sometimes people put vegetables, in particular, onions, garlic. In addition, you can put honey. Baskets are usually decorated with ears of wheat and flowers.

It should not be forgotten that alcohol is prohibited to be consecrated. Also, meat products are not placed in the basket for Apple Spas. But you can put pastries with apples, but it must be lean, because the Dormition Fast is underway.

Traditionally, consecrated gifts are treated to relatives, friends and the needy.

On this day, noisy festivities and quarrels are prohibited. Also, traditionally at this time, weddings were not held.