On Tuesday, August 6, Orthodox and Greek Catholics celebrate the Transfiguration of the Lord, or, as this holiday is popularly called, Yablochny 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 holidays. It is believed that this holiday has been solemnly celebrated since ancient Christian times.
According to the Bible, The Transfiguration of the Lord took place on Mount Calvary. One day, Jesus Christ, along with the Apostles James, Peter, and John, went there to pray. Jesus prayed while his disciples rested after a grueling journey. When the apostles awoke, they saw the radiance of the son of God around them, and all his clothes turned white. Then a voice came from heaven saying, " This is my beloved son, whom I have loved. Obey him.
Jesus asked not to tell anyone about this, but when everyone came down from the mountain, he ordered the disciples to pick apples and consecrate them.
Like many Christian holidays, Yablochny Spas has a time reference to the holidays of pre – Christian times – it was during this period that our ancestors celebrated holidays associated with the change of seasons-when summer gradually replaces autumn, changes occur in nature. It is believed that before this period, apples from the new crop were not eaten.
Traditions and prohibitions
Believers go to churches with baskets, in which, according to tradition, apples are carried for consecration. However, it is believed that you can put other fruits in the basket – pears, plums, grapes. Sometimes people also put vegetables, in particular, onions, garlic. In addition, you can put honey. baskets are usually decorated with spikelets of wheat, flowers.
Do not forget that it is forbidden to consecrate alcohol. Also, meat products are not put in the basket on Yablochny spas. But you can put pastries with apples, but it should be lean, because the Dormition Fast continues.
Traditionally, consecrated gifts are served to relatives, friends and those in need.
On this day, noisy festivities and quarrels are prohibited. Also, traditionally at this time, weddings were not arranged.
Shortbread recipe with apples
Components
2 small apples
4 tablespoons semolina
2 tablespoons lemon juice
A large handful of raisins
5 tablespoons flour
1 tsp baking powder
5 tablespoons butter
Cooking method:
Grate the peeled apples on a coarse grater.
Combine grated apple, lemon juice, raisins and semolina. Refrigerate for an hour.
Add butter, flour, baking powder and knead the dough.
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees.
Place the dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Smooth it out with your hands in the form of a rectangle 1 cm high.
Bake lean Apple cookies for 30 minutes. Cool before serving.