The Feast of the Intercession of the Virgin, popularly known as the Intercession, began to be celebrated in Russia long ago, as early as the 12th century. It happened on October 1, according to a new style - on October 14. The Orthodox Church called it the capital, that is, one of the most important Christian festivities. In the Catholic environment, the solemn date is not considered.
Women's Intercessor
The Mother of God is considered to be the patroness of the whole human race. But the military treats her with special love and respect. After all, the most wonderful vision and sacrament of the holy cover, which the Mother of God covered the inhabitants of Constantinople and preserved from the extermination of the army of "barbarians" (remember the famous Pushkin prophetic Oleg: he was just besieging Constantinople, then Constantinople and hung his shield at its main gate) Happened in times of abuse. And a large number of battles won the Russian army, blessed in this way. However, with even greater hope and hope, the Holy Virgin is addressed to a woman. It is in it they see their main intercessor before the Most High. And in her address in October the prayer of the Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary about marriage sounds. It is believed that this holiday is especially strong and effective. Therefore, for a long time in Russia, girls and women who dream of starting a family, conduct special rituals in order to find their half during the next year.
Intercession Traditions
Cover is a festival of girls. The priests do not dispute this, remembering how many wedding rites and traditions are associated with it. And the Mother of God herself is a symbol of motherhood, mercy and forgiveness, patronizes weddings. After all, a new, "honest" family - this is the birth of children! Therefore, the prayer of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos about marriage is so strong in the holidays. However, to make it work, you need to learn some rules:
- Firstly, it is not proper to sleep late on a festive morning. Get up early, before the rest of the household. To lighten up the wax candle bought in church and before the image tell the Pure One about his desire. The prayer of the Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary about marriage should be pronounced not hastily, but with a soul. After all, you ask for the most cherished, intimate. And ask not only a speedy wedding, but also about what kind of person should be your chosen one.
- Secondly, it will be even better if your prayer icon of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary about marriage will be heard in the very church of God. To do this, too, come to church early in the morning, put a candle before the image and, praying, tell us how our grandmothers and great-grandmothers used to say: "Cover, Father, cover the earth with a snowball, and marry me."
- Thirdly, why is the prayer of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos about marriage to be pronounced at sunrise? Because there is a sign: the earlier you say the word you cherish, the sooner you will marry!
Rites on the Cover
What kind of rituals did our ancestors practice for the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos? Prayer was also reinforced with special wedding conspiracies. For this, the girl needed to get a shirt in advance (and now a T-shirt, T-shirt) of the guy she likes. In the evening, on the eve of the holiday, you should collect clean water and pronounce over it conspiracy words. In the morning she needs to wash her face, and wipe herself with that shirt! Then there are prayers, etc. If snow falls to Pokrov, then it is possible to conduct a rite for the quick attraction of grooms and matchmakers to the house.
This is such a wonderful holiday of the Intercession!