What holiday is celebrated in Russia on December 4?

We love winter not only because it's snow time. In December, we are waiting for a set of dates, during which the person is cleansed spiritually and has the opportunity to spend more time with loved ones. It is worth remembering the Festival of the Entry into the Temple of Jerusalem of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which prepares us for the beginning of winter and for the succession of subsequent magical days!

What holidays are celebrated in Russia on December 4?

What is the beginning of the winter preparing for us? Take, as an example, December 4 - what holiday in Russia? The day of embraces, the birth of informatics and the festival dedicated to the Introduction to the Temple of the Holy Theotokos in Jerusalem - so one day is marked in the calendar. And how pleasant it is to realize that this is only the beginning of the December marathon of fun!

One of the most popular holidays for young people - Day of Embrace - spread throughout the world at the end of the twentieth century. His traditions are simple and pleasant. People hug their loved ones, friends, colleagues, and even passers-by on the street, they hold thematic flash mobs. Even scientists approve of this holiday. They agree that embraces strengthen immunity and soothe the frustrating nerves.

The day of informatics is also celebrated on December 4. What holiday in Russia without an outstanding event? On this day in the mid-nineties a new invention was registered in the Soviet Union - a digital electronic computing device. Since the memorable moment of the fourth of December we honor all computer lovers.

Introduction to the Temple of Jerusalem of the Blessed Virgin Mary

This date is known for one more reason. It is very important to know the Orthodox believers about December 4, what holiday in Russia is celebrated on this day. After all, its significance is so great that people are ready to postpone their work and spend a day in prayers.

In his honor in the churches and cathedrals special services are arranged. The introduction to the Temple of the Holy Mother of God in Jerusalem is a landmark Christian holiday, connected with the fact that on that day the parents brought the Mother of God to the temple for the purpose of dedication to God. Since then, this date has been fixed in the church calendar.

According to historical sources, the parents led the Blessed Virgin at the age of three to the temple to dedicate to Her God. There She lived up to 12 years, spending time in spiritual enlightenment, needlework and prayers. It happened because the mother and father of the Virgin Mary, praying for the appearance of the child, made a vow that in case of the birth of a son or daughter, they would give their child to the service of God.

It is necessary to remember about such a significant event and to know the answer to the question about this day, and not to be limited to a dialogue like the following: "December 4 - what holiday in Russia?" - "Weekend!".

Establishment of the celebration of the Entry into the Temple of Jerusalem of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Now we know a little more about the uniqueness of December 4. What holiday in Russia (church) is located on this page of the calendar? Introduction to the Temple of Jerusalem of the Blessed Virgin.

The Feast of the Introduction is very important in the church calendar and belongs to the twelve (that is, the most important in Orthodoxy). It is also the latest. Researchers associate the beginning of his celebration with the work of Justinian, the Emperor of Byzantium. In the middle of the VI century on the ruins of the Jerusalem temple he erected a beautiful church, which he called Novaya. The churches that are consecrated in honor of the Introduction are called Vvedensky.

Knowing what is celebrated on December 4, what a holiday in Russia, you can go to church and ask the Virgin Mary for help and intercession.

Iconography

The imaging system of the Virgin Mary in honor of this holiday was greatly affected by its later establishment, as well as the unusualness of the event fixation. For the first time the scene of the Introduction we see in the life of the Virgin Mary. In the monumental painting the plot begins dating from the IX century.

The most important image in the icons is the Virgin Mary surrounded by a procession that is sent to the temple. Through the slightly opened gate to the Virgin Mary the high priest aspires. Behind him on canvases can be seen the throne of the church. Often in the middle of the procession you can see the parents of the Virgin Mary. They give it to God as the promised gift.

In other plots, Mary is depicted seated on the steps at the Altar. Near her flutters an Angel with a censer in his hand.

An excellent opportunity to get acquainted with the great icons gives us just on December 4. What holiday in Russia? Religious holiday. So, it's time to go to the temple and devote time to fellowship with God.

How do Orthodox in Russia celebrate the Feast of the Entry into the Temple of the Holy Theotokos of Jerusalem?

On the fourth day of the last month of the year , special events take place in the temples. The festive divine service on this day includes a small vespers, a vigil, a watch and a liturgy. Priests wear white or blue robes.

In addition to the question of December 4 - what holiday in Russia, people are also interested in what you can eat on Introduction. As you know, the holiday falls on Christmas Eve (alternative name - Filippov), therefore, it is necessary to choose vegetative food. It is allowed to eat fish.

On this day you need to free yourself from any work and devote time to fellowship with God. It is advisable to go to the temple: festive services will be held there.

Last year, you still did not know about December 4, what holiday in Russia? 2014 already passed. This year there is a chance to make up the shortcoming. After all, now you know what Orthodox holiday is celebrated on December 4.

People's Signs on the Day of the Introduction to the Temple of the Holy Virgin of Jerusalem

Not for nothing December 4 is called the gateway to winter. In Russia at this time, the first trips were made on a sleigh. At first, the newlyweds sat in them. The couple chose a beautiful painted sledges, sat in them, and ... winter festivities began! Also on December 4, the annual Vvedenskie fairs were opened.

There was such an omen: if a branch of cherry, broken on that day, put into the water behind the icon, and on January 14 to look at it, you can predict your fate. If the cherry bloomed - a year will be good, if withered - unsuccessful.

Now you know some signs on December 4, what holiday in Russia 2015 will give us. But this is not all information. There are other signs!

In case of cold on this day, wait for the winter cold. If it's warm, then the next three months will be the same. If the introduction of frost - summer is expected to be sultry. It is worth paying attention to the weather. A sunny day portends a bad harvest, and an overcast day - a rich table next year.

As you can see, the Introduction is a symbolic historical event with a deep sacral meaning, as well as a day on which it is possible to predict the future.

Having read the above information, you will no longer be asked questions about December 4: "What holiday in Russia? Output?". 2014 if passed with a gap in knowledge about this day, do not be upset. Make the lost in the future!