“The Ascension of the Holy Cross, celebrated on September 14, is one of the most important Christian holidays. This holiday has deep historical roots and rich in folk traditions. It honors the event when the cross was found and raised above Jerusalem, on which Jesus Christ was crucified. In this article we will look at the history of the holiday, its importance for believers, folk signs and modern”, – WRITE ON: ua.news
The Ascension of the Holy Cross, celebrated on September 14, is one of the most important Christian holidays. This holiday has deep historical roots and rich in folk traditions. It honors the event when the cross was found and raised above Jerusalem, on which Jesus Christ was crucified. In this article, we will look at the history of the holiday, its importance for believers, folk signs and modern traditions.
Holiday History: Finding the Life Cross
The Exaltation Holiday dates back to the IV century. According to legend, after the conversion to the Christianity of Emperor Constantine the Great, his mother, the holy of the equally apostolic queen Elena, went in search of the Cross of the Lord. In 326, three crosses were found in Jerusalem: one of them belonged to Jesus Christ, and the other two were robbers who were crucified.
To determine which cross is life -giving, Patriarch Macarius Jerusalem and suggested that they attach them to a dead woman. When the woman touched the cross of the Lord, she came to life. This event is considered the first miracle of the Exaltation. After finding the Cross, it was solemnly raised to worship the believers, which gave the name of the holiday – the Exaltation.
At the place where the cross was found, Emperor Konstantin ordered the construction of the Holy Sepulcher and the Church of the Resurrection of Christ, which were consecrated on September 13, 335. The next day, September 14, the first solemn lift (Exaltation) of the Cross took place, which became the date of the holiday.
The value of the feast of the Ascension of the Holy Cross
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross has a deep spiritual content. For Christians, the Cross is a symbol not only of the suffering and death of Christ, but also of His resurrection and victory over sin and death. The holiday reminds the believers of the sacrificial love of the Savior and calls for repentance and spiritual struggle.
On this day, the churches hold special worship services, during which the priest takes a cross from the altar and sets it as the sides of the world. Believers lean in front of the cross to honor it and then kiss. Exaltation is the only day of the year when it is a special worship service.
This holiday is also a reminder that every Christian has to carry his cross – to overcome difficulties, to patiently take trials and to follow Christ. In the spiritual sense, the Exaltation symbolizes the rise and affirmation of faith in the heart of every believer.
Folk signs and traditions for the Exaltation
People are often associated with the beginning of autumn and weather change.
There are many signs related to this day:
“On the Exaltation – Autumn by winter moves.” It was believed that colds began after September 14.
“If the weather is clear, the winter will be late.”
“If the birds fly south, the winter will be harsh.”
There is a harsh fast that day because it symbolizes Jesus’ baptism. It is forbidden to eat meat and dairy products. Our ancestors believed that posture helps maintain health and get blessings.
There were also prohibitions:
It is impossible to work in the field and in the garden, so as not to “disturb” the earth.
Can’t quarrel and angry so you don’t “call trouble.”
It is not necessary to go the long road, as it was considered an unfavorable sign.
Modern traditions and honoring holidays
Nowadays, the Exaltation continues to be an important holiday for Christians. All believers try to visit the church and pray. After worship, many people sanctify their homes, sprinkling them with holy water. There is also a tradition to draw or place crosses above the door to protect the house from evil forces.
Although many folk signs have lost their meaning, the memory of the spiritual essence of the holiday remains. The Exaltation of the Holy Cross is a time to reflect on faith, love and sacrifice. This holiday reminds us that even after the greatest suffering, the resurrection and victory come.
