The path to Easter: Holy Week has begun

      The word "Passion" comes from the Church Slavonic "passions," which means "sufferings." For a believer, these seven days are filled with special meaning — it is a time of spiritual empathy for the events that determine the salvation of the world. Each day of Passion Week is dedicated to specific Gospel events and has its own traditions, including in food:

      April 6, Great Monday: the day reminds of the biblical patriarch Joseph, who became a prototype of Christ's sufferings, and of the curse of the barren fig tree — a symbol of the soul that does not bear spiritual fruits. Food: only bread, raw fruits, vegetables, honey, and nuts are allowed (dry eating).

      April 7, Great Tuesday: in churches, the parables of Christ about the talents and the ten virgins are read, reminding of spiritual readiness and responsibility. Food: dry eating continues (raw food without oil).

      April 8, Great Wednesday: the day when the Church remembers two poles of human nature: the betrayal of Judas, who agreed to betray the Teacher for 30 silver coins, and the repentant act of the woman who anointed the Savior's feet with precious ointment. Food: dry eating.

      April 9, Great (Clean) Thursday: on this day, the Last Supper is remembered, where Christ instituted the sacrament of the Eucharist (Communion) and washed the feet of the disciples as a sign of humility. Food: hot plant-based food with oil is allowed. In popular tradition, this day is called Clean Thursday — it is customary to bathe before sunrise, tidy up the house, and start baking Easter cakes.

      April 10, Great (Passion) Friday: the most sorrowful day, dedicated to the memories of the crucifixion and death of Christ. Food: it is customary to completely abstain from food until the removal of the shroud. On this day, one should not work, rejoice, or speak loudly. During the day, the shroud — an image of the deceased Savior — is taken out in churches.

      April 11, Great Saturday: a day of rest, when the Church remembers the stay of Christ's body in the tomb and His descent into hell to bring out the Old Testament righteous. Food: hot plant-based food without oil is allowed. In churches, Easter food is blessed, and in the evening, the main service of the year begins, which transitions into the celebration of Easter.

      What can and cannot be done during Passion Week

      What can and should be done:

      The main focus of this week should shift from everyday concerns to spiritual life. The Church recommends:

      Attend services: this is a time when special services take place, which occur only once a year. If possible, try to attend the evening service on Great Friday with the removal of the shroud and the all-night vigil on Great Saturday.

      Read the Gospel: each day, it is worth reading the Gospel narratives dedicated to the events of that day.

      Receive Communion: Clean Thursday is one of the most suitable days for confession and Communion.

      Help others and engage in charity: this is a holy duty of every Christian, especially on such important days.

      Prepare the home for Easter: contrary to popular belief, it is permissible to prepare Easter cakes, dye eggs, and tidy up. The main thing is to do this between services, not placing cooking above prayer.

      What cannot be done:

      The main prohibitions are advisory in nature and aimed at preserving inner concentration. One should not:

      Sin: during Passion Week, as on any other days of the year, one should not steal, lie, commit adultery, or annoy others — one must not sin.

      Indulge in noisy entertainment: loud celebrations, singing, dancing, and attending entertainment events are prohibited.

      Quarrel and get angry: one should avoid conflicts, foul language, and judgment.

      Get married or baptized: the sacraments of marriage and baptism are not performed on these days.

      Become overly preoccupied with household chores: one should not spend time on endless cleaning if it interferes with prayer and attending church.

      Folk signs and beliefs

      Passion Week has been surrounded by numerous folk signs since ancient times, many of which are related to the weather and future harvests.

      Weather signs:

      If it is sunny on Great Monday, then the harvest will be early and abundant.

      If it rains on Great Tuesday, it will be a good mushroom harvest in mid-summer.

      Rain on Great Wednesday means a poor grain harvest but a good raspberry harvest.

      Whatever the weather is on Great Thursday, that will be the summer weather.

      It was believed that food prepared and blessed on Clean Thursday is preserved from spoilage.

      Whoever fasts on Passion Friday will be protected from enemies.

      On Great Saturday, people would appeal to Frost not to ruin the crops.

      It is important to remember: the Church calls on believers to treat folk signs with caution, not giving them decisive importance. The main content of Passion Week is not everyday magical rituals, but spiritual concentration, prayer, and preparation for the main holiday — the Resurrection of Christ.