Celebration of the Virgin Mary's Venerated Image in 2021: Exploring Time-Honored Traditions and Commemorative Dates
In the heart of Russia, this celebration has always been a big deal, with many age-old superstitions connected to the close of autumn and the start of winter.
The Feast of the Protection of the Mother of God, also known as Pokrov Day, is a significant Orthodox holiday observed by the Russian Orthodox Church, considered one of their major events. People often say, "We've finally made it to Pokrov" or "Pokrov has arrived." You'll find numerous churches, cities, and villages named after this day.
The Gist of Feast of the Protection of the Mother of God
Pokrov is celebrated every year on October 14. This year, Pokrov Day falls on a Thursday.
Pokrov stands for the intercession and protection of the Most Holy Virgin Mary with the Heavenly Father. Essentially, the Mother of God is ready to lend a helping hand even in the toughest situations, as many Christians would say, "The Mother of God has spread her protective cover over Russia."
The Origin Story of the Holiday
The Feast of the Protection of the Mother of God can be traced back to the autumn of 1164, upon the decree of Grand Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky. There's a legend about Andrei, who, during his leisure time, perused books about old spiritual traditions. It was then that he stumbled upon the story of Andrew the Fool, who claimed to have witnessed the Mother of God appearing at the Blachernae Church and casting her veil over the worshipers. Her divine intervention protected the citizens of Constantinople from their enemies.
Tracing it back to this miraculous event, Andrei Bogolyubsky initiated the holiday and named a nearby stone church following the same name - Pokrov. The Pokrov-on-the-Nerl church still thrives today.
Interestingly enough, Russians have traditionally measured life, pre- and post-Pokrov. Before this holiday, all agricultural tasks were completed, and the wedding and market season started.
On this blessed day, the faithful gather and seek solace in the sheltering presence of the divine Mother, humbly revering her pure icon: "Cover us with Your eternal protection, O Mother of God, and save us, we implore, from all evil, as we beseech Your Son, Christ our God, to have mercy on our souls," rings the troparion during the service.
If the feast falls on a Wednesday or Friday, it's permissible to partake in fish as a favorable concession.
Folklore and Weather Predictions for Pokrov
Legend has it that winter sets in on Pokrov, marking the midpoint of autumn and bringing us closer to the colder months. Our ancestors gauged the upcoming winter by the weather on this day, believing that if the wind blew from the west or east, it signaled a harsh winter. From the south, they expected moderate weather, and from the north, abundant snowfall.
If leaves fell by October 14, it betokened a snowy and mild winter, while if the trees kept their foliage, harsh frost was anticipated. The early migration of cranes portended a chilly winter. Snowfall on Pokrov Day indicated a snowy winter, while the absence of snow by October 14 meant it wouldn't snow until December.
In a recent meteorological update, the experts have provided a timeline for the establishment of permanent snow cover in the Altai region.
- In Russia, the Feast of the Protection of the Mother of God, or Pokrov Day, is celebrated every year on October 14, and this year, it falls on a Thursday.
- The Mother of God is revered during Pokrov for her intercession and protection, with many Christians saying, "The Mother of God has spread her protective cover over Russia."
- The holiday originated in the autumn of 1164, upon the decree of Grand Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky, who initiated the celebration following the miraculous event of the Mother of God protecting worshipers in Constantinople.
- Apart from religious significance, Pokrov Day was traditionally a turning point in the Russian lifestyle, marking the end of agricultural tasks, the start of the wedding season, and serving as a weather predictor for the upcoming winter.
