The Orthodox calendar contains many holidays, each of which is associated with a certain significant event for Christians. Now many are interested in what Pokrov is and how best to celebrate this holiday. There are no special customs in this regard. But, as on any other special day of the Orthodox calendar, you should not take it up with household chores, washing, cleaning, sewing, etc.
History of the holiday
There is a legend explaining what a Veil is. It was on this day, October 14, in the middle of autumn, that the Russian army laid siege to Constantinople, the center of Orthodoxy. And then the inhabitants of the city prayed for salvation. And the Mother of God came to the rescue, covering all the townspeople with her cover. Thus, they managed to escape the bloodshed.
It is generally accepted that it was then that the defeated governor Askold, together with his army, converted to Orthodoxy and believed in the providence of the Lord. It is thanks to this legend that the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos, a holiday dedicated to the events of that time, is celebrated on this day. Therefore, this day is advised to spend fun and in a good mood. It is also recommended to visit the temple and pray in front of the icon of the Virgin Mary.
What is the Veil, signs and beliefs on this day
It is believed that if an unmarried girl prays before the icon of the Virgin for marriage, then soon the young woman will meet her only betrothed. A married woman, having prayed, will bring peace and tranquility to the family. If you bake thin pancakes for the holiday and wrap their edges, then the house will be warm all winter. What is Veil - this is the time when the wind can determine what the weather will be like in winter: the south portends warmth, the north - severe frosts.
But if on this day they play a wedding and it snows, then this is a very good sign for a new family, happiness and prosperity await them. Also on this day, you can protect yourself from the evil eye, for this, in ancient times, old clothes were burned in the yard. It is believed that by burning the branches of an apple tree on this day, a person provides himself with warmth in the house.
