Today is Holy Wednesday: what you can and cannot do
16 April 00:09
The Holy Week continues in Ukraine, marking the approach of Easter – today, April 16, believers celebrate the second day, which is Holy Wednesday. On this day, there are special traditions and prohibitions that believers must observe, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
What is Holy Week?
Holy Week is a time when Christians remember the last days of Jesus Christ’s life on earth, his suffering, crucifixion and death on the cross, and his resurrection.
This week is a period of deep repentance, prayer, and spiritual purification, as the most important events of the Christian faith took place during these days.
During this period, believers devote time to prayer, repentance, abstinence from entertainment and festive meals, and try to observe strict fasts to purify their souls and bodies before the feast of the Resurrection.
Holy Wednesday
It was on this day that Judas betrayed Christ for 30 pieces of silver. Also on Holy Wednesday, believers remember Mary Magdalene, who washed the Savior’s feet and wiped them with her own hair.
The most thorough preparation for Easter begins on this day. On Wednesday, the last prayer with bows is read in churches, after which bows during the liturgy are canceled until the Trinity.
It is believed that on Wednesday the Lord atoned for our sins, so it is recommended to confess on this day.
What to do on Holy Wednesday
On Holy Wednesday, it is recommended to confess and repent of your sins. There is a tradition of washing with holy water. This rite symbolizes the purification of the body and soul before the celebration of Easter.
On Wednesday, household chores are completed, and preparations for Easter eggs and pysankas begin.
During Holy Week, people always cleaned up the house and prepared dishes for the Easter table. According to Ukrainian traditions, it is customary to observe the strictest fast, pray and attend church. Also, early grains and peas are sown in villages this week.
There are no restrictions on housework.
What is strictly forbidden during Holy Week
- You cannot eat dairy and meat dishes, fish and eggs.
- Any kind of merriment, dancing, and singing is prohibited.
- It is considered a sin to satisfy intimate desires.
- You cannot refuse help during this period. It is believed that during Holy Week, the Lord Himself, in the form of a human, can ask for something.
- You cannot quarrel or get angry, and envy and lying are also forbidden.
