What is allowed and not allowed for Easter 2020

How to prepare for Easter 2020?

 

    Easter is called a celebration of triumphs in the church - after all, this is the main Christian holiday when we rejoice in the ascension of Christ and share this joy with our neighbors. Easter also means the transition from death to life, from material to spiritual. And Lent is spring for the soul, a spiritual practice that helps us prepare for the great holiday. Therefore, the main thing that we should think about during this period is the spiritual component.

 

How to eat and what can not be done during Lent?

 

    Lent in 2020 began on March 2. Fasting is very good, but it’s not about meat and milk. Fasting is not a diet where we take care of the body. During Great Lent, everything must be done to spiritually be enriched before the Holy Ascension of Christ. During fasting, one should pray and attend church, do not swear, do not lie, fight envy and pride, refuse entertainment. It is necessary to devote time to the exaltation of the soul. It’s good to read church literature.

    As for food restrictions, food of animal origin should be abandoned, but everyone should do it to the best of their ability, since fasting is designed to make us healthy, not sick. There is a monastic charter on food during fasting with rules on raw food and eating hot food on certain days, but it applies to ministers of the monastery. The laity do not need to follow the laws of the monastery charter. Also, fasting is not necessary for children under 7 years old, people with poor health, pregnant and lactating women.

 

What can and cannot be done during the Holy Week?

 

    The last week before the holiday, everyone is dedicated to household chores: they prepare, clean up the house, and bake Easter cakes. But at this time it is also necessary to find time to take care not only of the earthly, but also of the spiritual. Easter is not eggs and cakes, it is Christ himself. The tradition to decorate the holiday, to make a beautiful table is fine, but you should not lose the main thing - spiritual fulfillment. Best of all, if you can combine the earthly and the spiritual.

    Pure Thursday has always been devoted to rituals to improve the health of family members - this is bathing, cutting hair, and cleaning the house. This tradition is relevant in our time. On Thursday, they also prepare Easter baked goods, and eggs are usually painted on Holy Saturday. But preparations for the holiday can be done throughout the week, except Friday. On Good Friday you need to visit a church and evade Christ.

 

How to celebrate Easter 2020

 

    Of course, it’s right to start the Easter day with prayer, with Orthodox worship and sanctify Easter food in the church. The main thing that should be in the Easter basket is eggs and Easter cakes. You can also put baked meat or cheese, that is, foods that could not be consumed in fasting. It is not necessary to consecrate vegetables or salt. Also, one cannot put money and material values ​​in the basket. We consecrate products because we want to call upon the grace of God for everything that is part of our lives, including food. Therefore, we consecrate the food that we take with particular joy on Easter days. At church, we take the blessing to talk.

     At the table you need to thank God and glorify him for the miracle of the resurrection from the dead, for giving us life. There is no need to set up a lush table for conversation, but start eating with consecrated eggs and Easter cake. After that, when you sit down at a table with family and friends, you can eat any dishes, but not overeat: this does not correspond to the spirit of the holiday. In the Christian life, everything should be a measure. Wine can also be consumed in moderation. The remains of food after a feast should not be thrown away - it is better to give them to birds and animals. For Easter it is not necessary to give presents, but it is possible if you want to make it pleasant for loved ones. Good gift options for Easter would be housekeepers or gift books.

 

What not to do on Easter

 

    On this day, it is advisable not to work and not do homework. This does not apply to petty household matters. The church does not prohibit work if necessary. But any business should not occupy all our attention. The main thing we need to think about is the joy of the resurrection of our Lord. We must share with those in need, give joy, forgive insults. What definitely cannot be done at Easter is: swearing and taking offense, being greedy, indulging in despondency so as not to spoil the holiday for others.

 

When to go to the cemetery

 

     It’s wrong to go to the cemetery on Easter. They commemorate the dead from the day of Radonitsa. In 2020, this is April 25th. On this day, we come to the cemetery not to mourn the dead, but to share the joy of the holiday. We bring joy to those who have not disappeared, but are in a different spiritual world, and this joy connects us together.

 

How to spend a week after Easter

 

     The Orthodox tradition is to celebrate Easter for seven days. At this time, people should come to the church to receive communion. All week, just like on a bright Sunday, it is customary to say hello “Christ has risen” and answer “Truly risen”. All 7 days in our hearts should be the joy of the resurrection of the Lord, which we share with all people.