The Annunciation of the Most Holy Virgin Mary: History of the Holiday, Prayers, Traditions, and Prohibitions.

March 25 marks the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, one of the most important Christian holidays.

The Annunciation signifies the beginning of spring and is associated with the Virgin Mary, who announced the birth of the Son of God and the salvation of the world.

Ukrainian churches celebrate the Annunciation 13 days earlier due to the transition to the new Julian calendar.

History of the Holiday

The Annunciation holiday has been celebrated since the 4th century and is described in the Gospel of Luke.

The Archangel Gabriel came to Mary and announced to her about her future motherhood of Christ.

The symbol of the holiday is white doves in the blue sky, and the blue color is a symbol of the Blessed Virgin.

Prayers to the Virgin Mary

Prayer for protection and blessing

Prayer for marriage, love, and children

Prayer before the icon of the Annunciation

Prayer for protection from evil spirits

Prayer to the Heavenly Mother

On the day of the Annunciation, there are signs and restrictions, for example, one should not engage in physical labor, sew, or wear new clothes.

People also visit the church, pray, wash themselves with melted water on this day, and stock up on Annunciation salt for medicinal purposes.