On the verge of spring and summer, when nature bursts into lush greenery and reaches its peak, a special time comes in Ukraine. On the 50th day after Easter, believers of Christian churches celebrate the feast of the Trinity, which is also popularly called the Green Holidays. In the Christian calendar, the Trinity is one of the twelve greatest holidays. It symbolizes the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles and the appearance of G-d in three hypostases. This dogma was officially approved at the end of the 4th century (in 381) at the Second Ecumenical Council in Constantinople, and since then the holiday has been a symbol of spiritual rebirth.
The main symbol of the Trinity is green, which personifies life itself and the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit. On these days, churches are filled with the aroma of fragrant herbs, and priests wear green vestments for the solemn liturgy. Believers bring bouquets of wildflowers and birch branches for consecration, which they then keep at home near the icons as a talisman. This beautiful tradition reminds us: just as the earth blooms under the sun, so human souls should bloom under the influence of higher grace.
They prepare for the holiday in advance and very carefully. The housewives put their homes in order, get out their best clothes and prepare festive dishes. After the solemn service, the whole family gathers at a large table, where they always remember and commemorate with warm words those who have already passed away.
According to tradition, on Trinity Day there is a strict taboo on any hard work. The earth is not disturbed – it is given a rest. Instead, Ukrainians happily go out into nature. However, old people warn against swimming in water bodies on this day, because Mermaid Week begins with Trinity. They say that river nymphs are just waiting for an opportunity to tickle careless swimmers. But weaving wreaths, leading round dances and fortune-telling on your betrothed is the right time!
Green holidays are a great reason to stop the daily hustle and bustle, turn to eternal values, and find inner balance.
May this holiday bring harmony to your homes, and may the light of love, goodness, and hope always to burn in your heart!
Let us rejoice in life in the name of the Creator, let us believe in the best!