April 7 — Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary: what does a bright holiday mean?

On April 7, the Orthodox Church celebrates the great feast of the twelve, the Annunciation. It is dedicated to a fateful event in the life of the Virgin Mary and a miracle that was destined to shake the whole world. In 2025, the celebration falls on a Monday. Izvestia tells about the history and traditions of the bright holiday.

Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos: What does April 7th mean?

The very name of the celebration contains the words "good news" — after all, it was on this day that the archangel Gabriel appeared to the virgin Mary, telling the righteous girl about her destiny. That's how Mary learned that she was destined to become the mother of the Son of God. This episode is described in the Gospel of Luke.

The date of the holiday always remains unchanged — April 7, exactly nine months before the birth of Christ. The Orthodox Church began celebrating it back in the 3rd century. The official name of the celebration is the Annunciation of Our Most Holy Lady, Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary.

Traditions of celebrating the Annunciation

In honor of the great event, an all-night vigil is held in the church on the eve, and the morning begins with a festive liturgy. The clergy dress in blue, the color of the Virgin. During the sermon, the parishioners are told about the essence of the holiday and the wonderful story of the Annunciation.

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On March 18, Orthodox Christians will begin their longest and strictest fast.

The celebration falls during the period of Great Lent, however, in honor of the holiday, allowances are possible. So, you can serve fish and pastries without meat filling on the table at the Annunciation. The crumbs from the prosphora are mixed with the grain during sowing for a good harvest.

Another tradition is the release of pigeons from their cages, as a sign that every God's creation should be free. In the Annunciation Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin, the patriarch releases a flock of pigeons, and hundreds of parishioners gather to watch the birds fly.

Sometimes the holiday coincides with the period of preparation for Easter, as, for example, in 2018, when the Annunciation fell on Holy Saturday. Then the parishioners bring colored eggs and cakes for the consecration. The complete coincidence of Easter with the Annunciation is rare. This day is called Kiriatha, the last time the dates were superimposed was in 1991, and the next time will be only in 2075.

The Feast of the Annunciation: what to do, prohibitions

On any twelve—day holiday, it is not recommended, unless absolutely necessary, to engage in heavy physical labor, clean the house, do laundry, wash windows - only cooking is allowed. The tradition of not working at the Annunciation extends to work trips or business trips.

Conflicts and quarrels on the day of a bright holiday can bring upon a person troubles and sorrows that will haunt him for a long time. Therefore, on a bright holiday, it is important to help others, do not refuse requests, and do charity work.

According to popular beliefs, you can not lend money, otherwise you can spend a whole year in losses. It is also not recommended to give away any things from home, so as not to bring other hardships on the family.

Omens of April 7, on the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos

Annunciation is considered an unfavorable day for new beginnings. It is not recommended to even wear new clothes on a holiday, otherwise they will not last long.

But on a significant day, you can make a wish — and if the person asking does not mean any harm, it will surely come true.

Weather signs remain important. If the snow has not yet come down by the day of the Annunciation, you should not expect a good harvest. But sunny and warm weather, on the contrary, promises a clear spring and rich shoots.