The period from the Bright Resurrection of Christ to Krasnaya Gorka is called Easter week (Bright Week) in Orthodoxy. These days are characterized by mass festivities, as well as their own signs and traditions.
Throughout Easter week, special liturgies are held in Orthodox churches. All this time, the deacon's doors and the gates of the altar remain open. This is a symbol that the resurrected Jesus opened the doors of the Kingdom of Heaven (paradise) for believers.
In addition, bells are ringing almost continuously these days. This is because, according to a long-standing tradition, everyone - from a toddler to an old man - will be able to get the opportunity to climb the bell tower and, with their own hands, announce the area with bell chimes, sharing the Easter joy with other believers in a similar way.
Do's and Don'ts in Easter Week
All Bright Week, according to Orthodox traditions, should be devoted to entertainment. On these days, it is customary to visit each other and treat themselves to a quick meal. Unlike Maslenitsa week, unbridled fun is not encouraged on Easter. There should be no excesses in food and, moreover, fist fights should not be.
During Easter week, you should definitely go to the cemetery and commemorate the dead. There are two whole days for this event - Monday and Thursday. There is an opinion that it is on these days of the Bright Week that the souls of dead people return for a while from heaven to earth in order to rejoice in the resurrection of Christ together with the living.
Meanwhile, the Orthodox Church does not approve of the remembrance of those who died on Bright Week, which is why commemorations are not held in churches these days. The Church motivates her decision by the fact that Easter is a holiday of life and mentions of death will be superfluous.
Rites and beliefs of Easter week
Easter week will end with another holiday, which is popularly called the Red Hill. From time immemorial, it has been the most popular day for marriage. In many Russian cities during Bright Week, parades of newlyweds are organized. At this time, ceremonies associated with the conclusion of a marriage union are held.
So, it is believed that a girl will be able to bring her marriage closer if she manages to be the first to get to the bell tower and strike the bell.
According to popular belief, if a child is born in Easter week, he will be in good health. The girl will be able to preserve her beauty if she washes herself with water containing a painted Easter egg. It is also believed that during the week it is necessary to give alms to the poor at least once so that the family has money all year round.
