That means the celebration of the "Red hill": the signs and description

The Feast of "Red hill" noted the Eastern Slavs. Its history begins in Kievan Rus. The day of Krasnaya Gorka was timed to the Sunday following the Passover. In some places it is celebrated on St. George's day (just Sunday), and other — on Monday, in the third — the day before. About why the holiday of "Red hill" has such a name, what it means and what signs are associated with it, see below.

History

Understanding the importance of this day is to delve into the Bible. Why the feast called "Red hill" (Antipascha, Licesne Sunday) is so important and so celebrated EN masse? He said, as we mentioned, after Easter. To be precise — on the eighth day. All week the Church remembered Thomas-the Apostle, not believing that the Savior was resurrected. Christ, according to the story of the gospel, appeared in front of him, in order to prove that the miracle actually happened. It is from here, by the way, went all the well-known expression “unbelieving Thomas”. Update of the resurrection of Christ became associated with the name of the Apostle. Many believers it is believed that Thomas could not be questioned in disbelief. He had no doubt that Christ really is the Savior. The Apostle only wanted to meet with their risen Teacher, wanted to feel the triumph, the joy, and not with witnesses, and personally. It is clear — to believe in the word (even loved ones) is not always possible, but if to see in person, the doubt will be gone.

Former fisherman Thomas, one of the twelve apostles, went around preaching a lot of countries. According to legend, he founded the Christian Church in India, Palestine, Ethiopia, Parthia, Mesopotamia. And died the Holy Apostle for the faith after cruel torture. His relics are now on mount Athos, Hungary and India.

Antipathy

Agree, a strange name... on the one hand — the great and bright this holiday - "Red hill", which means, then, is the contradiction? It turns out that it has elements of paganism. Our ancestors even before the designation of the Church of the resurrection Fomin met at this time the spring. Time passed, traditions have remained. The folk festivals are still many elements of pagan rituals (of which more will be told), therefore, the Church refers to this feast is pretty cool and even somewhat frowned upon.

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The word “Antipascha” there is no particle of denial, as many people think. On the contrary, “anti” means “is”. Therefore, the popular name of the holiday is interpreted as ‘Easter’.

Christianity or paganism?

To this day this question is definitely not the answer – is so heavily intertwined with historical overtones. About “red hill" as an event of the Church, we have already spoken. But why this holiday is both still and pagan? First, it arose long before Christianity. Secondly, it is the festival of the Sun (or rather, update it). The people on the hill (the hill) zaklikaet: “Yarile glory! Hello, red Sun!” Spoken spells for weather, bountiful harvest. Songs-stoneflies praised Yarilo (the Sun God), the coming heat, the emergence of new life (the future fruits of nature). People gathered before dawn, and at dawn uttered the spell.

Folk festivals

About the origin of the name guessing can be long — the options are really many. Most likely, the word “red” means “light, bright”, but “slide” what is meant is a hill.

Spring begins with warm sun and melting snow. And the first “open” hills, i.e. hills. What happens together? That's right - “red” (the beautiful, have already started to turn green) hill. These hills, progressist and dried out after the snow and the retreating tide, the most suitable for mass festivities.

Celebration of youth

The festivities began before dawn and lasted for almost a day, until sunset. Celebrated all. But most of all this day waiting for the youth. In the area walked long and fun – were songs, and dances, and riding on the big swings. The guys on "Red hill" met with the girls. The participation of young people of marriageable age (both sexes) was mandatory. Those who from the festivities refused, thinking up nasty and offensive nicknames. They were laughed at and called “napalechniki”. Moreover, the refusal to participate in the festivities was considered a very bad omen. People believed that the girl, being of marriageable age and not arriving at the festival, won't be getting married, and if married, only the most useless “ugly”. This “nepotism” people predicted disaster.

Wedding

It is believed that the marriage to come to the feast "Red hill", the most successful. According to popular belief, betrothed on this day, young will never part with. In addition, at this time, end posts, and you can afford a real feast for the stomach. Who would refuse from a feast for the whole world? In celebration of "Red hill" the wedding is definitely held under the wedding songs couples got married this year. Suchpeople specifically called for celebration. The songs sung by them, was to attract young couples to the prosperity, mutual understanding and good luck. That is why, by the way, "Red hill" popularly called “Klikushin resurrection”.

Those who were singing wedding songs, definitely traditionally carried a glass of vodka, and traditional eggs.

Preparing for "red hill" seriously and thoroughly pre-invited guests, covered Banquet tables — fried eggs, baked loaves in the shape of a circle (Sun symbol). And on this occasion it was decided to acquaint the boys with the girls. The youth wore the best, most elegant clothes. Numerous guests had an opportunity to evaluate brides and grooms.

As the life of the farmers depended on the schedule of excavation, the wedding played in either fall or early spring.

How did "Red hill"?

Now, unfortunately, many of the customs just forgotten. Remained, probably, only feast. Earlier this holiday was fun. Festivities usually began with the bride-show, when girls dressed in festive costumes, went from village to village, singing songs, giving the opportunity to potential suitors (and, of course, their parents) consider themselves better. Only beating the entire village (and often neighbouring villages), future daughter-in-law went to the place where the planned festivities. His equipment worked guys. They leveled the area for dancing and round dances, put benches, swings, “attractions”.

The Dance part of the festival began (opened) girlish dances. Had a lot of options, but the basis always put the topic of the revival of the earth, the sun, sowing season. Girls were supposed to look unapproachable and chaste. However, it didn't last long. Gradually the round dances and games, there are elements of flirting. All this time, dance only girl. Guys keep an eye on and allow yourself to let go of compliments, showing thus that someone was interested. Rude jokes and nabrasyvanija kissing come much later, but for now one can only afford small liberties. For example, taking girls on a swing. Carousels, sliders, giant steps and so-called odcinki established in advance for Easter. In cities and large villages were set to large and bright structures, small — is easier. To swing often take conventional boards. They are fastened with thick ropes to poles or trees. Odcinki made from the same boards, but longer. The latter were put on a high block of wood (they are still often used in circus tricks).

Swing could only those girls who were invited by the guys. That dress is not developed in the wind, skirts tied at the knee with special belts. Only after that, the girls could stand on the swing (not without the help of the guys). The first time the young people had fulfilled all the requests of their potential chosen: to shake harder, to stop, to roll down. Later, however, wishes fulfilled, only for a kiss. This particularly applied to stop the swing. On pokidko with giant steps umarstvo was shown only guys. This “demonstration” demanded considerable strength, agility and ability to concentrate. Of course, the risk of injury was high, however, young people went to him in order to attract the eyes of young women. Perhaps, among young people the most significant was always a holiday "Red hill".

The Signs

Some consider them superstition, others believe that the basis of most beliefs — a centuries-old experience of our ancestors. For example, the family played a wedding that day, was supposed to be the strongest. By the way, even at the present time young couples try to know in advance how many “Red hill” – many people want not only to sign the registry office, but also to get married on this day.

Another belief is connected with the fulfillment of the sacred desires. It is believed that if "Red hill" to the pit with one coin, then the hidden will surely come.

It is said that if a guy (girl) do not come to the celebration of the “red hill", not necessarily from him (her) away.

Before “red hill" was taken to wash the icon. This was done always over a basin. The water is not poured, leaving before the holiday. People believed that univsity water of the icon will be rich and will have the entire year to live in prosperity. About the ritual, if it was held, or told not to frighten off good luck.

Folk tradition returns

Unfortunately, customs began to fade in the memory of modern people. Not everyone remembers the history of the holiday, its meaning and purpose. But I guess the folk tradition return. Holiday "Red hill" in Kolomna — a vivid example.
APR 26, in Kolomna, in the square of “Silver”, which is located on the territory of Kolomna Kremlin, was held the regional folklore festival of the “Red hill in Kolomna”, which was organized by the Ministry of agriculture and food of the Moscow region, the city administration of Kolomna, Danilov Patriarchal monastery and the Center of the revival of traditions. After the divine Liturgy held in the assumption Cathedral, and the procession on the Cathedral began performing folk ensemblesfolk fun and games. Entertainment — an old game involving the throwing of eggs. The main participants, of course, were children and youth. For the amusement of the broke 10196 eggs, what should be included in the Guinness book of records.