In 2017, the Trinity falls on June 4. On this day in the Church to be hallowed grass and bouquets of twigs of birch or maple.
How did this custom, which blessed herbs have healing properties and which plants should definitely be in the bouquet, knows Lisa.
On the day of the Holy Trinity in the Orthodox churches committed one of the most solemn and beautiful services of the year. On the 50th day after Easter the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles like tongues of flame. The apostles, feeling the divine fire, praising God in previously unknown languages. So they gained knowledge that was necessary for preaching Christianity all over the world.
The feast of the Trinity according to tradition floors of temples and houses littered the freshly cut grass, icons are decorated with birch or maple branches, and the green-gold color of Church vestments of the priests symbolizes the life-giving and renewing power of the Holy spirit.
Why herbs adorn churches and houses
How to explain this custom of the priests, first, birch and maple trees can remind you about the oak grove of Mamre, where was the oak under which the Holy Trinity as three angels appeared to Abraham.
Secondly, in the day when the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles, the Jews celebrate the feast of Pentecost, which was associated with the history of the giving of the Laws of God.
On the fiftieth day after the Exodus from the land of Egypt, the Jews came to mount Sinai, where God gave Moses the ten commandments. It was spring time, and all mount Sinai was covered with flowering trees. Probably from here, in the ancient Church it was customary on the day of Pentecost to decorate their temples and homes with greenery, to once again find himself on mount Sinai with Moses.
This tradition has passed through centuries and today the green branches and grass to symbolize the victory of the spirit over the ashes.
Home rites at Trinity
The people at Trinity carefully prepared, washed and cleaned the house and yard, preparing a festive meal for family and friends. The children were sent to harvest grass and branches. On this day, baked with egg and young greens, wreaths of birch and flowers, and invited guests.
The girls wore their best outfits: it was considered that the acquaintance and courting the Trinity promise happiness in family life. At the same time the girls performed the rite of nepotism: kiss each other through birch and became heart friends.
What is Holy in the Church
According to folk tradition to sanctify the temple of herbs and bouquets of wild flowers and then put them in the house near the icons. It was believed that the Trinity blessed herbs protect the house from fire, not allowed to appear in a house of evil. Collected on the trio herb dried and used in the treatment of diseases: it was believed that the power of medicinal plants these days is increasing.
What are the herbs included in the bouquet for the consecration to the Trinity?
Thyme (or creeping thyme)
In olden days it was believed that this plant gives strength and peace of soul. Even in Ancient Rome, thyme was added to the font to the soldiers, so that they were brave and did not lose his head in battle.
The thyme was dried and placed in pillows to promote restful sleep. Women sewed dried thyme with the amulet and gave to her husband: it was thought that he calms a violent temper.
In folk medicine thyme is used as an expectorant, diaphoretic, sedative, antiseptic and pain reliever. Decoction of thyme can help in the fight against alcoholism to reduce the pain of the stomach, intestines and joint pain.
Wormwood (mugwort)
According to legend, “grass cursed” scares away evil spirits from the house does not wind up mice and cockroaches, protects against the evil eye. Wormwood infusions soothe the nerves, a good influence on the activity of the gastrointestinal tract, regulate the menstrual cycle.
Air (“angel grass”)
It was thought that Trinity air has a healing power: it disinfects the premises, gives positive energy, cure colds. Tincture of calamus treated toothache and gum inflammation, and adding dried marigold and burdock root, rinsed hair for their strengthening and growth.
Lovage
In the old days was not of the yard where would not have grown lovage. Decoction of lovage bathed babies, a wreath bride necessarily intertwined with a twig.
Lovage sewed inside the hem of the wedding dress (spouse passionately loved his mate); worn as a talisman against any kind of magic and evil curse.
This plant has traditionally been considered a talisman of love, a female herb. Teas and tea from lovage — a great diuretic, cardiac, expectorant, cleansing and pain reliever. Fresh leaves can relieve headaches, by applying a little shabby sheet to his forehead.
Mint
Did you know that in the old days to attract customers merchants fumigated with smoke of dry mint shopping place? Such a calming, relaxing and soothing effect it has a plant!
And Housewives added mint to the salad: it was believed that the scent of mint is uplifting and contributes to the lively table conversation. Mint tea has a beneficial effect in nervous and heart diseases, restores tone to the body when fatigue, relieves toothache and refreshes the oral cavity (removes even the smell of alcohol).
