Orthodox Christians celebrate Holy Sunday
Orthodox Christians celebrate Pentecost, also known as Great Sunday. This is one of the major feasts of the Orthodox Church, celebrated fifty days after Easter.
For Christians, Holy Trinity Sunday represents the descent of the Holy Spirit, which occurred 50 days after Easter.
Fifty days after the Resurrection of the Lord, on the Jewish feast known as Pentecost (which is celebrated fifty days after the feast commemorating the Exodus), the Apostles and other disciples of Jesus Christ gathered together in prayer in the "upper chamber." At that moment, the Holy Spirit descended upon them in the form of "tongues of fire," accompanied by the sound of a strong wind. They began to speak in languages they did not know.
On Holy Trinity Sunday, or Pentecost, several important customs are observed. The most widespread tradition is to decorate the gates, windows, doors, and icons of homes with green branches of willow, walnut, or linden trees. It is also customary to collect thyme and yarrow flowers on this day, which are then spread around the house. Some of these flowers are taken to church to be consecrated and are later placed carefully on icons. After the holiday, they are often thrown into the yard, especially if rain or hail is expected.
Holy Trinity Sunday and Pentecost are holidays dedicated to commemorating the dead and celebrating water and vegetation.
In the Republic of Moldova, it is customary to visit cemeteries with offerings to commemorate the deceased. Traditional wooden and clay objects, including bowls, pots, and jugs filled with milk and noodles, along with cups of water or wine, are given as alms for the souls of the departed. Basil, rose branches, and walnut leaves are attached to the handles of these offerings. The alms are distributed to relatives, neighbors, and especially to children.
In some areas of Moldova, springs and wells are cleaned on Pentecost, a practice that takes place after Holy Trinity Sunday, when the roses are in bloom. The custom of cleaning springs and wells symbolizes renewal and purity, coinciding with the descent of the Holy Spirit.
