The Serbian Orthodox Church and its faithful today observe the third day of Holy Week, known as Holy Wednesday.
Holy Wednesday commemorates the betrayal of Jesus Christ by Judas Iscariot. On this day, in remembrance of the woman who anointed Christ’s feet with myrrh, one of the seven holy sacraments, the anointing of the sick, is performed in churches. During this sacrament, believers are anointed with holy oil as a remedy for physical and spiritual health.
This is the last full working day of the week. Women were forbidden to sew on this day, just as they were during Palm Week. In the Negotin region, a plant called burijan was traditionally pulled, believed to have magical powers and to offer protection against witches. In addition to its magical use, this plant was also used in folk medicine.
In some places, Easter eggs are dyed on Holy Wednesday as well. In homes that are in mourning, eggs are dyed black and are called monks. Holy Week, also known as Passion Week, began on Monday, and during this period strict prohibitions were once rigorously observed.
Fasting was strictly followed, and washing clothes, celebrations, drunkenness, and even relations between spouses were forbidden, as it was believed that children conceived during this period would be born with “convulsions.”
Church services focus on the final earthly days of our Lord Jesus Christ — his betrayal, arrest, and suffering on the cross. This week is called strasna (Passion Week), because in Old Church Slavonic the word strast means suffering, endurance, and pain.
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Source: Kurir; Foto: Printscreen TV Hram