Syrni zagovezni (Pokladi) or Farewell Sunday is a holiday of universal forgiveness. This year we celebrate Cheese Exports on February 26.
Today is the last Sunday before Lent or Shrove Tuesday. The holiday is also called Прошка On this day, a liturgy is held in Orthodox churches, where Christ's words are read: "If you do not forgive men their sins, neither will your heavenly Father forgive your sins.“
On Sirni zagovezni, the ritual of forgiveness is held. Thus, each person asks for forgiveness from his loved ones and from God, uttering the traditional words of forgiveness: "Forgive!" and receiving an answer " Forgiven!”
One week after Meat Market, the festive table should have cheese pie, dishes made with dairy products, festive pita, fish, dishes made without meat, halva or boiled eggs.
Another ritual called hamkane is performed on Sirupustna Sunday, which is the most fun for children. On a red thread that hangs from the ceiling, grandmothers tie a small piece of halva, cheese or a boiled egg. Everyone sits in a circle around the table and with their mouths try to catch what is tied on the string.
According to another folk custom of Sirni zagovezni, big fires should be lit to jump over. This custom mainly involves young men, who also shoot fiery arrows into the yards of those maidens they like. The custom is done for he alth, fertility and the expulsion of evil forces. After cheese export, the Easter fasts begin.
Today is forgiveness - and we, the I-woman team, ask for forgiveness from you - our readers. We hope you will forgive us. And write to us and love us as before. Thank you!
