August 28 — Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: the essence of the holiday, what can and cannot be done

On August 28, Orthodox believers celebrate the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary, one of the main church holidays, preceded by a strict Dormition fast. Therefore, it is popularly called the Easter of the Virgin. In 2025, the date falls on Thursday. Izvestia tells us what the essence of the holiday is, what traditions and prohibitions are associated with it.

Assumption of the Virgin Mary — 2025: the essence of the holiday

The Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary belongs to the twelve Christian holidays, which are dedicated to the events of the earthly life of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. On this day, they remember the death of the Virgin, who, according to legend, did not die, but simply fell asleep. Hence the name Assumption, which means "falling asleep" or "peaceful death" in Church Slavonic.

According to the researchers, the Virgin Mary lived for 72 years. Shortly before the Dormition, the archangel Gabriel appeared to her and presented her with an olive branch from Paradise as the news that the life of the Virgin Mary was coming to an end. Exactly three days later, her soul ascended to God. Thus, the holiday is dedicated not to death, but to the transition of the Virgin to eternal life.

The plot of the Assumption became one of the most popular in icon painting, and later in painting and architecture. Paintings by such masters as Raphael, Rubens, Caravaggio, Titian, as well as many cathedrals and temples around the world are dedicated to him. In Russia, for example, the Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin is considered the main one. For centuries, it has been the center of the spiritual and state life of the country.

The tradition of celebrating the Dormition of the Virgin Mary was established by the Third Ecumenical (Ephesian) Council in 431. Orthodox believers celebrate this event on August 28, while Catholics celebrate it almost two weeks earlier on August 15.

Assumption of the Virgin Mary — 2025: traditions

The holiday is preceded by a strict two-week fast. By the way, in terms of limitations, the Dormition Fast is comparable only to the Great One. Every year it lasts from August 14th to August 27th. On his last day, an all-night vigil begins, during which the shroud with the image of the Virgin is taken out of the altar.

On the morning of August 28, the Divine Liturgy takes place in the churches. The clergy dress in blue robes, the symbolic colors of the Virgin, personifying purity and purity. Parishioners bring flowers to the icons and light candles with a prayer for the health of their loved ones.

In Russia, at this time, the end of field work was necessary, when the peasants cut the last sheaf in the field. Therefore, bunches of ears of corn and bread from the grain of the new harvest were often brought to the church, which were illuminated after the service.

In addition, the Assumption of the Virgin was considered the beginning of Indian summer. It was an exciting time for young people from that day on. There were engagements in the villages to get married in the fall. According to popular beliefs, such marriages promised to be long and happy, as they were blessed by the Mother of God herself.

Assumption of the Virgin Mary — 2025: what can and cannot be done

Following the church tradition, believers should not engage in hard work, sewing, cleaning the house, conflict and refuse alms to those in need. You should attend a festive divine service, and those who cannot do this should take time to pray at home.

Since the Dormition Fast ends on this day, strict food restrictions are lifted. Meat and fish dishes are allowed on the table, including alcohol consumption. However, the church charter prescribes to observe the measure on the holiday and not to indulge in too much exuberant fun.

Earlier, Izvestia told how the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated and when this holiday appeared.