Orthodox Christians are celebrating the Day of the Holy Trinity, or Pentecost, a major religious holiday that commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and is considered the birthday of the Christian Church.

The holiday, which falls on the 50th day after Easter, is marked by special church services, family gatherings, and folk traditions. Churches are decorated with greenery, and believers often wear green clothing, symbolizing renewal and life.

The Trinity is celebrated with an All-Night Vigil followed by a Divine Liturgy where special prayers are offered. A unique aspect of the service is kneeling during prayer, a practice resumed after Easter.

Traditionally, families gather for a festive meal, abstaining from fasting but moderating alcohol consumption.

Folk customs blend with religious observances. Birch trees, symbolizing the holiday, are used to decorate homes and temples. Young people participate in circle dances and “kumlenie” rituals, where girls become “kumushki” (close friends).

Certain activities are traditionally avoided on Trinity. These include heavy physical labor, sewing, knitting, getting married (unless specially blessed), swimming (due to folk beliefs about water spirits), swearing, quarreling, refusing to help others, and burying the dead (memorial services are held the day before).

Weather signs associated with Trinity include rain (indicating a rich harvest), hot weather (foreshadowing a dry summer), morning dew (promising a good harvest), and a rainbow (signifying health and prosperity).

Herbs collected on Trinity are believed to possess special powers to protect from fire and disease.