Traditions and rituals of the Annunciation: Today, the faithful unite in celebration

The Annunciation, celebrated on March 25 by Orthodox and Catholics, marks the day when the Virgin Mary received the news of Jesus' birth from the Archangel Gabriel. This celebration, also known as Blagoveștenie, is the first dedicated to the Mother of God, having roots in the 4th-5th centuries, when the church in Nazareth was built. Traditions state that on the Annunciation, the tongues of singing birds are loosened, and the cuckoo begins to sing. People place bread and salt on the threshold of their homes to feed the angels, and arguments are forbidden, as it is believed that those who quarrel will have troubles all year round. In Maramureș, the ritual "Night of Fires" is practiced, and householders gather unnecessary items and burn them. Additionally, it is a day when fish is allowed, and those who taste it will feel good all year.