According to Orthodox tradition, today is "Buna-Vestire," Catholic readers might recognize this day as the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is the celebration of the day in which the Angel Gabriel told the Virgin Mary that she would give birth to the son of God.
The Buna-Vestire falls right in the middle of the Easter fasting. Those who are holding the fast are eating strictly vegan diets (which at the end of winter, with no fresh produce, is a really big commitment. I can't say I know many young people who do hold fast). Ironically though, Buna-Vestire is considered to be one of the 12 major feasts of the Orthodox Calendar.
Fast holders and pretenders alike will celebrate today by a one-day exception to the fast, eating as much fish as they like. My host Mom bought her fish supply a couple days ago. She hasn't kept fast (she made it like 27 hours until she broke down to cheese and meat again). My host aunt kept the fast for about a week or so, a common gesture in these parts. My host grandma is still a devout observer, and my neighbors and friends at the Popa house will probably eat fish today because they like it so much, but they plan to observe the fast next week.
This week, fish stalls at the market have been the envy of all other providers. Happy feasting, everyone!
The Buna-Vestire falls right in the middle of the Easter fasting. Those who are holding the fast are eating strictly vegan diets (which at the end of winter, with no fresh produce, is a really big commitment. I can't say I know many young people who do hold fast). Ironically though, Buna-Vestire is considered to be one of the 12 major feasts of the Orthodox Calendar.
Fast holders and pretenders alike will celebrate today by a one-day exception to the fast, eating as much fish as they like. My host Mom bought her fish supply a couple days ago. She hasn't kept fast (she made it like 27 hours until she broke down to cheese and meat again). My host aunt kept the fast for about a week or so, a common gesture in these parts. My host grandma is still a devout observer, and my neighbors and friends at the Popa house will probably eat fish today because they like it so much, but they plan to observe the fast next week.
This week, fish stalls at the market have been the envy of all other providers. Happy feasting, everyone!
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