Easter Week

In Russia, each day of the Easter Week has a name:

Monday and Thursday:'Bathing'; water is poured over those who overslept and missed the morning service.

Wednesday:'Hailing'; it is believed that nobody should work on the Wednesday of this week, so that crops won't be destroyed by hail.

Thursday:The Dead are remembered in prayers.

Friday:'Forgiveness Day'; relatives and friends ask forgiveness from each other.

Saturday:'Round-Dancing' takes place (images of this dancing are often used on lacquer boxes).

Sunday:'Red Hill' is the day for meeting spring.

A straw dummy is placed at the top of a hill, and here men and women meet to sit in a circle, sing and dance. The day is thought of as a holiday for virgins, because it is now matchmaking starts again and weddings can once again take place (weddings are not allowed during Lent).