This word comes from the ancient Greek "canon" and has several meanings in Russian. Eve is the day (in some cases, the evening) preceding the holiday, and the time before any important event, and a ritual memorial church accessory, and a memorial meal or drink, and a musical instrument.
Ritual meaning
Eve (this is probably the most ancient meaning of the word) denotes a table, usually quadrangular, on which containers for funeral candles or candlesticks are located. The top of the table is marble or metal. Also, this concept denotes a place where products are brought to commemorate the dead. It is located next to the tetrapod. It is in front of this eve, on which stands the Crucifixion, as well as images of the Virgin and John the Theologian, that memorial services and services for the repose are held. The believer, placing a candle in the holder of the canon, says a certain prayer addressed to the Lord, asking him to forgive sins and create eternal memory.
Full with a bun
Eve is water that is sweetenedhoney, or honey broth. Owl honeys are those that have been fermented twice. And if a bun was also crumbled in a full meal, then it turned out to be the eve. This dish, combined with kutya (koliv), pancakes, jelly, in the traditions of the Eastern Slavs, was usually served at the funeral table. But saty was also a universal delicacy that gave life to the expression "eat your fill", which meant "eat everything, reach the sweet table".
Event pre-event
In the general cultural context, one of the most common meanings of the word eve is "the time preceding some event, usually significant." For example: on the eve of an important meeting, on the eve of an assassination attempt, on the eve of a holiday.
The adverb "the day before" can also be used in this context. For example: on the eve of negotiations, on the eve of a prayer service, on the eve of a rally.
Christmas Eve
In this sense and in this context, the word is used most often. Especially in the last decades of the revival of Christian Orthodoxy in Russia. What does the expression "Christmas Eve" mean?
Under this phrase, as a rule, is meant the evening (eve) before the feast of the Nativity of the Savior. Falls on December 24 (January 6). This evening is called Sochevnik, Christmas Eve, holy evening among various Slavic peoples. At this time, it was necessary to intensively prepare for the holiday. In the traditions of Orthodoxy - refusing food until the first star (Bethlehem is implied) and breaking the fast with kutya and sochivom (honey is a symbol of spiritual gifts).
