You can celebrate 40 days earlier or later. To the temple to order a commemoration. Rules for holding memorial days

Very often in the world we do not know how to properly organize the funeral of a deceased person close to us. And when is it supposed to remember the dead? It is no secret that there are certain rituals when the deceased are remembered on the second day after the funeral, on 9 days from the date of death, on 40 days and on the anniversary; we have already written about all this separately. But questions often arise about whether it is possible – and should it be – to organize a wake for the deceased, six months after death, and also how exactly to do such a wake, and today we will talk about this in detail.

Orthodox Christians often commemorate deceased relatives in temples and churches often, without strictly paying attention to dates. After all, the main thing in prayer is the repose of the soul of the deceased person. And in the bustle Everyday life very often people forget about the need to come to church and light a candle for the repose. And many do not even know how to properly remember the dead after six months have passed from the date of death.

How to hold a wake six months from the date of death?

Nevertheless, it never hurts to pray and remember the deceased with a kind word, even if this date is not official and obligatory. After all, the souls of the departed do not need laudatory toasts and dishes, the main thing is that prayers be heard for them.

How to properly remember the dead in church

To properly remember the deceased for six months, you need to come to church for evening service or before the start of the Liturgy. You can prepare at home or in the temple itself and submit special notes with the names of the deceased. At the same time, you need to know that the names of only baptized deceased Christians are indicated.

At the top of the note you need to put an Orthodox octagonal cross, write the title “On Repose” and write the names. In this case, the name must be written in the genitive case, and the name must also be written in full: Maria, Anatoly.

“Masha and Tolya” - such entries are not allowed. During the service, the deceased are commemorated while particles are removed from the prosphora. You can independently pray for the departed during the funeral litany. Or put a candle in front of a canon with a crucifix.

Your prayer for a deceased relative will be more effective if you approach the sacrament during the service.

Also on the day of the funeral, donations must be brought to the temple. Give alms to a beggar, asking him to pray for the deceased.

Organization of a memorial table for six months from the date of death

Christians have long had a custom of commemorating deceased relatives at meals, which we have already written about in detail in previous articles. You just need to remember that on this day everyone gathers at the table not to meet with family and eat delicious food. The purpose of the wake is to read prayers for the soul of the deceased.

Before eating in honor of the deceased for six months from the date of death, lithium must be performed. This is part of the worship performed in churches, and can be performed by a simple Christian. IN as a last resort, you need to read Psalm 90 and the “Our Father” prayer.

Or read the prayer at home: “O Lord, rest in peace the souls of your departed servants and all my departed relatives and benefactors, and forgive them all their sins, voluntary and involuntary, and grant them the Kingdom of Heaven.” It is advisable for everyone who has gathered for the funeral to read the prayer together. And you should start your meal during a funeral with kutya or koliva. These are rice grains boiled with raisins and honey.

All hosts try to treat their guests well, but we must remember that fasting should be observed during the wake. And after prayer you can raise a small glass of wine. At the same time, everyone understands that it doesn’t matter to the deceased how much vodka we drank and how much meat we ate, the main thing is to remember the deceased with a kind word.

What to do for six months of wakes?

In the morning at home, on the day of the funeral, light a candle for six months from the date of death, place a photograph of the deceased next to the icon and read a prayer. If there is a service in the temple on this day, then before the service begins, go to the temple and, after giving a donation to the temple, buy a candle.

Order a funeral service right there in the church, and you must submit a note with the name of the deceased. After you have completed the service, you need to buy another candle and then you can go to the cemetery.

When you come to the grave of the deceased, you need to light a candle, and bring some food and place it on the grave. At the same time, there is a belief that the soul of a deceased person is nearby on Memorial Day, hovering in the clouds. Therefore, the funeral prayer will be very important. Everyone who came to the grave can be invited home to the funeral table.

At home, after reading the prayer, you can sit at the table and remember the deceased. In this case, one must take into account fasting and refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages.

Dishes served during funerals six months after the death of a relative

During the wake, traditional dishes such as kutia, honey syta and a variety of jelly were served on the table in Rus'. Lunch began with kutia, and always ended with jelly and a full meal.

Depending on the regions of residence, traditional dishes during funerals were served for six months in the northern regions of Russia: fish pie, and in the southern regions pancakes. Nowadays, more and more often, cafes and restaurants have a special menu for funeral tables. The church does not prohibit such commemorations, but it is advisable to adhere to fasts and set the funeral table without alcoholic beverages.

The most important things are always left on the funeral table. place of honor for the deceased, since it is still believed that at this time the deceased is nearby and these are his guests. A bowl and cup are left for him and the following words are said: “Come, dear, eat with us!”

Food must be lean if the funeral is held on Friday or Wednesday. If the wake falls on , then it can only be organized on Saturday or Sunday.

In Rus', the funeral meal was usually completed with a pie. Which was brought out on a large platter. There were candles around the pie, after they were extinguished, this pie was distributed to the poor to commemorate the soul of the deceased.

Funeral kutia (kolivo, sochivo, eve)

To prepare kutya, you need to soak the washed wheat grains overnight, then cook them until tender and season with diluted honey or sugar. Washed and dried raisins are added to the grains. Instead of wheat, you can use rice to make koliv.

Refreshments at the funeral meal

Ham rolls with cheese and garlic

Place the mixture on a slice of ham and roll it up. Dip the roll in mayonnaise and roll in grated yolks and place on a plate.

Tomatoes stuffed with fish salad

To prepare this snack, you need to take 4-5 tomatoes, a can of canned fish, boil 5 eggs, herbs, pepper and salt.

Cut the tops of the washed tomatoes and carefully scoop out the pulp with a teaspoon. Grate the eggs and combine with the tomato pulp. Mash the canned food with a spoon and mix with mayonnaise. Pepper and salt the tomatoes. Combine the egg and fish mixture and place in the tomatoes. Garnish with herbs or grated cheese on top.

Eggplants with tomatoes and garlic for the funeral table

Preparation: you need to wash 3-4 eggplants, 4-5 tomatoes, 4 cloves of garlic, parsley, cilantro, salt and pepper.

Drain the washed vegetables and cut into slices 0.6-0.8 mm thick.

Fry the eggplants in sunflower oil on both sides and place on a napkin to remove excess oil. Place them on a plate and top with pieces of tomato, chopped garlic and herbs.

Salad “Spring freshness”

To prepare this salad you will need 1 cucumber, 2-3 tomatoes, 4 pcs. radishes, 1 tablespoon of granular cottage cheese and 2-3 tablespoons of yogurt, greens. Add salt to taste.

Meat in French for the funeral table

Compound
pork - 400-500 g,

onions - 3-4 pieces,

hard cheese - 200-300 g,

mayonnaise - 400 g,

pepper, salt, herbs.

To make meat in French for a funeral table for six months, cut the meat along the grain into layers 1 cm thick. Beat these pieces, add salt and pepper. Place tightly together on a greased baking sheet. Place onion, cut into half rings, on each layer; you can add mushrooms or potatoes.

Pour generously of mayonnaise and sprinkle with grated cheese. This dish is baked at 180°C. Within 25 minutes.

Lenten dishes served at funerals

Fish jelly

Prepare 1 kg. fish different varieties. Shred it and cut it into pieces.

Pour 1.5 liters of water into a saucepan and cook the fish waste. Add 1 carrot, 1 pc. to the bowl. onions, salt and pepper and add pieces of fish to this broth. Cook it until done. Place the fish on a dish and pour over the strained broth with the addition of gelatin. And place in a cool place to harden.

Potato salad with pickled mushrooms and green peas

Peel 8-9 boiled potatoes in their jackets and cut into cubes. Chop the pickled mushrooms. Peel the onion and cut into half rings. Liquid from a jar with green peas drain and put everything in a salad bowl. Season with vegetable oil. Season with salt and add as desired. Greenery.

Eggplant stuffed with mushrooms

To prepare this luda you need to take 2 pcs. eggplant, 2 pcs. bell pepper, 1 PC. onions, 2 pcs. tomato, 150 gr. Champignon mushrooms, 2-3 cloves of garlic, parsley or cilantro, walnuts, vegetable oil, salt pepper.

Eggplants should be cut into halves lengthwise and the pulp should be removed with a teaspoon. Place the eggplants on a baking sheet greased with oil and salt each of the “boats” inside.

Fry finely chopped peppers, onions, and eggplant pulp in a frying pan. At the end of cooking, add grated tomatoes without skin. Separately fry the champignons and combine them with vegetables.

When the eggplant “boats” are ready, fill them with filling and sprinkle grated nuts on top.

How to prepare funeral apple jelly

To prepare funeral apple jelly, pour 1.5 liters of water into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Place 5-9 pieces in water. apples cut into small pieces and add a piece of cinnamon. Boil over low heat for 5-7 minutes.

Then strain this broth and rub the apples through a sieve. Add them to the broth and put 250-300 grams in it. sugar, and squeeze the juice of 1/2 lemon. Boil this mixture, gradually add 1/2 cup of flour and quickly stir everything. Let cool and serve.

We hope that our article will help you in organizing a memorial for six months from the date of death of your close relatives, and also read (anniversary) and, and also about which days you should not commemorate.

In Russia it is customary to celebrate important dates- during life, these are birthdays, and after death, remember the day of departure. This date is especially important for Christians. After all, they believe in the resurrection and the next eternal life with God blessing. Therefore, the existence of the soul has no end for believers. How can one honorably, in a Christian manner, remember the deceased on the anniversary of his death?

Funeral traditions

In Orthodoxy, it is customary to remember the dead; the ancient Slavs also had such a ritual. It takes place on the day of the funeral itself, then 9 or 40 days later. On the anniversary of death, it is also customary to gather for a special meal. How to remember the deceased if he was a Christian? The most important thing is, of course, prayer. It is also necessary to refrain from heavy libations, or better yet, from alcohol altogether. Under no circumstances should ceremonial commemorations turn into riotous fun. This is very far from Christian traditions.

In addition to private prayer, on the anniversary of death in the church they order:

• a special commemoration during the Liturgy is the morning service, during which pieces are taken from the consecrated bread for the departed. It is customary to order the so-called “Sorokoust” - they will commemorate at forty services;

• memorial service - usually served on Saturdays, but you can arrange with the priest for another day. You can come to the funeral service weekly, but the anniversary is a particularly important day;

• Lithium is another type of funeral service, it is somewhat shorter than a memorial service. It is served at any time; you can bring a priest to the cemetery to perform it.

It is imperative that the family members and friends of the deceased themselves pray at any memorial. After all, the priest cannot convey the feelings and emotions that loved ones experience. He acts as a performer of the ritual. Of course, his prayer has power, but you cannot entrust everything to others. After all, we are talking about the posthumous fate of a loved one.

But this is not all that is ordered in the church. The Psalter is appropriate for the anniversary of death. Usually it is ordered from monasteries and is done for a long time. Depending on the donation for a month, six months or a whole year. Again, be sure to remember the deceased yourself every day. For this purpose in morning rule There are special short prayers.

Church shops sell special books where you can write down everyone who needs to be remembered. You can take this book to church so that you don’t forget anyone when submitting notes. When the deacon or priest reads the notes, be sure to pray yourself.

Other days of remembrance

There are both private funerals and special ones church holidays when is it customary to go to cemeteries? This is the so-called “parents day”, it is celebrated several times. On these days, we also need to remember the dead, regardless of when they passed away.

• The 2nd Tuesday after Easter is a moving day. In some Russian regions there is a tradition of visiting graves directly on the day of Christ's Resurrection, although this is not officially approved - Easter is such a bright day that it is believed that there are no dead on this day.

Even if this is not the anniversary of death, the joyful words “Christ is Risen!” all the departed must hear. Title y memorable day the corresponding one is Radonitsa. For everyone there is hope for eternity with God, so this day is intended for shared joy - in heaven and on earth. It is customary to have a meal at graves, bring colored eggs, pancakes, and distribute the leftovers of the meal to the poor.

All the deceased are also commemorated on other days:

• Trinity Saturday is the Saturday before Pentecost;

• Meat Saturday - before the start of Lent;

• Saturdays during Great Lent - 2nd, 3rd, 4th.

The deceased person still remains a member of the universal church, so memorial services can be ordered constantly.

How to spend a sad anniversary

A dignified death is the crown of a believer’s life. In daily prayers there are requests that God grant him a shameless death. Orthodox Christians strive to confess and receive communion before meeting the Creator. There are special rituals that are performed on the dying person. After death they are no longer repeated.

In order for the anniversary of death to be celebrated with dignity, it is necessary to begin the commemoration in the temple. This could be a presence at the Liturgy, then at a memorial service, or simply a pre-ordered lithium. After this, go to the cemetery, perform a civil memorial service there, or read the 17th kathisma. After this, have a meal, remember the deceased, and clean the grave. Drinking vodka, especially pouring it on a grave, is not an Orthodox custom that will do nothing to help the deceased!

It is better to bring fresh flowers to graves; this is in accordance with Christian traditions. There is never artificial greenery in churches, because God has no dead. At one time, the church even tried to ban the tradition of decorating coffins with wreaths with inscriptions, but it was not easy to defeat it. This custom is not so much caused by greed or paganism, but is aimed against vandalism, which, unfortunately, is often found in Russian cemeteries.

But you can and should abstain from drinking. The pain of loss is great, but we must find other ways to cope with it. It is unlikely that the deceased will be pleased with such behavior. It is better not to spend money on intoxicating drinks, but to distribute it to the poor as a way to commemorate the soul.

How to remember the deceased for a year after death at home

You can commemorate the death anniversary at home. It happens that it is impossible to go to the cemetery due to various circumstances. Then it is necessary to invite everyone who wants to participate to prepare a special meal. The customs of placing a device for the deceased and covering mirrors are not Orthodox.

Before sitting down to the table, you need to pray. One of the relatives must read the 17th kathisma, or the rite of requiem. Candles are lit during prayer. Then you can start eating. It must be held with dignity, conversations must be decent, jokes and laughter are inappropriate.

Pagan meals for the dead were held with great pomp. It was believed that the more expensive and magnificent the funeral feast, the better it would be for the newly deceased beyond the grave. Triznes were accompanied not only by copious libations, but also by dances, songs, and competitions. The meaning of Christian funerals and wakes is completely different. They must maintain the prayerful memory of a person who is not even considered dead, but has passed on to another world.

Special dishes are served at the table. Kutya is definitely one of them. This is wheat porridge, which is sometimes replaced with rice. But its main feature is that it is prepared sweet, seasoned with raisins, other dried fruits, and honey. It is advisable to consecrate this food during the service. The sweetness symbolizes the joy that awaits the righteous in heaven.

• Also a traditional funeral dish are pancakes, which are usually washed down with jelly.

• Table setting should be ordinary. You can place fresh fir branches on the table and decorate the edges of the tablecloth with black lace.

• Each change of dishes should be accompanied by the prayer: “Rest, O Lord, the soul of Thy servant (name).” You should also pray after your meal. But it is not customary to thank the hosts for the funeral meal.

When everything has been read necessary prayers, someone can read poetry on the anniversary of death. There are no church prohibitions on this matter. Poems should remind of the virtues of the deceased, of his spiritual qualities. Of course, everyone has shortcomings, but Christians trust in God’s mercy, try not to remember them, but to pray for their sins to be forgiven.

It is customary to celebrate the anniversary of death not only in Russia. The dead are also commemorated in Asian countries. Japan, Vietnam, Korea and China have their own traditions. Followers of Judaism commemorate deceased parents, brothers, and children. True, their anniversary date does not coincide with the generally accepted calendar. During the funeral, it is customary to fast, meat and wine are prohibited.

How to honor the deceased yourself

What prayers are read at home on the anniversary of death to remember the deceased? The Psalter is best suited; the reading instructions are indicated in every Orthodox publication. In this case, between the psalms there are special prayers where the names of the deceased are mentioned. This is the most the best option. You can also read akathists, but the Psalms were written much earlier. Also, all Christian churches recognize their inspiration.

There are cases when the Church Charter prohibits commemorating the deceased at the Liturgy, ordering memorial services for them, or holding a funeral service. This applies to those who were baptized, but did not regularly go to church, that is, were not churched. A person who takes part in confession and Communion is considered to be a churchgoer; all others are considered “parishioners.”

True, in practice, deviations from this rule are often made. It all depends on the ruling bishop. In any case, it is necessary to clarify this issue with the clergy.

It is also clearly prohibited on behalf of the Church to commemorate those who took their own lives voluntarily. If a person died in war while protecting others, it is not considered suicide. In general, death in war is one of the most honorable. But death from a drug overdose is a type of suicide.

However, the holy fathers teach to hope in God's mercy. You are allowed to pray for such people in private; there is even a special akathist for suicides, compiled in the last century. You can also add something of your own, but you shouldn’t be too zealous either. We do not know all spiritual laws; such prayers can end in mental disorder for someone who wants to do a good deed.

Why remember the dead

When a person has completed his earthly journey, he does not need a magnificent funeral, an expensive coffin or a marble monument. Prayer is the main help we can provide to our deceased loved ones. This is not just a tribute to tradition, but a saving thread that can lead a person to the Kingdom of God. It is especially important to pray in the first days when the soul goes through ordeals. But even after a year or two has passed, this must be done.

Many people are concerned about the question: is it possible to celebrate the anniversary of death earlier, when it is not possible to do so on the day of death? There are a number of rules and recommendations that must be adhered to and observed during the funeral of the deceased. After all, different situations happen, and it is not always possible to arrange a wake on time. How to do this correctly so that the newly deceased does not feel bad in the next world?

What is pomina?

A memorial is a ritual that is performed to honor the memory of a deceased person. A social event, that is, a meal, turns out to be a kind of basis for a wake, which the relatives of the deceased arrange in his home, in a cemetery or in another place (cafes, canteens, restaurants).

Funerals are held several times:

• on the day of death or the next day;
• on the third day after death - usually the day of the funeral;
• on the ninth day;
• on the fortieth day;
• in the future, memorial dinners are held on the sixth month from the moment of death (although the Panikhida is not celebrated in the church during this period), and then on all subsequent anniversaries.

When it comes to memorial tables, devout Christians adhere to anniversaries. Commemoration in the church on days 3, 9 and 40 is based on centuries-old temple practice. For two days after death, the human soul is present on Earth and visits the places where it liked to stay during life. On the third, the soul goes to God for worship. The next week, angels show the soul the abode of saints and the splendor of heaven; on the ninth day, the soul is again led to worship God, after which it is sent to hell for 30 days.

During this time, being in the underworld shows all 9 circles and places of torment of sinners. On the fortieth day, the soul ascends to heaven to worship God, and then the Lord decides where the soul will live until the Last Judgment.

How to remember the newly deceased?

Before burial, from the moment of repose, the Psalter is read over the body of the deceased. They continue to read it even after the funeral, until the fortieth day.

The deceased is also mentioned during the funeral service, which is supposed to be held on the third day after death. It must necessarily pass over the body of the deceased, and not in absentia, since all relatives come to the funeral: relatives, acquaintances, friends, neighbors, and their prayer is very important, it is conciliar.

You can remember the deceased not only through prayers, but also through good deeds and sacrifices.

During this period, it is possible (even necessary) to distribute clothes, shoes, and other household items of the deceased to all the needy and beggars, so that they serve a good purpose. Items must be in good condition. This can be done from the first day after the death of a person.

It often happens that the anniversary of the death of a loved one falls on a working day, when relatives are tied up with work and there is no way to prepare everything. This day may coincide with a spiritual festival; in this case, clergy necessarily recommend postponing the anniversary of the deceased a little earlier or later.

Church ministers believe that it is not at all necessary to hold a memorial dinner on the anniversary of his death. If there are any compelling reasons not to do this, then you need to rely on them first.

It is not recommended to celebrate the anniversary of death during the week of Easter and during Holy Week of Lent. During this period, all thoughts and actions should be directed towards the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for Holy Week, on the week of Easter we should rejoice at the news of the resurrection of Christ. So if the anniversary falls during these weeks, it is best to move the event to Radonitsa - the day of remembrance of the dead.

If the anniversary of death falls on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve, then the memorial should be moved to the 8th or a little later. If the fortieth day falls on Christmas, then you should order a memorial service the day before, pray for the deceased on the day itself, and then hold a wake with relatives. It’s even better that after the holiday, everyone will be in high spirits, since the wake is also dedicated to the birth, only the birth of a person into eternal life.

For this reason, it is initially necessary to order a Liturgy for the repose of the Soul of the deceased and a Memorial Service for the Day of Remembrance in the church. You should also pray for the deceased yourself. The funeral lunch or dinner can be postponed until late date, on the weekend following the anniversary of his death. Church prayer mentioning the deceased on the third, ninth and fortieth days after death is very important. It has great importance for him, this will ease suffering after the separation of the soul from the body, this will appease the Lord, who determines the place of the soul beyond the grave according to a person’s earthly deeds.

If the anniversary falls on significant church holidays, then it is allowed to postpone it to the next weekend.

But on this day you must go to church for prayer, light a candle for the repose of your soul, donate to the needs of the temple, and give to those in need at the church gates.

In order for the funeral at the table to benefit the deceased person, it is better to do as the Savior commanded: do not invite friends, neighbors, or relatives to the meal. But when you prepare it, you should invite all those in need: the poor, the lame, the blind, the crippled. Or simply distribute a funeral dinner to socially vulnerable segments of the population on behalf of the deceased.

In Orthodox Christianity, moving the date of commemoration on the fortieth day to an earlier date is not welcomed.

It is necessary to order the Liturgy and Panikhida in the church at this time, and pray a little on your own for the newly deceased. And then, if possible, remember the deceased at home, at the funeral meal.

When changing the date of the anniversary of death, it is better to consult with a clergyman and explain the reason for the postponement. Of course, it is advisable to commemorate on the day of death, since the day before that the person was still alive, rejoicing, and happy. You can't remember him.

If it is not possible to celebrate the anniversary of death on the stated date, then it is worth moving it a few days ahead. It is not advisable to remember earlier.

On the first anniversary of the date of death, the deceased is commemorated on the same date.

The most important thing on the anniversary of death is to pray for the deceased, go to church, try to do good deeds on behalf of the deceased, mention him in notes, light candles for the repose of the soul. A memorial meal for relatives can be arranged on any day of the month convenient for everyone, a little later or earlier in the day of death.

Orthodox commemoration of the dead primarily involves prayer. And only after this is the funeral table. Of course, the funeral itself, the 9th and 40th days, are no less significant events to which all relatives, close friends, just acquaintances and colleagues from work are invited. However, at 1 year old you can not do this, but spend the day in prayer among your closest people in family circle. Also, a year after a sad event, it is customary to visit the cemetery.

How to hold a wake for 1 year?

If a person was baptized during his lifetime, he is ordered to have a funeral commemoration at the Liturgy. Prayer is huge help for people who have left this world. After all, according to by and large the deceased does not need either a monument or a luxurious meal, the only thing that can be done is close person for his soul is to read prayers and remember his good deeds.

You can order the Liturgy in the church in the evening the day before the funeral or in the morning on the same day. Among other things, the deceased is also remembered at meals. On this day, it is customary to prepare various dishes: this is necessarily soup, main course, and at the request of relatives, the favorite dishes of the deceased are prepared. Don't forget about pancakes, jelly and pastries.

On the day of commemoration of the death of the deceased, you should definitely visit his grave. If necessary, they put things in order: they paint it, plant flowers, pine needles (thuja takes root best, it does not grow in breadth and does not take root, but only grows upward). If there was a temporary monument on the grave, then it is exactly in the year after death that it is replaced with a permanent one.

Memorial meal at the wake for 1 year

Of course, the hosts want to treat the invited people tastier, but do not forget about Orthodox posts. So, if the funeral took place on the day of fasting, prohibited foods should be excluded and only those dishes that are allowed to be served should be served.

At the table it is necessary to remember the deceased, his good deeds and character traits. You should not turn the funeral table into a “drunken gathering.” After all, the word “commemoration” arose from the word “remember.”

The first dish served at the funeral table is kutia. It is boiled rice or wheat cereal with honey and raisins. While eating the dish, they think about the deceased. Such food is considered a symbol of resurrection; according to tradition, it can be sprinkled with holy water.

The following dishes on the funeral table, namely soup, main course, can be anything, depending on taste preferences the deceased or the owners. It could be regular chicken noodle soup or rich borscht, goulash with pasta or jellied meat, stuffed peppers or pilaf, as long as meat dishes are not prohibited by fasting. As a pastry, you can serve pie with filling or pancakes.

It should be noted that memorial days must be celebrated in good location spirit, be in the mood and not be offended by the deceased for leaving this world. Moreover, it is considered correct to distribute alms and clothes or other belongings of the deceased to those in need at the funeral.

Sources:

• Website "Orthodoxy"

A wake is a rather complex funeral tradition found in most cultures. On the day of the funeral, there is a treat, as a memory of the deceased, both on the day of the funeral and on certain days Later.

Among some nationalities, sacrifices are laid at the grave, which are then used as food. Other customs call for holding a funeral feast (military fun) on site. This tradition was common among the Slavic and Germanic tribes, among the ancients. In other places, the deceased was seen off with mourning processions and crying.

We have a widespread Christian custom. According to the Orthodox canon, it must be carried out three times: on the day of the funeral, on the ninth day, and also on the fortieth day. They consist of a funeral meal. The same custom exists in many. The meaning of this ritual is very deep. Believing in the immortality of the soul, people bring the deceased closer to God, while at the same time paying tribute to him as good. It is not for nothing that it is customary to either speak well of the deceased or not to speak at all.

The funeral process also includes prayers for the person who has left the earthly world. In general, all actions at such rituals have a deep meaning, even the meal menu was not chosen by chance.

So how do you conduct a wake?

1. Before starting the meal, you must read the “Our Father” prayer. This is the necessary minimum, since it is advisable to perform a litia and sing the 90th Psalm (for this, the so-called “singers” are invited). During the wake, it is necessary to remember the deceased, and only him positive traits and actions, obscene language, laughter, jokes, and drunkenness are prohibited.


2. It is not advisable to make the menu rich. On the contrary, modesty and simplicity are necessary, since the abundance of dishes does not benefit the ritual process itself. The first dish that you cannot do without is the so-called kutia - porridge made from whole grain millet or rice, seasoned with honey and raisins. Moreover, it must be sprinkled with holy water, or