You can go to the cemetery on Krasnaya Gorka, but there are some rules that must be observed. They relate to both commemoration and actions in the cemetery. It is best to leave the hike to Radonitsa.
The close interweaving of pagan and Orthodox rituals was reflected in the national holiday Krasnaya Gorka. It symbolizes the victory over winter and the arrival of spring. Previously, it was believed that nature is already in the grip of bright bloom. This event has always been celebrated one week after Easter. It has other names: Fomino Sunday or Antipasa.
The ancient Slavs began to celebrate it. They were in a hurry to pay tribute to the sun, so ritual games were arranged on the slides - songs sounded, trumpets roared in memory of the dead. Therefore, the custom of visiting cemeteries on holiday and preserving goodies at tombstones is still preserved.
Church Cemetery Cemetery Visit
Usually on this day, believers rush to the temple for a festive service, and then home or to visit. For this holiday, the housewives carefully cleaned their home to a shine, set rich tables. Young girls wore the best outfits, ran for walks, had a fun day. Therefore, no one hurries to Red Hill in the cemetery. To do this, two days later, Radonitsa begins, which is popularly called "Easter of the Dead."
On Red Hill in all the churches of the country, Sunday liturgies are held in honor of the resurrection. However, the church never obstructed the desire of people to visit the grave. If such a need arose, then you can visit the cemetery for a holiday, but this should be done without noisy company and laying the table.
What should not be done?
When visiting a cemetery, you must not:
- to leave a treat, because this custom came from the Gentiles;
- arrange a feast next to the grave;
- pouring alcohol on the grave or drinking it.
It is forbidden to clean the grave. It is believed that generally any actions with the land are prohibited. If you plant a tree or bush, then there will be no fruits. The church and the decoration of graves do not approve.
The main ban on visiting the cemetery falls on Easter. It is believed that on this day the souls of the deceased descend to their loved ones and enjoy the holiday. When visiting burial sites, a person says goodbye to the deceased. In addition, there are sad and sorrowful thoughts that are not allowed on this day.
You can’t argue and fight on a holiday either. People who come into conflict will swear with everyone throughout the year.
What can be done?
If there is a desire to remember, it is better to set the table at home, to sit in a circle of close people. Wake should take place without alcohol, since its use on the Red Hill is prohibited. On this day, it is allowed to pray for the deceased, and then go home.
Throughout the Easter week, the doors to the houses are not locked so that souls can safely get home. Signs include:
- hanging towels from windows;
- you can’t sew, because “you sewn the eyes of a dead person”;
- You can take a break from washing - otherwise stir up the water before the deceased.
- it is worth having fun on this day, if you cry and wail, then souls will not be able to rejoice.
Kutia can be brought to the cemetery for remembrance. You can take nothing with you anymore.
