Radonitsa - this is a special day after Easter when Orthodox Christians commemorate the dead. This bright holiday, when those who have left this world, celebrate the Bright Resurrection of Christ. What are the traditions of this day?
Radonitsa has no fixed date, depending on the date of Easter, Parents 'Day is marked on St. Thomas' Week - the second week after Lent - 7 May. Since Easter is not accepted to go to the cemetery, the Radonitsa - the best time to pray for their dead relatives and visit their graves. Thanks to the prayers of loved ones, souls of the dead can be cleansed of sin and enter into the kingdom of heaven. Radonitsa - not a day of distress and anguish, on this day to pray for the triumph of life over death.
What is a must-do on Radonitsa
How to remember the dead on Radonitsa / istockphoto.com
On the morning of Orthodox Christians are at the service of the church and then to the cemetery to light candles and pray for the dead.
According to tradition, on this day in the cemetery are cakes, colored eggs, candy to hand out to the needy and children.
If you do not have time to clean up on the grave before Palm Sunday, we can do it on Radonitsa as between these holidays to visit the cemetery is not accepted.
What not to do on Radonitsa?
Radonitsa 2019 / istockphoto.com
At the cemetery, in no case can not eat the food and to drink alcoholic beverages, it is strictly prohibited.
Radonitsa - from the word joy, so that day to the cemetery can not cry and surrender to despondency. On the contrary, it is necessary to pray for their loved ones and tell them about the Bright Resurrection of Christ, to convey to them the good news that the Savior is risen, as each of them will rise again.
On this day, forbidden to speak negatively about the dead, it is necessary to remember only the bright and good, which was connected with the life with them.
You can not leave the cemetery drinks, cakes and colored eggs, supposedly for the dead - have such traditions pagan roots. It is better to give it to those in need and prayed to the Lord about your loved ones.
On Radonitsa not crowned in the church, since it falls on a Tuesday, and on Tuesdays the Sacrament of Matrimony is not performed.
Also you will be interested to know that What are the signs and traditions need to know about the memorial days
