Belarus celebrates Radonitsa - day of memorial for the departed
Belarusians celebrate Radonitsa on April 13 – this is the day when the living people commemorate the deceased. Radonitsa is one of the most ancient holidays. It dates back to the cult of ancestors. The Orthodox Church accepted this pagan holiday. Orthodox Christians visit graves, pray for their deceased relatives and share the joy of the Resurrection with them.
Radonitsa is an official holiday in Belarus.
Traditionally, people do not sow or work in the field on this day. Wives usually cook food needed for commemoration and the number of plates should be odd. Everything they cook is wrapped in a big kerchief together with Easter eggs consecrated at Easter.
People go to the church to commemorate their relatives in the morning and then they head for cemeteries.
Radonitsa is an official holiday in Belarus.
Traditionally, people do not sow or work in the field on this day. Wives usually cook food needed for commemoration and the number of plates should be odd. Everything they cook is wrapped in a big kerchief together with Easter eggs consecrated at Easter.
People go to the church to commemorate their relatives in the morning and then they head for cemeteries.
