How to commemorate 5 years after death. Is it possible to remember loved ones and celebrate an anniversary later than the date of death

Hello. I have a question: the 15th anniversary of my father's death is coming soon. Is it possible to commemorate him in advance, for one day (in connection with a business trip)? Is it necessary to go to the cemetery on this day? Thanks in advance for your reply.

Dear Vyacheslav!

Forgive me Lord for the sake of not answering you soon. All laziness - and even business comes. By writing I already owed almost the whole world. I strongly know how much I am guilty before you - my non-response. But for the Lord's sake, don't think that I have forgotten you. I always remember and remember.

Regarding the commemoration of the deceased, we can say that home prayers and commemorations in the temple should be performed on the very day of your father’s death, and the memorial table can be moved to another time.

After all, after death, a person can no longer pray for himself, we must do it for him. Prayer for the departed is the biggest and most important thing we can do for those who have passed away. By and large, the deceased does not need a coffin or a monument - all this is a tribute to traditions, albeit pious ones. But the eternally living soul of the deceased feels a great need for our constant prayer, because she herself cannot do good deeds with which she would be able to propitiate God.

That is why prayer at home for loved ones, prayer at the cemetery at the grave of the deceased is the duty of every Orthodox Christian. Commemoration in the Church provides special assistance to the deceased.

On the day of commemoration of the deceased, relatives and faithful friends close to him pray for him, thereby expressing the belief that the day of a person’s death is not a day of destruction, but a new birth for eternal life; the day of the transition of the immortal human soul to other conditions of life, where there is no longer any place for earthly diseases, sorrows and sighs.

There is such a purely worldly superstition - to arrange a memorial feast. In the Orthodox understanding, although it is possible, it has no independent meaning. Previously, such a memorial meal was served after everyone prayed together for the deceased in the church.

Wake means the prayer of relatives and close people for the repose of the deceased, so that through their prayers the Lord would have mercy on him and honor him with the Kingdom of Heaven. This is the main meaning of the commemoration. It must be taken into account that the meaning of the memorial table is to feed the poor, the sick, etc., that is, the creation of alms in memory of the deceased. It is better to remember her in the Church, to stand and pray for her soul. You can also visit the cemetery.

If desired, on this day you can read an akathist about the repose of the deceased. First of all, of course, you should come to the temple at the beginning of the service, submit a note with the name of the deceased for commemoration in the altar (best of all, if it is a commemoration at the proskomedia, when a piece is taken out of a special prosphora for the deceased, and then as a sign of washing his sins dipped into the Chalice with the Holy Gifts). You can order a magpie or another multi-day funeral commemoration.

After the liturgy, a memorial service should be served. Prayer will be more effective if the one who commemorates this day himself partakes of the Body and Blood of Christ.

On certain days of the year, the Church commemorates all fathers and brethren who have passed away from time immemorial, who were honored with a Christian death, as well as those who were overtaken by sudden death, were not sent to the afterlife by the prayers of the Church.

Every deceased Orthodox Christian should be commemorated annually on the days of his birth, death, on his name day. It is very useful on memorable days to donate to the church, to give alms to the poor with a request to pray for the departed.

Prayer for the Lost Christian

Remember, Lord our God, in the faith and hope of the life of your eternally reposed servant, our brother (name), and as Good and Humane, forgive sins, and consume iniquities, weaken, leave and forgive all his voluntary sins and involuntary, deliver him eternal torment and fire of Gehenna, and grant him the communion and enjoyment of Your eternal good, prepared for those who love You: if you sin, but do not depart from You, and undoubtedly in the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Your God in the Trinity glorified, faith, and Unity in the Trinity and the Trinity in Unity, Orthodox even until his last breath of confession. Be merciful to him the same, and faith, even in Thee instead of deeds, and with Your saints, as if Generous rest: there is no man who lives and does not sin. But Thou art One except for all sin, and Thy truth, truth forever, and Thou art the One God of mercies and generosity, and love of mankind, and to Thee we send glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and forever and ever. Amen.

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In the year after the death of a person, it is believed that the soul of the deceased has already found peace. For the year that has passed since the death of a person, it is believed that his soul has reunited with the souls of his ancestors, and now you can commemorate all the dead. According to Christian customs, there are special parental days (radonitsa) when all the dead are commemorated.

Important!!!

On the day when a year has passed since the death of a person, Relatives and relatives visit the grave of the deceased in the morning and order a funeral service in the church.

According to Christian customs, only fresh flowers and wreaths from them are placed on the grave. The tradition of decorating the grave with fresh flowers dates back to the ancient Romans, who brought bouquets of fresh flowers to the graves of their ancestors in May. In Russia in 1889, the Synod of the Orthodox Church forbade the use of wreaths and inscriptions on them at funerals held according to Christian customs. The ban was explained by the fact that all these flowers-wreaths distract believers from the main occupation at the funeral - prayers for the salvation of the soul of the deceased. The ban has outlived itself to this day. Today, fresh flowers and wreaths are traditionally placed on the grave, believing that a person, like a flower, never dies without a trace and that he is granted resurrection and eternal life, since the human soul is immortal.

Monument

By the anniversary, a monument is usually erected on the grave with a brief epitaph for the deceased. After a prayer service is served in the church, relatives go to the cemetery, where they decorate the grave with flowers and burn funeral candles. All those present are invited to a memorial dinner, which can be organized at home or in a cafe.

What is the difference between a commemoration on the anniversary of death from a commemoration immediately after the funeral?

The difference is that a monument is erected on the grave by the anniversary and it is believed that the soul of the deceased has already found peace.

The meaning of the commemoration

The memorial dinner menu traditionally includes kutia, pancakes and eggs. Of the remaining dishes, the most familiar and those that the deceased loved are served. Do not overload the table with frills in the form of caviar and huge cakes. From alcohol they drink, without clinking glasses, only one glass of vodka for a mention of the soul. Wine and others alcoholic drinks are not served.

In a narrow circle, the anniversary of death is celebrated. How to remember who to invite, what menu to make - organizational issues worries the family of the deceased. Deeds of mercy, prayers, a visit to the cemetery should honor the memory of the deceased.

Wake (or commemoration, remembrance) is a ritual in memory of a deceased person. Usually commemoration is carried out by relatives, if there are none, close people, friends.

The tradition of commemoration arose in connection with Christian teaching. Each religion has its own rites of remembrance of people. Adapted folk consciousness often combines several beliefs into one ritual.

Christian traditions are fundamental in Russia. Nevertheless, by Orthodox rules(with funeral commemorations, prayers) only people who have passed the rite of baptism are commemorated. The exceptions are suicides, unbaptized, non-Orthodox, heretics - the church does not pray for them.

Commemoration dates

In Orthodoxy, commemoration after death is held 3 times. On the third day after death, on the ninth, fortieth. The essence of the ritual is a memorial meal. Relatives, acquaintances gather at a common table. They remember the deceased, his good deeds, stories from life. Dishes from the funeral table are distributed to friends, acquaintances, colleagues of the deceased, so that they remember him.

On the day of the funeral, everyone who wants to honor the memory of the deceased gathers. The Christian is first taken to the burial rite in the church or chapel of the cemetery. The unbaptized dead, after parting with the house, are immediately taken to the cemetery. The burial takes place according to the traditions of the region in which the person lived. Then everyone returns to the house for the wake.

On the 9th day after death, only close relatives are called to honor the memory of the deceased. The commemoration is reminiscent of a family dinner, with the difference that the photo of the deceased is not far from the refectory table. Next to the picture of the deceased put a glass of water or vodka, a slice of bread. This is a pagan tradition, unacceptable to Christians.

On the 40th day everyone is invited. On this day, those who could not attend the funeral usually come to the wake.

Then comes the anniversary of the death. How to remember who to invite is decided by the relatives of the deceased. Usually they call on the anniversary of the death of the closest friends, relatives.

Christian traditions of commemoration

According to the Christian faith, commemoration on the 3rd day after death is performed in honor of the resurrection of Christ (on the 3rd day after the execution). On the 9th day - in honor of the angelic ranks who ask the Lord to have mercy on the deceased. On the 40th day - in honor of the ascension of the Lord.

Church tradition says that the soul has been wandering since the day of death. Until the 40th day, she is preparing for the decision of God. The first 3 days after death, the soul visits the places of earthly life, close people. Then she flies around the heavenly abodes from the 3rd to the 9th day. Then he sees the torment of sinners in hell from 9 to 40 days.

The decision of God takes place on the 40th day. A directive is issued about where the soul will be until the Last Judgment.

The beginning of a new, eternal life is the anniversary of death. How to commemorate the deceased, whom to invite, what to order - these are important organizational issues. It is necessary to prepare for the day of remembrance in advance.

Anniversary of death: how to remember

The mourning date is reported only to those whom the family of the deceased wants to see on the anniversary. These should be the closest and dearest people, friends of the deceased. It is necessary to clarify who will be able to come. Knowing the number of guests will help to correctly compose the menu. In case of an unforeseen arrival of one of your friends, make portioned dishes 1-2 more.

On the anniversary of death, you should come to the cemetery, visit the grave of the deceased. After that, all relatives and friends are invited to a memorial dinner. It should be noted that the days of commemoration are at the discretion of the family of the deceased. Subsequent discussions by strangers about the correctness of the ritual are inappropriate.

The anniversary of death is approaching. How to remember how to set the table? It is important to note that such events are conveniently held in small cafes. This will save the hosts from exhausting cooking various dishes and subsequent tidying up in the apartment.

Christians order special memorial services in the church. You should discuss in advance with the priest all the activities that need to be carried out. You can limit yourself to reading akathists at home, memorial prayers, invite the father to the house.

Who to invite?

In a close family circle, there is a commemoration, the anniversary of death. How to remember who to call is discussed by relatives in advance. It is customary to invite only those whom you want to see for the holidays.

Unwanted visitors may unexpectedly descend on the anniversary of death. The family of the deceased must make a decision - to leave an unwanted guest for a memorial dinner or not to invite to the table at all. The anniversary of death is an event only for the closest people.

Don't have a crowded gathering. A mourning date, the memory of the deceased is not a reason for a noisy party. A modest family dinner, warm memories of the deceased - this is how the anniversary of death passes. How to commemorate - decide the next of kin of the deceased. A leisurely, calm atmosphere, quiet music, photographs of the deceased are a worthy way to honor the memory.

How to dress properly?

Clothing for the anniversary of death is of no small importance. If a trip to the cemetery is planned before the memorial dinner, one should take into account weather. To visit the church, women need to prepare a headdress (shawl).

For all funeral events, dress strictly. Shorts, deep neckline, bows and ruffles will look indecent. Bright, colorful colors are best avoided. Business, office suits, closed shoes, strict dresses in muted colors are the appropriate choice for a mourning date.

How to commemorate the anniversary of death? Good memories in a close circle. You can give alms - pies, sweets, things of the deceased.

Cemetery visit

For years, you should definitely visit the cemetery. If weather conditions do not allow (heavy rain, snowstorm) it can be done on another day. You should arrive at the cemetery in the first half of the day.

The grave of the deceased must be monitored. Timely paint the fence, you can put small table and a bench. Plant flowers, weed out unnecessary weeds that give the grave an untidy look. This is the anniversary of death ... How to remember a person? Clean up on his grave, light candles in special cups, lay fresh flowers.

According to Christian traditions, in the 19th century, the synod banned wreaths with inscriptions from fake flowers. Such layings distract from prayers for the soul of the deceased.

You can bring tea, alcohol, pies, sweets with you to the grave. Modestly commemorating the deceased, pouring the remnants of alcohol on the grave, pouring crumbs - this is a symbol of the presence of the deceased next to the living. This pagan tradition at the wake is followed by many families.

In Christianity, it is forbidden to bring anything to the grave. Only fresh flowers and prayers should commemorate the dead.

How to set the table

Table setting for the commemoration is standard. The only difference is to put an even number of dishes on the table. Forks on mourning dates are usually excluded. Such a moment in time is at the discretion of the family of the deceased.

Dishes, in addition to those required on the funeral table, are prepared in accordance with the preferences of the deceased. You can add mourning ribbons to the interior, light candles.

For the Orthodox - to consecrate the kutya in the church. Eliminate alcohol, stick to modest and fast days- build on them when compiling the menu. Pay more attention not to eating, but to prayers for the deceased.

Death Anniversary Menu

Like ordinary commemoration, the anniversary of death is celebrated. How to remember what to cook? Kissel, kutia, pancakes are considered obligatory on the memorial table. The symbol of Christianity is fish dishes - these can be pies, cold appetizers, smoked meats.

From salads, you can cook vinaigrette, beets with garlic, vegetable caviar. Submit sauerkraut, pickled cucumbers and mushrooms. Sandwiches with sprats, baked cheese. Meat and cheese slices.

For hot dishes, fried or baked chicken (rabbit, goose, duck, turkey) is suitable. Cutlets or steaks, French meat or chop, stuffed vegetables or lamb stew. For garnish - boiled potatoes, vegetable stew, fried eggplant.

In the form of a dessert - gingerbread, sweet pies, pancakes, cheesecakes, sweets, fruits and apples. Drinks - purchased juices or home-cooked compote, jelly, lemonade.

Exclude sparkling and sweet wines from the menu, as no fun party, and the anniversary of death. How to remember? Give preference to strong drinks (vodka, cognac, whiskey), dry red wines. During a table conversation, it is customary to remember the deceased, his good deeds on earth.

Wake in the cafe

To exclude the bulk purchase of products, cooking, table setting and subsequent tidying up, you can order a small room in a cafe. So that the anniversary of death passes in a calm atmosphere. How to remember what to order - the cafe staff will help. Their menu is not much different from homemade.

You should notify the cafe staff in advance that guests will gather for a wake. The administrator will try to keep too cheerful visitors as far as possible from the relatives of the deceased (if we are talking about the common room).

Usually, it is customary to book a small banquet hall for years. Then the festive-minded neighbors will not interfere with the quiet mood of the death anniversary.

If you are not attracted by the cafe, but you want a cozy, homely atmosphere, you can order lunch at home. Coordinate the menu in advance, set the time and address of delivery.

Anniversary of death: how to remember in church

According to Christian beliefs, the duty of the living is to pray for the deceased. Then the gravest sins can be forgiven. Church funeral services are called to ask for the forgiveness of the sins of the departed. Not only on the days of commemoration, but also on ordinary days, you can order a Panikhida.

During the Divine Liturgy, prayers for the departed are heard. Immediately before the Liturgy (or in advance, in the evening), a note is submitted in which the names of the deceased Christians are inscribed. During the Liturgy, all names are pronounced.

You can order a magpie about the deceased. This is a commemoration for 40 days before the Liturgy. Sorokoust is ordered for more long term- commemoration for six months or a year.

An ordinary candle for the repose of the soul is also a memory of the deceased. In home prayers, you can commemorate the deceased. There is a special Christian book - a commemoration book, where the names of the deceased should be entered.

During a visit to the cemetery, Christians read an akathist, perform a litiya (it is also performed before a memorial dinner, for which a priest is invited).

Distribution of alms

V memorial days attention should be paid to works of mercy. Funeral dishes can be presented to those in need, acquaintances, colleagues. This is done in order to more people remembered the deceased with a kind word.

A good occasion for charity is the anniversary of death. How to remember the deceased? You can distribute money, sweets, cookies to the poor at the church and ask them to pray for the deceased, donate money for the construction of the temple. Needy acquaintances are usually given the things of the deceased.

Charity is a good deed towards the poor. Therefore, the family of the deceased does not have to distribute food, money to the poor at the church. You can find people in your environment (pensioners, large families) who will need real help. Or take a small offering to a nursing home, boarding school, orphanage.

The order of the anniversary of death

1. Notify in advance of the approaching mourning date, invite relatives and friends of the deceased.
2. Choose a cafe or organize an event at home.
3. Visit the cemetery, the grave of the deceased.
4. To honor the memory of the deceased with a memorial dinner.
5. Distribute charity to those in need.

Commemoration of the dead. Is it necessary to commemorate the deceased every day? Is it possible to remember earlier or later? When and why?

1. They commemorate on the 3rd day, the 9th day, the 40th day, and the year from death, they also commemorate on the days of his earthly birth, on the days of his name day (the day of memory of the saint whose name he bore). 3,9,40 days usually mark the same day, and the anniversary, if you can’t, for example, you work on that day, you can hold a commemoration before noon three before the date. According to the folk tradition, you can’t celebrate your birthday earlier, but you can commemorate it. Now why do we celebrate the 3rd day, because the main thing is not the table that we set and what is on this table, the main thing is PRAYER. According to the Scriptures (When on the third day there is a commemoration in the Church for the soul of the deceased, then the soul of the deceased receives from the guarding Angel relief in sorrow, which it feels from separation from the body, it receives because the doxology and offering in the Church of God for it is done, from which in a good hope is born from it, for in the course of two days the soul, together with the angels who are with it, is allowed to walk the earth wherever it wants.On the third day, He Who Himself rose from the dead on the 3rd day, commands, in imitation of His Resurrection, to ascend to the soul on Heaven for worshiping the God of all. felt while in the body and after leaving it.But if she is guilty of sins, then at the sight of the accretions of the saints, she begins to grieve and reproach herself - Alas for me! fussed about this in the world? Alas, poor me! After six days, the soul is again ascended by the Angels to worship God. After the second worship, the Lord of all orders to take the desha to hell and show her the places of torment located there, the different sections of hell and the various torments of impure sinful people. In these different places of torment, the soul rushes for thirty days (from the 9th to the 40th) trembling so that it would not be imprisoned in them. On the fortieth day, she again ascends to God, and now the Judge determines a place of detention appropriate for her deeds.
2. Yes, when you want to remember, but if you want - do not remember at all. He doesn't care anymore. Commemoration is needed more for those who commemorate, because remembering the dead, they, in fact, remember themselves at a time when he was still alive.
3. According to the teachings of the Holy Orthodox Church all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ do not die, but live forever. "Whoever lives and believes in Me will never die" (John 11:26). Therefore, dying Orthodox Christians do not cease to be members of the Holy Church, maintaining prayerful communion with all the rest of her children.

   Anyone who wants to show his love for the dead and give them real help can best do this by praying for them and, in particular, submitting a note for remembrance to Divine Liturgy. We cannot do anything better or more for them. They always need this... (Arch. John (Maximovich)).

   For prayers for the dead, a special day has been appointed in the week of Saturday, on which the funeral service is due (except for holidays, if they happen on this day).

   Love for dead relatives imposes on us, who are now alive, a sacred duty to pray for the salvation of their souls. According to Priest Nikolai Uspensky, ...by praying for deceased relatives, we bring them the only good that their souls crave, mercy from the Lord.
   From ancient times, there is a custom to make a commemoration of each deceased on the third, ninth and fortieth days after his death, as well as to make magpies. Sorokoust is a continuous commemoration for 40 days after death.

   Also, the annual day of death, birthday and name day are dedicated to the remembrance of the deceased, in the sense that the deceased is alive and immortal in spirit and will someday be completely renewed when the Lord raises up his body.

   In addition to participating in funeral services, the Holy Church commands her children to commemorate the dead at home prayer as well. Here every worshiper is given some freedom to exercise personal diligence. In addition to the evening and morning prayers, the monks and laity read the commemoration book, making a commemoration by name of the living and the dead. In addition, there is an ancient custom to read the psalter for the dead. At home prayer, with the blessing of the confessor, a commemoration can also be made of those who cannot be commemorated at church services - their relatives and friends who died outside the fence of the Orthodox Church - unbaptized, heretics, etc. Optina elders allowed even suicides to be commemorated at home prayer.

   In addition to praying for the dead, another act of commemoration of them is almsgiving. By alms is meant not only giving to the poor in memory of the deceased, but any kindness in relation to those in need.

   Saint John Chrysostom said: A luxurious burial is not love for the dead, but vanity. If you want to condole with the deceased, I will show you a different way of burial and teach you to put on robes, decorations worthy of him and glorifying him: this is almsgiving.

4. You can, of course, not the same day, but the change in the body will take place exactly on the day when it is supposed to. Wake is usually done three times, in accordance with the change in the body of the deceased (on the third day the image changes, on the ninth day the body disintegrates, on the fortieth the heart decays). On the ninth and fortieth days, relatives of the deceased are expected to visit the cemetery and organize a funeral home meal.
5. You can pray any day, we have days, weeks, years .... and then eternity! It is simply customary to remember especially the deceased on the day of his death, but this does not mean that it is impossible on another day.
6. Just remember it...
7. Alcohol is a great deceiver! An insidious drink first makes a man cheerful, and then an alcoholic and impotent. Even more tragic happens to a woman. From a cute creature, she turns into a disgusting creature. Fortunately, women's alcoholism is easier to treat than men's.

After the death of a person, they are commemorated on the 3rd, 9th and 40th day, and the last date is considered the most important, since the soul enters the Court and its further destiny is decided. There are many traditions associated with this day that people observe to help the deceased person on this responsible day.

What does 40 days after death mean?

The fortieth day of commemoration of a deceased person is considered a certain line that separates the earthly and eternal life. From a religious point of view, it is a more tragic date than physical death. 40 days after the funeral is a date that reminds people that the soul, after the end of earthly life, goes to its Heavenly Father. Commemoration can be considered a kind of act of mercy.

Where is the soul of the deceased before 40 days?

Many people note that at first they feel the presence of a deceased person, which is manifested by smell, sighs, steps, and so on. This is due to the fact that for forty days the spirit does not leave the place where he lived.

1. The first three days the soul is free and it remembers all its earthly life. It is believed that this time she is in places that are close. On the third day after death, a memorial service should be held.
2. After that, there will be a meeting with God, the saints and a visit to paradise. From this moment, the first torments and fears begin that, due to the mistakes made, the entrance to paradise may be closed. All this lasts for six days, so on the ninth day they hold a memorial service and commemoration.
3. At the next stage, ordeals begin, which are trials and obstacles. The soul will not receive a decision where it can spend eternal life in Heaven or Hell. During this period, a comparison of positive and negative actions takes place.
4. Finding out what happens on day 40, it is worth saying about the onset of the milestone – Last Judgment, where the soul can no longer influence anything and only the lived life of the deceased is taken into account.

How to pray for the deceased up to 40 days?

The commemoration of dead people is the duty of every believer. According to the opinion of the church, it is necessary to pray especially diligently during the first forty days after death. Prayer for 40 days for the wires of the soul can be said in a church or at home. If a person chooses the second option, then it is recommended that women tie a scarf on their heads and light candles in front of the image of the Lord. Finding out the rules of 40 days after death and how to remember, it is worth noting that prayer during this period helps to gain faith in the soul and easier to cope with the loss of a loved one.

“Son of God, Lord Jesus Christ. Sorrow my heart's sorrow for the deceased slave (name of the deceased). Help me cope with a heavy loss, but give me the strength to endure grief. And accept the soul of the deceased (the name of the deceased) in the fortieth day of sorrow into the Kingdom of Heaven. And it will be so now, forever, forever and ever. Amen".

Is it possible to remember 40 days earlier?

Life is unpredictable, and often there is no opportunity to carry out the planned. The clergy say that if it is not possible to commemorate the deceased on the 40th day, then it is not a tragedy or a sin, since this can be done in advance or even later. It is forbidden to transfer the commemoration to the liturgy, memorial service and cemetery. Many more are interested in how to count 40 days from the date of death, so the first day is the day of death itself, even if the death occurred late in the evening before midnight.

What is cooked for 40 days after death?

On this day, a memorial dinner is necessarily arranged, the purpose of which is to remember the deceased and pray for his repose. It is important to remember that food is not the main thing, so you do not need to try to cook a chic menu with large quantity delicacies. A funeral dinner for 40 days, the menu of which should take into account the rules of Christianity, implies the observance of several important principles:

1. On the table there should be kutya, which is made from millet or rice, and pancakes without filler. Each of these dishes has its own important sacred meaning, which helps to appreciate the frailty of being.
2. For those who are interested in the topic - 40 days after death, how to remember, you need to know about the old tradition of baking pies with different fillings.
3. If the forties did not fall on the post, then meat dishes are not prohibited, so you can serve cutlets, cabbage rolls, goulash with a side dish, and so on.
4. Different ones are allowed, and these can be first and second courses.
5. You can put salads on the table, which include lean ingredients in the recipe.
6. Understanding the traditions of 40 days after death and how to commemorate the deceased, it is worth mentioning that in many families it is customary to follow the tradition of cooking for a memorial dinner favourite dish deceased.
7. As for desserts, it is best to make cheesecakes, pies, cookies, and sweets are also allowed.

What is carried to the cemetery for 40 days?

According to tradition, on memorial days, people go to the cemetery to say goodbye to a loved one. It is necessary to take flowers with you to the grave, which should be a pair of flowers, and a candle. With these objects, the living can express their respect for the deceased. You can’t talk loudly at the grave, arrange snacks, and even more so drink alcohol. Another important point concerning what is brought to the cemetery for 40 days - as a treat for the deceased, you can take a plate of kutya from the house and leave it at the grave.

What is distributed for 40 days?

There are many traditions associated with memorial days. On the fortieth day, it is customary to distribute various treats to people so that they remember the deceased. In most cases, they give cookies, sweets and pastries. Customs for 40 days after death say that during the first forty days after death, it is necessary to distribute a person to needy people, asking them to pray for his soul. This tradition is not described in the Bible and is a personal decision for everyone.

Memorial service for 40 days - when to order?

On the fortieth day of commemoration of the deceased, it is imperative to go to the temple, where you can pray and order a memorial service and magpie.

1. The main prayer is considered to be said at the liturgy. During this, a bloodless sacrifice is necessarily brought to the Lord.
2. Seeing the soul on day 40 includes a memorial service, and this ceremony is served in front of a special table, which is called the eve. Gifts are left on it for the needs of the temple and in memory of the dead. If a memorial service is not scheduled on the day that has fallen, then they spend a lithium about the deceased.
3. Understanding the topic - 40 days after death, how to remember, it is necessary to say that it is important to order a magpie, which is carried out from the day of death to the 40th day. When the allotted time expires, the magpie can be repeated one more time. You can order longer periods of commemoration.

40 days after death - traditions and rituals

formed in Russia great amount customs, many of which have survived to this day. There are various signs that you can’t do up to 40 days, but it’s worth noting that many of them are fiction and the church does not confirm them. Notable traditions include:

1. Since ancient times, for 40 days it is not recommended to carefully monitor your clothes and cut your hair, as this is considered a manifestation of disrespect for the memory of the deceased.
2. The table for the funeral dinner is traditionally served, but they do not use sharp cutlery, that is, knives and forks. Spoons are placed upside down.
3. The crumbs left on the table cannot be swept off the table and thrown away, they are collected and taken to the grave. This is how the living inform the dead that a wake was being held.
4. Many are interested in the topic - what 40 days bring to the commemoration, and so there are no rules indicating such obligations, but it is not forbidden to take some food with you own cooking such as pies or pancakes.
5. At night, it is customary to close windows and doors tightly, and you can’t cry, as this can attract the soul of the deceased.
6. Many people leave a glass filled with vodka and covered with bread on the table or nightstand. If the liquid decreases, then the soul drinks it. Many people leave vodka on the grave, but this has nothing to do with Orthodox customs.

Why is it impossible to gnaw seeds for up to 40 days?

Over the years, various customs have been formed associated with the commemoration of dead people, and some of them will seem strange to many. For example, there is a ban regarding the fact that you can not gnaw seeds for up to 40 days, because this way you can spit on the soul of a deceased person. There is another explanation for this sign, according to which, those who violate this prohibition will have a toothache for a long time. The third interpretation of superstition concerns the fact that by clicking seeds you can attract evil spirits and devils.

Why are spoons given out for 40 days?

Since ancient times, there has been a custom of handing out wooden spoons that people used to eat at a funeral dinner. V modern world such cutlery is not used, so ordinary spoons are distributed. The sign is explained by the fact that when a person uses such a device, he involuntarily remembers the deceased. There is another strange superstition, according to which the dishes used for 40 days should not be distributed. It is believed that she is a participant in the farewell ritual, and if a person takes her home, she will bring trouble and even death.

Signs for 40 days after death

There are many different superstitions associated with this date from the day of death, and among them we will highlight the most famous:

1. During this period, it is forbidden to clean the house and turn off the light (you can leave a night light or a candle).
2. It is not allowed to sleep during the allotted time at the place of the deceased.
3. From the moment of death and up to 40 days, it is necessary to close all reflective surfaces in the house: mirrors, TVs, and so on. It is believed that a dead person can be reflected in them and take a living person with them.
4. Conducting a wake for 40 days after death, it is necessary to allocate a place at the table for the deceased person, putting a plate and a glass for him, putting a piece of bread on top.
5. The widow must wear it on her head for the specified time, if this is not done, then damage can be caused to herself.
6. Every day, a glass of water and a towel should be placed on the windowsill. This is important so that the soul can wash.