Honouring the Past: Ancestral Practices
Celebrating the Return of Ancestors
As the sun sets, people light fires by the roads and rivers, guiding lost spirits back to the world of the living. This tradition is a part of the Slavic holiday, Invoking Ancestors, held on May 3rd. On this day, it's believed that the souls of deceased loved ones visit the living.
Invoking Ancestors is filled with unique rituals, omens, and taboos that help build a connection with the other world.
Hosts start the day by setting a memorial table with an extra plate and spoon for the spirits of the dead. They prepare their loved ones' favorite dishes and traditional kutya, blinis, and kissel. Before the meal, the head of the family welcomes the ancestors, inviting them to share the meal. After the feast, the food remains untouched until morning, giving the spirits a chance to partake.
Graveyards are visited to clean and decorate the graves, offer treats, and converse with the deceased, seeking their guidance and protection. Signs from the ancestors can manifest in dreams, chance encounters, or unusual occurrences.
Evening brings fires lit by roads and rivers to help spirits find their way. In some regions, calling out to deceased relatives by name at crossroads was practiced, seeking assistance.
Omen Interpretation
- Seeing swallows fly low indicates the proximity of ancestral spirits.
- Hearing a cuckoo brings news from deceased relatives.
- Breaking crockery signals that the offering was accepted.
- If the candle flame flickers during the meal, it means spirits are present at the table.
- Dreams on the night of May 3rd are considered prophetic, especially if the deceased appear in them.
Celebrating Ancestors
- Set a memorial table and leave treats for spirits.
- Visit graves, tidy them, and talk to the deceased.
- Light candles and lamps in memory of ancestors.
- Share family stories and remember the good deeds of the dead.
- Seek protection and help from ancestors in important matters.
Taboos to Avoid
- Arguing, fighting, or using foul language offends spirits.
- Refusing charity or help to those in need may anger ancestors.
- Loud laughter and excessive celebration are inappropriate, as the day is meant for remembrance.
- Ignoring signs and dreams may signal important warnings from ancestors.
Eating Safe During Holidays
- Hot Dishes: Ancestors are said to consume the rising steam, so ensure meals are properly cooked to avoid gastrointestinal infections.
- Respectful Serving: Refrain from offering extra food, as it may invite misfortune, but it's acceptable to refuse additional servings.
- Avoid Overindulgence: Steer clear of excessive celebrations to prevent attracting misfortune.
- As the tradition of Invoking Ancestors continues, people light fires along roads and rivers, guiding the souls of the departed back to the living on May 3rd.
- During the Slavic holiday, rituals such as setting a memorial table with an extra plate and spoon for the spirits of the dead are a significant part of establishing a connection with the other world.
- In the lifestyle of Slavs, food-and-drink plays a role in celebrating ancestors, with traditional dishes like kutya, blinis, and kissel prepared for the spirits, and offerings of treats left at graves.
- Taboos within the fashion-and-beauty aspects of this holiday may include avoiding loud laughter and excessive celebration, as the day is meant for remembrance and not for overindulgence.
- Home-and-garden practices in celebrating ancestors include visiting graves, keeping them clean and decorated, and accepting that signs from the ancestors, such as dreams or unusual occurrences, may bring important warnings for the future.
