Radonitsa
May 14, Tuesday
History
The name "Radonitsa" comes from the word "joy," which is associated with the fact that the holiday unites two important aspects of Christianity — mourning for the dead and the joy of Christ’s Resurrection. At the heart of the holiday is the idea that death is a transition to a new life, and believers rejoice for the souls of their loved ones who have found peace in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Radonitsa symbolizes the victory of life over death through Christ’s Resurrection, so the commemoration of the dead on this day is done with faith in eternal life and hope for the resurrection of all.
Traditions
Visiting cemeteries. The main tradition of Radonitsa is visiting the graves of relatives. People come to the cemetery, bring flowers, candles, and clean the graves. Sometimes memorial prayers and requiem services are held.
Memorial meals. It is common to bring food to the cemetery and hold memorial meals. Easter dishes such as Easter cakes (kulichi), painted eggs, and other treats are often placed on the table. It is believed that the living symbolically share a meal with the deceased in this way.
Prayers for the dead. Requiem services are held in churches, during which believers pray for the repose of the souls of their ancestors. Memorial prayers, which ask God for the forgiveness of the deceased’s sins, play an important role.
Charity is often organized. In some regions, there is a tradition of giving alms to those in need or leaving food at gravesites, symbolically sharing with the souls of the dead.