Wake is a rather complex funeral tradition found in most cultures. On the day of the commemoration, a treat takes place, as a memory of the deceased, both on the day of the funeral and on certain days later.
For some nationalities, sacrifices are laid on the grave, which are then consumed as food. Other customs say about holding a funeral feast (military fun) at the burial site. This tradition was widespread among the Slavic and Germanic tribes, among the ancient Greeks. In other places, the deceased was seen off with mourning processions and weeping.
We have a widespread Christian custom of holding a commemoration. According to the Orthodox canon, the commemoration should be held three times: on the day of the funeral, on the ninth day, and also on the fortieth day. They consist in a memorial meal. The same custom is found in many religions. The meaning of this ritual is very deep. Believing in the immortality of the soul, people celebrate the approach of the deceased to God, while at the same time paying tribute to him as a good person. It is not for nothing that it is customary either to speak well of the deceased, or not to speak at all.
The commemoration process also includes prayers for a person who has left the earthly world. In general, all actions at such rituals have a deep meaning, even the meal menu was not chosen by chance.
So what is the right way to hold a commemoration?
- Before the beginning of the meal, it is necessary to read the prayer "Our Father". This is a necessary minimum, since it is advisable to perform the litiya and sing the 90th psalm (for this, the so-called "singers" are invited). In the process of commemoration, it is necessary to remember the deceased, and, only his positive qualities and actions, obscene expressions, laughter, jokes, drunkenness are prohibited.
- It is undesirable to make the menu rich. On the contrary, modesty and simplicity are necessary, since the abundance of dishes does not benefit the very process of the ritual. The first dish, which is indispensable, is the so-called kutia - a porridge made from whole grains of millet, or rice, seasoned with honey and raisins. Moreover, it must be sprinkled with holy water, or consecrated during a memorial service. Kutia is a symbol of eternal life in Christ.
- It is especially necessary to approach the preparation of the menu during Easter strictly, since during it it is necessary to limit food. And in general - funerals exist not for a feast, but as an excuse to remember the deceased.
- If a commemoration falls on a weekday during Great Lent, they must be postponed until the weekend, because fasting is the most strict these days.
- Men at the commemoration should be bareheaded - women on the contrary. All those present can attend the commemoration on the day of the funeral, since this is the time of farewell to the deceased. On the ninth day, the relatives of the deceased gather. And on the fortieth - everyone who wants to remember the deceased.
