Summer estates, traditions and superstitions. What to do on the day before Pentecost, when “the dead await offerings”
On Saturday, May 30, on the eve of the Descent of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost Sunday), Orthodox Christians mark the Summer Midsummer, also known as the Cherry Midsummer, one of the most important days dedicated to the commemoration of the dead, to which many customs and superstitions are linked.
The tops of the cups are decorated with cherries. PHOTO traditionialomita.ro
It is the time when, according to tradition, “parents, grandparents and all the ancestors of our family” they are mentioned in all churches, through liturgies and special services, says the ethnographic researcher Sorin Mazilescu:
“On the day of the chosen holiday, Holy Liturgies are celebrated in all Orthodox churches, which are followed by general memorial services for all our relatives who have passed on to eternal life, over time. Parents, estates and all the ancestors of our family are commemorated on this occasion.”
Warm meals satiate those who have passed on to eternal life
Tradition says that on this day the deceased relatives wait to receive offerings.
“The faithful must respect the tradition that says that it is good that the food given for alms should be warm, because the smell of hot food satiates those who have passed on to eternal life. In many localities in Muntenia, the faithful fulfill the old traditions and give alms a hot food called 'aburel' or 'aburi'. At the same time, the alms that are given for the souls of sleeping relatives are placed in new clay vessels, bought for this occasion”, explains Sorin Mazilescu.
Cups decorated with limes and cherries
One of the most beautiful customs is that of giving cups:
“On the day of the feast, cups are given as alms, and their tops are decorated with linden flowers and cherries.”
The cups are filled with wine, juice or water sweetened with honey, symbols of life and joy.
Tables laid for the souls of the sleeping
In Argeș and in many other areas, the householders spread tables in the courtyard, loaded with traditional dishes, cakes, cherries and flowers.
“Each householder invites relatives, friends and neighbors to the table to feast for the souls of the sleeping ones.”
After giving alms, the hosts also taste the dishes, so that the ritual is fulfilled.
Strong superstitions about the Summer Estates
Summer Grandfathers Day is accompanied by many superstitions, passed down from generation to generation.
According to popular beliefs, it is good for the food given in alms to be warm, because “the smell of hot food satiates those who have passed on to eternal life.”
Women are forbidden to work on this day, also by superstition.
“Now, women are not allowed to knit, because all the balls given by alms will not reach those mentioned, tradition says In order for the home garden to bear fruit in everything they have sown, the householders must give green onions and garlic as alms”. explain Sorin Mazilescu
In the evening it is not good to go to the fountain or through deserted crossroads. It is said that evil spirits pass through there.
“If it rains on Midsummer's Day, the year's harvest will be very rich”
An old superstition says that “if it rains on Midsummer's Day, the year's harvest will be very rich.”
It is also said that those who honor their dead with fresh food and new items will enjoy growth, health and peace all year. That is why clay pots, cups, cakes and candles are prepared especially for this day, without being used before.
