Memory Day in Ukraine

Today is Memory Day in Ukraine. It is the beginning of the next week after Easter. On this day people should visit cemetries and take care of the graves of their relatives and friends. As for me, it is very strange. Such impression that we should remember those who passed away on this day only! But there is one tradition that I can't accept at all. It is to eat and drink vodka at the cemetry. Why should I eat among the graves?! As for me it is some kind of barbarism! Besides, it is a must to fill glasses three times and say something good about the people who are not with us. You may know that number 3 is the main in Christian religion, I mean Holly Thrinity.

I respect all people, either they are with us or not but if I have nothinh good to say I'd better say nothing. I never visit the cemetry on this day. I always do it earlier not to see those false feelings and drunk people all around.If I feel I want to visit the graves of my parents and friends I do it anytime I like. But I always remember the people who were dear and close and I don't need any special day to recall my memories about them.

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Comments

april February 21, 2011 21:15

In Transcarpation region we neither eat nor drink at the cemetry.We light candels and pray.But I've heard about such tradition...rather strange I'd say....What does eating & vodka drinking at the graves symbolize?
Tanya April 12, 2010 8:57

Dear friends! I am happy to hear your replies. How great that you don't eat at the cemetries! Perhaps, I have to say that I am not against memory or taking care of graves. I am agaist eating and drinking there. You can't imagine how ugly it is to see drunk people swearing, singing songs or even fighting at the place that should be holly for even non-religious. Arif, I like the idea of exchanging food parcels. Natali, I wonder that you don't do it in Lviv because I,too, live in Ukraine.

Thanks everyone for sharing your ideas with me!
Expector Smith April 11, 2010 12:54

People here have got a 'Tomb-sweeping Day', when spring is here after the winter. A very old tradition - on that day (or around the day) people go to their beloved's tomb to pay their respects or in memory of the deceased by sweeping and putting some flowers or sometimes just burning some special paper and praying at the tomb.

But they don't eat or drink at the graveyard or cemetery.

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