Summer Ancestors' Day: traditions and superstitions. What to do the day before Pentecost, when 'the dead await offerings'

On Saturday, May 30, the eve of Pentecost, Orthodox Christians in Romania commemorate Moșii de Vară, also known as Moșii Cireșelor (Cherry Ancestors' Day). This significant day is dedicated to remembering the departed, with numerous customs and superstitions tied to it.

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In the chosen feast day, Holy Liturgies are officiated in all Orthodox churches, followed by general remembrance services for all our relatives who have passed into eternal life over time. Parents, grandparents, and all family ancestors are remembered on this occasion.

According to tradition, "parents, grandparents, and all family ancestors" are honored through special liturgies and services in churches. Ethnographic researcher Sorin Mazilescu explains that these services are held to remember relatives who have passed away.

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The tradition says that on this day, deceased relatives await offerings. Believers must respect the tradition which states it is good for the alms food to be warm, because the smell of warm dishes saturates those who have passed into eternal life.

A central tradition involves offering food to the deceased. It is believed that warm food, particularly a dish called 'aburel' in Muntenia, satisfies the souls of the departed. Offerings are placed in new clay pots, often filled with wine, juice, or honey-sweetened water, symbolizing life and joy. Another cherished custom is the gifting of ceramic mugs, their handles adorned with linden flowers and cherries.

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On the feast day, mugs are given as alms, and their handles are decorated with linden flowers and cherries.

Many superstitions surround Moșii de Vară. It is believed that the aroma of warm food nourishes the souls of the deceased. Women are traditionally forbidden from knitting on this day, as it is thought that any knitted items will not reach their intended recipients. To ensure a fruitful garden, households offer green onions and garlic. It is also advised to avoid wells and deserted crossroads in the evening, as these are believed to be frequented by evil spirits. A common belief holds that rain on Moșii de Vară predicts a very abundant harvest for the year.

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Now, women are not allowed to knit, because all the pretzels given as alms will not reach those remembered, according to tradition.