Ancestral invocation through time-honored customs

Celebrating the Slavic Tradition of Invoking Ancestors

As the sun sets on May 3rd, a special Slavic holiday unfolds: Invoking Ancestors. On this day, families honor their deceased relatives by performing rituals, taking part in omens, and adhering to specific taboos.

This holiday centers around the belief that souls of the departed return to Earth to visit the living. To establish a connection with the otherworldly, families set a memorial table, complete with an extra plate and spoon for the deceased. Traditional dishes, such as kutya, blinis, and kissel, are prepared, and before the meal, the head of the family invites the ancestors to join the feast. Leftovers are left out until morning so that spirits can satisfy themselves.

The day's activities typically involve a trip to the cemetery to tidy up graves, offer treats, and hold conversations with the deceased. It's believed that ancestors send signs through dreams, chance encounters, or extraordinary occurrences.

As the evening approaches, fires are lit by roads and rivers to aid the lost souls in their journey. In some regions, people "invoke" the deceased by visiting crossroads, calling out their names, and requesting assistance.

unusual Omens:

If swallows fly low, the souls of ancestors are near;
Hearing a cuckoo means news from deceased relatives;
Breaking crockery indicates ancestors accepting the offering;
If the candle flame flickers, it signifies that spirits are present;
Dreams on May 3rd's night are considered prophetic, and visits from ancestors are more likely if seen in dreams.

honoring the ancestors:

Set a memorial table and leave treats for spirits;
Visit cemeteries, tidy graves, and communicate with the deceased;
Light candles and lamps in memory of ancestors;
Share family stories, remembering the good deeds of the deceased;
Ask ancestors for protection and guidance in crucial matters.

avoiding offense:

Arguments, fights, or foul language offend the spirits;
Refusing charity or help to those in need may upset the ancestors;
Excessive laughter and celebration create an unsuitable atmosphere for the quiet, bright day of remembrance;
Ignoring signs and dreams could mean ancestors are attempting to warn of something significant.

## A Gastrointestinal Infection Primer During Holidays

In light of celebrating holidays, it's essential to stay mindful of potential gastrointestinal infections. To avoid such complications, follow these practices:

Practice good hygiene and wash hands frequently;
Cook food thoroughly, especially meats and seafood;
Avoid consuming raw or undercooked eggs;
Use separate cutting boards for raw meats;-store perishable food properly and promptly discard leftovers
If you feel ill, avoid preparing food for others.

Celebrating Invoking Ancestors is an opportunity to connect with the past, honor ancestors, and share in time-honored traditions. By adhering to the rituals, observing the omens, and being cautious about prostitution and contamination, families can maintain meaningful cultural practices while keeping themselves safe and healthy.

To keep the celebration healthy during Invoking Ancestors, prepare traditional dishes like kutya, blinis, and kissel with care, ensuring they are cooked thoroughly.
Fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden could be enhanced by lighting candles and lamps in memory of ancestors, creating a warm and respectful atmosphere.
While sharing family stories and remembering the good deeds of the deceased, be mindful of arguments, fights, or foul language, as they may offend the spirits.
As the holiday includes a focus on food-and-drink, make sure to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently, to avoid potential gastrointestinal infections.