DescriptionSlavs like many ancient peoples, had the tradition of visiting family members’ graves during springtime and feasting together. The land of the dead was believed to be inside the earth. As Mother Earth awakened after winter and weeped her spring tears of joy, the land of the dead breathed easier. When the lights are lit this helps to awaken her and acts as an offering to your Ancestor. Grave lanterns, grave candles, or death candles are a type of lantern, which are lit in memory of the dead or to commemorate solemn events. Now commonly used in religious settings, it was a tradition that was appropriated from the earlier pagan traditions. The grave lanterns, known as znicz, or lampady (лампадки) are a common tradition in Poland and Ukraine. After death, souls traveled to the land of eternal happiness – Nawia. They would return to the world of the living a few times during the year and had to be properly received. The Spirits would teach moral lessons and the living could also ask for favours from their Beloved Dead. Rituals connected to the forefathers – the Dziady – took place. The dead would be offered food and drink. Fires were lit on cemeteries and special grumadki (wood markers) were placed at crossroads in order to point the way back towards heaven. Tribute was paid through tournaments, song, and dance.
