How to remember for 9 days? What should be done and what should not be done? This is described in detail in the article. Body, soul and spirit - all this is God's creation. If the first is temporary, then the rest live forever. Today we will talk about why they remember on the 9th day, why they do it. The basic rules of this event will also be presented, described how to organize everything correctly, when and where.
Of course, the important ritual that helps the dead to depart to another world is the commemoration on the 9th day.
Where is the soul located after a person has died?
According to the Orthodox canons, it is believed that not on the day of death the soul of the newly-departed is sent according to the purpose of God. Another 40 days after she left the body, the soul is on earth. During this period, relatives pray for the deceased. The 3rd, 9th and 40th day are celebrated in a special way.
Why do you need to do this? Why is it commemorated on the 9th and 40th day? The meaning of the commemoration these days consists in prayers for the deceased before God. Note that 9 is a sacred number. After a person has died, his body is resting, covered in earth. At the same time, the soul continues to wander the earth.
What happens on the 9th day? The afterlife begins from the first day. On the 3rd day, the soul of the deceased leaves the native walls. During this period, she goes on a 9-day walk. In these six days she goes a special way. At this time, she is preparing for a personal meeting with the Almighty. On the 40th day, the path ends.
Why is it commemorated on the 9th day after death? These events help the deceased with fear and trembling face the throne of God - Judge. Note that in God's hierarchy, angels have their own ranks. After a 9-day posthumous journey, the selection of angels ends. They act as advocates (advocates) in God's judgment. Each of them will ask God for mercy. At the same time, he will be provided with evidence of the righteous life of a person who died 9 days ago.
The first three days after death, when the soul is still near the living, a guardian angel is next to it. In the paradise for acquaintance, the soul falls on the fourth day. While the verdict has not yet been pronounced, everyone falls into paradise. This is done so that the soul had the opportunity to rest from the pain that haunted it on the ground. Immediately show all the sins of the deceased.
The value of 9 days
As you understand, angels lead the dead to the throne of God. After a conversation with the Almighty, the soul recovers to hell. This decision is not final. We can say that the soul gets there for review. During such a journey, various grave obstacles arise before the dead (or rather his soul). He must pass all the tests. Their complexity depends entirely on the temptations that meet along the way.
Those souls who were able to show that good conquers evil can expect a change in decision at God's judgment. It is very likely that they can count on forgiveness.
What is the importance of the 9th day? The fact that the deceased has not yet been determined in his path. Memories of relatives, as well as their prayers, will provide undeniable assistance to the deceased. They bring peace of mind to the memory of the good deeds of the deceased, of his life and forgiveness of the offended.
According to Orthodox canons, it is believed that one cannot constantly mourn the deceased. So your behavior is keeping him on the ground. When relatives and friends find peace, they give reassurance to a departed person.
When the soul goes through a journey to hell, then sinners have the opportunity to repent. At the moment, it is the prayers of the living that are for the dead a strong support on this difficult path.
It is very important to order a moleben on the 9th day. After which, of course, you must definitely end the day with a funeral. The prayer that sounds during the commemoration helps the deceased to pass these difficult hellish trials.
The prayers of living people are filled with requests that the deceased be attached to the angels. If it pleases the Almighty, then the deceased will become for some of his relatives a guardian angel.
How to count correctly the 9th day?
When calculating, you need to take into account not only the day, but also the time. Wake must be arranged no later than the ninth day. Usually they are even done earlier. It is impossible to arrange a wake later.
For example, if a person died after lunch, then you need to make a wake in eight days. Note that the date of death and the time of the funeral are in no way interconnected. According to Orthodox customs, it is believed that the body is interred on the second or third day. But it also happened that the date of burial was postponed even on the sixth and seventh day. Based on this, only from the time of death and calculate the date of the funeral.
Traditional Wake
How to remember 9 days after death? Now we will tell you in detail. Note that the commemoration is a necessary, but not very simple ritual in order to pay tribute to the deceased. At the same time, leaving in his mind all the best of his life.
A wake for the 9th day is not customary to be held in the cemetery. You can just come to the grave of the deceased. You can arrange a wake at home. If there is no way to do it there, then you can hold an event in a cafe.
It is generally accepted that people are not invited to a funeral dinner. They must come by themselves. Of course, what you need to tell them when and where the event will take place. You also need to express the desire that these people attend the memorial dinner, which begins and ends with the Lord's Prayer.
We set the table correctly for the funeral dinner. What dishes can I cook?
How to remember for 9 days? You need to arrange a special dinner. Just remember that he has nothing to do with celebration. There can be no laughter, fun and songs during this dinner.
The church does not recommend setting up and consuming alcoholic beverages that cause uncomfortable behaviors. In general, drinking is a great sin. And, as you know, during the commemoration, people pray for the supplication of sins, not only the dead, but also the living. During lunch on the 9th day, if you indulge in drunkenness, you can harm the deceased.
How to remember for 9 days after people prayed? Then each of those present imposes a kutya for himself, which was specially prepared and consecrated in the church. Note that if it was not possible to sanctify the food, then it can be sprinkled with holy water three times.
Funeral kutia
As it has already become clear, the main dish, that is, what is remembered for 9 days, is kutya. Each region has its own unique tradition of cooking. But the main components are grain and honey. They can be used in the preparation of cereals such as:
Note, for the preparation of this dish it is not at all random that grain is selected. It has a sacred meaning. This means that the seed dies during cooking, just like a person dies. The latter can be reborn in a new form in the kingdom of heaven. To wish the deceased a paradise life, poppy and honey are added to kutya.
Raisins and nuts are not always added to this lean dish. This is because they symbolize a healthy life and well-being. Symbols of heaven are sweets such as honey and sugar. They are also added to kutya. Do not turn a funeral dinner into a waste of time. This time is intended for the comfort of relatives and memories of the dead.
Funeral dinner. Basic rules of conduct
How to remember the dead for 9 days? Starting lunch is the first course. Usually it is borscht. Also in the funeral menu there is porridge, often pea. This dish is served with meatballs, fish or poultry.
Many are interested in how to remember for 9 days and what needs to be served? Now let's try to understand this issue. The porridge (often pea) must be on the menu at the funeral ceremonies, cutlets, fried fish or poultry are served to it.
The host itself chooses cold snacks. As for drinks, then on the table should be either stewed fruit or an uzvar. At the end of dinner, thin pancakes (with cottage cheese or poppy seeds) or cakes with sweet filling are served.
The purpose of the commemoration is not the consumption of food!
Note that food does not need to be prepared much so as not to fall into gluttony. In general, the rituals during the adoption of funeral foods is a fiction of people. Meal is not the main event of the day. People should just quietly remember the deceased. Do not talk about him badly. This is necessary so as not to harm him while traveling in hell.
If we speak negatively about the deceased on the 9th day, then there is a chance that he will receive a terrible sentence. Note that all the food that remained after the funeral dinner should be given to the needy, the poor.
Wake Clothes
At the funeral dinner, prayers are read, so women cover their heads with scarves. On the 9th day, only relatives can have black shawls, as a symbol of special sadness. If we talk about men, then in this case everything is different. They take off their hats, before God in prayer they present with their heads uncovered.
Church behavior
We have already figured out how to commemorate for 9 days. For Orthodox loved ones, their presence in the service on the occasion of 9 days is a prerequisite.
All people place candles for the repose of the deceased according to this plan:
- First go to the icon, near which there are candles for the repose. It usually depicts the crucifixion of Jesus. Cross yourself.
- Pre-purchased candle light from other burning. If they are not, then you can use the fire from the lamp. In no case can you use matches or lighters in this matter.
- Install a lighted candle on an empty spot.
- Next, ask God to rest the soul of the deceased, be sure to name the full name (the one that was baptized).
- Cross, bow, move away from the lamp.
The candles that are placed in the church symbolize a collective request for the dead. Praying for the soul of the departed, send requests to God for the mercy of the sinful person. The more people pray for his forgiveness, the more likely he will be forgiven. You can ask both the Holy Saints, the angels and God.