What is radonitsa?

Radonitsa is a Russian Orthodox holiday that is celebrated nine days after Orthodox Easter. It is a day to honor the dead and remember departed loved ones by visiting their graves and placing flowers and offerings on their tombs. The name "Radonitsa" derives from the Slavic word "radost," meaning joy, as it is believed that on this day the souls of the departed are granted rest and joy in the afterlife.

Radonitsa is a day of remembrance and reflection, where families gather at cemeteries to pray for the souls of their departed loved ones and to ask for their intercession. It is a time to show respect for the deceased and to honor their memory.

In addition to visiting graves and attending church services, it is also a common tradition on Radonitsa to have a meal with family and friends in remembrance of the departed. Special dishes such as koliva (a sweet grain dish) and paskha (a type of sweet bread) are often prepared and shared during these gatherings.

Overall, Radonitsa is a significant and solemn holiday in the Russian Orthodox tradition, where the living remember and pay tribute to the dead, ensuring that their memory lives on.