Boss, what do you know! On May 30, 2026, the Saturday before Pentecost, it's Summer Ancestors' Day – the day we commemorate the departed. Now, sit down so you don't fall, because I found out some stuff from a buddy of mine who knows the traditions well. The name comes from 'moși' – our ancestors – and it's exactly the moment to pray for all those who are no longer with us. What do you know, I can almost smell the incense from the church in Berceni, where Mioara sends me every year with the packages.
Now, let me tell you how it's done, bro! On this day, packages of food and drink are distributed, but attention – the number of plates must be odd: 5, 7, 9, or 12. Each number has a symbolic meaning, but I say it's more important to do it with heart, not just numbers. And what do you put in the package? Colivă – boiled wheat with honey, walnuts, and raisins –, sarmale, pies, rice pudding, lamb meat, colaci, cozonac, seasonal fruits (now it's cherry season, that's why it's also called 'Cherry Ancestors' Day'), cheese, cottage cheese, eggs, yogurt. And the dishes and spoons must be new, otherwise it doesn't count – that's what happened to me last year, because I forgot and Mioara told me: 'Hey, did you get new spoons?' What could I do, I ran to the corner store. Drinks – milk, wine, beer, water – are put in new cups or glasses, and the lit candles symbolize the light in the other world.
Now comes the part about washing clothes. Listen, what a scandal on this topic! Popular superstitions say not to disturb the spirits of the dead, but the Orthodox Church imposes no prohibition. Father Vasile Ioana said clearly: clothes can be washed any day, except Sunday and holidays with a red cross. So, if you want to wash, wash – don't listen to the old ladies in the neighborhood. But I wouldn't mess with the spirits, because I don't want Tyson to show up scared at 3 in the morning.
Did you know that Summer Ancestors' Day has pagan origins? Yes, bro, it's a Christianization of the Roman festival Parentalia, dedicated to dead parents. Popular belief says that the souls of the departed leave their graves on Maundy Thursday and wander among the living until Pentecost Sunday. Summer Ancestors' Day is the day of parting, and for the departure to be peaceful, we must appease them with prayers and alms – otherwise they wander sadly on the 'Valley of Longing' and have nothing to eat. So don't forget to give alms also for the forgotten ones, not just for your own.
In 2026, Pentecost is on May 31, and Summer Ancestors' Day is exactly on May 30. The faithful go to the Divine Liturgy, then to the memorial service, and distribute the packages. The prayer of commemoration is super important: 'With the saints give rest, O Christ, to the souls of Your departed servants, where there is no pain, nor sorrow, nor sighing, but life everlasting!' Now, I'm going to help Mioara prepare the packages – because I already bought cherries from the market and I hope Brian doesn't eat them all before Saturday!
