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On November 2, Belarusians mark Dzyady, the day of All Souls.
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On the eve of Dzyady believers go to the cemetery to light candles in memory of their dead. Very often the candles dim there until the early hours.
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Holy Fathers, fly here!
By tradition, on Dzyady Belarusians used to take a steam bath and then leave some water and a broom for the departed souls who, as the legend says, come back to their houses on this day. A hearty meal was prepared because one had to feed and entertain their ‘dzyady’ – otherwise they could offend and send down misfortunes and ilnesses upon their successors.
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In some places guests (usually relatives, neighbors and sometimes beggars) were invited to the dinner. Before sitting down, a host with a candle in his hands went around the table three times, opened the windows and doors and called the names of their forefathers.
