How do Georgians commemorate the dead at Easter?
Graves, prayer and a red egg on Easter Monday.
Short answer
On Easter Monday people in Georgia go to the cemetery, pray for the dead and roll an egg over the grave. The Labour Code calls this day All Souls' Day and makes it a day off.
Why
- Easter Monday is on the list of holidays in Article 30 of the Labour Code of Georgia.
- People visit relatives' graves and pray for the dead on this day.
- Easter eggs are dyed red and sprouted wheat is a symbol of life, which is why some people bring it to the grave.
Details
Easter Monday is the day after Easter, and Easter falls on a different date every year by the church calendar. The Labour Code of Georgia (Article 30) calls it All Souls' Day, and Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday are days off as well. People go to the cemetery, say prayers and roll an egg over the grave, and some bring a plate of sprouted wheat.
Customs differ by region. In Guria, families go to the cemetery after the midnight service and a priest blesses small festive tables there. In Svaneti, families light candles at small tables by the cemetery in the morning and sing Easter hymns. For the holiday itself see When and how Easter is celebrated in Georgia, and for the days off during the year see the list of public holidays.
Tip
If you visit a cemetery on Easter Monday as an outsider, stay quiet and do not photograph people at graves without asking. Plan errands in advance, because it is a day off.
What may differ
Customs differ by region and family, and the date of Easter changes every year. Check the calendar of the Georgian Orthodox Church.
Common misconception
Easter Monday is an ordinary working day in Georgia.
What actually happens
It is an official day off: it is named in Article 30 of the Labour Code of Georgia.
People also ask
- What is Easter Monday in Georgia?
Sources
The date of Easter and the days off change from year to year, so check the calendar for the current year.
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