Can pregnant women go to funerals? Is it possible for pregnant women to go to funerals - signs and opinion of the church A child was born to a pregnant deceased at the funeral

“What to do with suggestions and dreams? Should I follow them? - Goethe asked through the mouth of Faust three centuries ago. The topic remains relevant to this day, although belief in omens is considered a kind of fun for adults, and the official Church stigmatizes superstition. And around the question: “?” – the controversy still does not subside.

In contact with

Slavic beliefs and signs for pregnant women

Why are these superstitions so tenacious in the era of Orthodoxy and universal literacy of the population? It’s not a matter of signs, but of people who preserve the experience of their ancestors, accumulated even before the Baptism of Rus', who signs were the basis of communication with almost all natural manifestations and even a means of unraveling the signals of the subtle worlds. “Every event is preceded by a special sign!” – our ancestors were sure, “You just need to be able to see this sign and interpret it correctly!”

Important! Such a significant event as the birth of a new life, naturally, could not remain without many signs and instructions on how a woman should behave for almost a whole year.

The Slavs believed that we live in the middle of 3 worlds:

• Rule the World (Sky of the Just Gods).
• Mira Yavi ( Middle world, where all people, animals and plants live).
• Mira Navi (Reverse World - the world where the Dark Gods rule, the world of the dead and eternal winter).

Question: “(graveyard)?” – was examined carefully. The fact that this is extremely undesirable is clear - a cemetery is an accumulation of “bad” energy, the last threshold between the world of the living and the dead. It is not appropriate for a woman who carries within herself a young sprout of life to attract the attention of the spirits of death and black angels.

Ancient customs prohibit pregnant women from going to the cemetery

Let's follow the rules!

For the same reason, they tried to protect the pregnant woman from all worries associated with funerals and burial:

1. They were not allowed to wash the deceased, clean the house after removal, and even at the wake they did not sit her on a bench where 11 people were already sitting. (She + child = 2 people. 11 + 2 = 13. The number 13 was considered a bad number among the Slavs not at all because Judas was the 13th at Christ’s table during the Last Supper (they didn’t know anything about Jesus then), but because just as the number 13 is a damn dozen, a borderline number before two “sevens” - respected and purely positive numbers).
2. A week included 9 days, a month - 40. It becomes clear where the custom of commemorating the deceased on these days came from.
3. All family rituals were tied to these numbers., it was necessary to adhere to them; the pregnant woman had to follow these rules especially carefully, because she was responsible not only for herself, but also for the health and future fate of her unborn child.
4. A woman “in heaviness” was not allowed to look out of the window until the deceased was interred or placed on a crode (a funeral pedestal made of logs and straw for burning the body).

The removal of the body was carried out through a window; often it was even cut through just for this purpose. It was believed that the soul of a dead man could catch on to the soul of a baby and harm him.

The pregnant woman could not even look out the window while the dead man was being carried out

Farewell and memorial

deceased, approaching and kissing loved one? - This is not forbidden!

Farewell included an important ritual - a request to the deceased to forgive the insults inflicted on him during life and to forgive him. WITH dead they spoke in a quiet voice, bending low towards his face, asked for forgiveness, forgave, asked to convey greetings to those who were already in the kingdom of Navi or to fulfill someone’s very important request.

Important! Performing the rite of farewell (farewell) was considered mandatory!

It was not customary to shed bitter tears, but it was considered indecent to noisily rejoice that another of your loved ones had become closer to Father Rod.

It was not forbidden for a pregnant woman to say goodbye to the deceased and remember him

Remember the dead the whole family gathered, there was a place at the table for the expectant mother. No one was invited to the funeral feast (the final act in the funeral rite), but no one was driven away either: “To anger the deceased is to lose happiness in the family!”

Sometimes a large number of people gathered at the funeral clearing, among them there could be those who wanted to do an evil deed. A woman “in heaviness” could become an easy prey for an evil person, since it was believed that she “stands on the threshold of two Worlds” - Reveal and Navi.

According to the ideas of our ancestors, all children and their souls came to the Middle World from the Reverse, having received the blessing of the werewolf god Veles - “the shepherd of souls Iriy,” the powerful dark patron of various arts, including witchcraft.

Red thread Mokosh

So that “bad things” do not happen to a woman and a baby, among Slavic amulets“Nauzas” woven from thick red thread were very common, which the expectant mother wore on her arms and in her hair, removing them only:

• The custom has still not been eradicated in many villages. walking pregnant cemetery and when there is a crowd of people wearing something red - to ward off the evil eye.
• Red is the color of the goddess Mokosha - the patroness of the family, the birth of children, married women. Another name for Mokosh is the Great Weaver. It was believed that it was she who weaves the destinies of all people even before their birth, weaving happy days into the fabric with a red thread.
• Wear a red sundress for funerals and It’s not at all necessary when going to a cemetery! It is enough to mark something in red - a ribbon, a scarf, a red thread on the wrist.

Red Mokosha thread on the wrist

"Open" look

A woman was forbidden even look at the dead man in this case! They said that a dead person could “attract” with his dead gaze and take his future life with him. And most often such a deceased person was classified as a sorcerer. Otherwise, there were no obstacles in Old Slavonic customs to saying goodbye to a loved one or remembering him for a pregnant woman. Subject to certain rules, of course!

Important! Perhaps the only immutable prohibition on direct contact with the deceased concerned pregnant women, if the dead person’s eyelids were not completely closed (this happens).

What is the official Christian Church? How does she answer the question: “ Can or not pregnant women walk-visit cemetery? Are there any signs or restrictions?

Christianity's position

The position of Christian priests differs little from Old Slavonic beliefs. In any case, to the question: “ Should a pregnant woman go to a cemetery and is it possible for pregnant women along with everyone remember the dead? – The Church answers: “Yes! It’s not only possible, but even necessary!”

1. It is believed that the Lord blesses those who strive to pay their last respects to a deceased person and do not forget about him, regularly ordering a “remembrance” and caring for the grave.
2. The Christian Church only takes a bad attitude towards the “commemoration” near this grave, considering this action an echo of a funeral funeral, and therefore a demonic custom.
3. Both Orthodoxy and Old Church Slavonic culture are united in one thing - on Drink alcohol at the funeral!

Orthodoxy does not welcome such a custom at all, and popular rumor suggests: “The child will be a drunkard!” But the sign that meeting a funeral procession is good luck, especially for a pregnant woman, came to us after Epiphany.

The Church allowed the sins of the deceased to be paid off through the distribution of money or utensils. A woman encountered in a “difficult” situation received a doubly payoff – once. Secondly, her child also received a guardian-patron - a ransom soul (a ransom uncle or aunt), who “nurtured” the baby from Heaven and could “put in a good word” for him before the Lord.

Is it possible for pregnant women to say goodbye to loved ones, without visiting cemeteries, if on the day of the funeral she does not feel well or her “heart is not in her mind”?

The official Church does not consider such behavior to be a sin. It will be enough to order a memorial service and funeral service in memory of the deceased in the Temple, and at home light a church candle and read the appropriate prayers.

When bright words of prayer are offered, it is believed that the souls of the dead receive relief from grief. The soul separated from the body “suffers.” Prayer of a woman carrying new life is especially pleasing to the angels and the Lord himself, and the tormenting soul has Good Hope for a speedy resolution of its fate.

Esoterics, psychology and folk beliefs

You can often hear from old people that pregnant women and children have nothing to do in cemeteries and Pregnant women should not look at a dead person! Why?

• Old people say that a child may be born hunchbacked or contract the same disease from which the person died. Even if a person died of old age, the baby can “attract” “canine old age” - progeria. Here why pregnant women can't on n at a funeral, looking at the deceased!
• If there is an urgent need, then the woman must be wearing a scarf (the Guardian Angel of the unborn baby clings to it) and not empty-handed - a gift or ransom.
• The ransom can be any coin or just a piece of candy, which should be placed on any grave-house with the name of the person being buried.
• And under no circumstances should you drop or forget your own item! They can make a “fake” on her, and pregnant mothers are so distracted!

Important! Compliance with all the rules adopted when visiting a cemetery is strictly required!

Esotericists explain why pregnant women can't visit funerals and cemeteries– it’s just unnatural, because the concepts of a graveyard and the beginning of a new life are opposite. Death is the logical conclusion of earthly existence. – the logical beginning of a new path. There is an eternal struggle between these concepts. You should not “lead into temptation” the subtle worlds and make yourself or your baby a bone of contention between the worlds - this is a dangerous business!

At the cemetery, mom willy-nilly is fed by the negative energy that tears and grief for the deceased carry.

At the cemetery, a pregnant woman is fueled by bad energy

Psychologists also have an explanation for why one should not look at the deceased:

• The ancient Roman writer, historian and doctor Pliny noted that it is very important for the expectant mother to experience positive emotions; negative ones have a bad effect on the health and character of the baby after his birth.
• Modern science has confirmed that the child sensitively reacts to all the mother’s emotions while still in the womb, hears external sounds and reacts to light.
• The sight of a coffin being lowered into a hole is unlikely to cause a storm of joy and fill the soul with aesthetic peace.
• In addition to the emotional stress, it will be difficult for a woman to stand on her feet for a long time, especially in the later stages.
• A crowd of strangers can lead to infection with any viral disease, and this can lead to severe illness.

What to do, if pregnant just wants to wander around cemetery paths? This happens when a woman’s soul asks for rest from the hustle and bustle and asks to get rid of psychological stress. Is it possible?

Important! If someone close to you has recently died, or a woman feels an irresistible desire to remain in dreary loneliness (this happens during pregnancy), you should not disturb her.

The Slavs have long been distinguished by superstitiousness, which is why beliefs and omens have become entrenched among the Russian people in large numbers. Many of them are associated with children, babies and pregnancy, since the Slavs have always given great importance to procreation.

It was believed that a woman who wants to carry and give birth to a healthy baby should know what pregnant women can and cannot do: whether or not they can talk about pregnancy ahead of time, whether it is allowed to prepare a “dowry” for the baby in advance, whether pregnant women can go to funerals.

Long-standing roots of folk beliefs

In the old days, people were aroused by superstitious horror and fear of any events for which no apparent explanation could be found. Such inexplicable and strange events included death and everything connected with it. Even today it has not been possible to understand where the deceased person “goes”, which is why various incredible explanations are attributed to such a “phenomenon” and an unimaginable number of signs and beliefs are associated with the tragic events.

Everything that the ancient Slavs associated with death and the birth of a new life was “shrouded” in mystery and mystery - these two events were connected into one energetic ball and closely intertwined with one another. It was believed that a deceased person goes to “another world”, and a newborn comes from this “other world”. Modern world and society has not gotten rid of these beliefs and superstitions, since they already have genetic roots. On the contrary, after a while they were strengthened by new explanations and interpretations - religious, mystical, psychological, philosophical.

It has long been the custom that pregnancy and funerals are completely incompatible concepts, but different explanations have been given for this. Mystically minded relatives always gave several versions directly related to “ transmigration of souls".

Mystical interpretation of belief

Proponents of the theory about " transmigration of the soul“After death, they always looked for a rational explanation for where the soul was located after leaving the body before moving into a new “abode.” Many versions have been and are being put forward, and one of them says that the souls of dead people live in the cemetery, next to the burial place of the body.

This is where the versions and explanations came from as to why pregnant women should not go to funerals:

1. According to the first explanation, an unborn baby in the womb does not yet have its own soul, therefore the soul of any dead person from a cemetery can move into it. It was believed that in this way one could deprive the unborn baby of his fate and luck, imposing on him the fate of a deceased person. After such an explanation, not a single pregnant woman wanted to attend the funeral or go to the cemetery;
2. According to the second version, if a woman attends a funeral while pregnant, her unborn baby will be inhabited by the soul of the very person being buried. It doesn’t matter who the deceased’s future mother is, such a “relocation” will also have a very negative impact on the health and well-being of the baby, since the “alien soul” will certainly lead the person far from the true path. It was believed that such children would not have their own destiny;
3. The third version has Ukrainian roots. Its supporters claim that the souls of young children who died unbaptized wander in the vicinity of the cemetery, huddled together in a “flock”. People called them differently, according to one version – “lost children”. Various tricks were attributed to them: they allegedly led wandering drunks and travelers astray at night, frightened young people on a spree, but especially - they waited for a pregnant woman next to the graveyard and near the church during the funeral service for the deceased. A careless woman in this way “gave” her baby to them into the ranks of “lost”: the child was born dead or died immediately after birth. In some cases, if the baby managed to be baptized, he survived, but grew up sick and unhappy: the little “lost children” did not forgive the fact that they were outwitted.

Any mystical explanation can greatly frighten the expectant mother and discourage her from thinking about the dilemma: is it worth going to the funeral of a pregnant woman. On the other hand, religiously minded loved ones are able to dispel fears and concerns by turning to someone for clarification. Orthodox Church.

Orthodox approach to explaining beliefs

Servants of the Orthodox Church, for their part, warn about the inadmissibility of accepting popular interpretations and superstitions for a church-going Christian. It is believed that “superstitions” are elements not of true, but of “vain” faith, which comes from the “evil one”.

This also applies to beliefs associated with attending funerals during pregnancy:

• The clergy draw attention to the fact that it is necessary to honor the memory of deceased relatives, and the period of gestation is not an obstacle to this. Priests include the following necessary actions: prayer, alms for the deceased, donation in the form of a candle for the repose. At the same time, it is not forbidden to say goodbye to a close deceased relative if the woman feels well and is able to withstand the funeral ritual in the temple.
• It is not recommended for pregnant women to go to the funerals of relatives in cases where there is a threat of miscarriage for the unborn baby or the woman herself feels unwell. The duty of the expectant mother while carrying a baby is to take care of her health and the well-being of the unborn baby, entrusted to her by the Almighty. Therefore, everything that a mother does to the detriment of the baby and herself is considered a sin, including ignoring the body’s signals about trouble.

According to Biblical tradition, Jesus Christ during his earthly life wandered the earth, healing people from illnesses and relieving their souls. The rumor about him quickly spread throughout the land, everyone was in a hurry to receive healing from the prophet. To everyone who turned to him asking for help, Jesus said: “ Do you believe it? According to your faith you will..." That is why Orthodox priests today draw the attention of parishioners to the fact that the power of faith should accompany a person throughout his entire earthly journey.

A pregnant woman should not believe that otherworldly forces can harm the baby during a funeral, otherwise, “ according to your faith may it be done to you..." Pregnant women can go to funerals in cases where the expectant mother takes the correct position of trusting in the protection and patronage of the Lord and the Mother of God.

Psychological and physiological interpretation of the ban

Psychologists and physiologists give their explanation of why pregnant women should not go to funerals. The problem lies in the psycho-emotional mood of the mother, which is transmitted to the baby.

From the first weeks, the baby lives with his mother as one organism, subtly senses even her mood swings, and even more so the experiences of deep grief:

1. From the point of view of scientific psychology, any negative emotions are harmful to the little life inside the mother. Child psychoanalysts who practiced psychoanalysis and counseling of newborn babies and infants came to surprising conclusions: babies carry their problems from the prenatal period and are able to project them during the first weeks and months of life. Those babies whose mothers experienced severe nervous shock during pregnancy, a few weeks after birth, began to frighten loved ones with severe attacks of suffocation, severe rashes on the body, and short-term cessation of breathing - typical psychosomatic symptoms.
2. In addition, from a physiological point of view, sharp and deep negative emotions experienced by the mother can harm the fragile nervous system the fetus, which will subsequently result in health problems for the child. The baby will be capricious, sleep and appetite disturbances are possible.

Whether or not to go to the funeral of a loved one is up to the expectant mother to decide for herself. Most refer to the fact that they are already very worried about the loss, so it won’t get worse.

To the question why pregnant women should not go to the cemetery, signs will answer. They contain a considerable part of the wisdom of their ancestors, and beliefs do not give bad advice.

In the article:

Why pregnant women should not go to the cemetery - signs

The dead cannot be forgotten. But we must remember that they go to the cemetery of their own free will, without coercion. When you feel unwell, postpone visiting a relative’s grave until another time.

For many people, visiting cemeteries, the graves of relatives who have passed on to another world, does not cause negative emotions. When you feel calm in the cemetery, there are no restrictions on visiting. But when the place scares you and the sight of the graves is unpleasant, refrain from such trips.

Pregnancy and funeral - signs

Birth and death are opposites, and the presence of a pregnant woman at a funeral is unnatural. But the situations are different, and it happens that you have to take part in a funeral at this time.

When you have the opportunity not to go to a funeral, take it. When an acquaintance with whom you were not close died, say goodbye to the deceased mentally, go to church the next day and light a candle for the repose. - a serious reason not to go to the funeral, and no one will judge.

Regarding pregnancy and funerals, signs say that it is undesirable to go to funeral services and burials. And you can come to the wake and support the family of the deceased person. Try to communicate less with mourners and not be influenced by stress. Any negative emotions negatively affect the well-being and health of the baby, and there are no positive emotions at a funeral.

When grief occurs in the family, try to follow the precautionary rules. There are signs that prescribe how to behave correctly at a funeral and while visiting a cemetery. Follow them to avoid serious problems.

Try to worry less and think more about the child. Go to a funeral when you understand that it will bring peace, not depression. Try to accept the fact that death is inevitable and there is nothing negative about it. Strong feelings lead to the loss of a child. If you think you are at risk, stay home.

It is not advisable for pregnant women to look at the dead. The fact is that dead and unborn children are in the same dimension. There is a possibility that the dead person may take the child with him. And the coffin being immersed in the ground is a very stressful sight.

When you decide to come to the funeral, choose a time. When the deceased has not yet been taken out of the house, as well as when the coffin has been buried, these are the least stressful moments of the funeral.

In contact with

An important event in the life of every woman. During this period from before the birth of a new life future mom She especially worries about him and tries to protect him from everything bad. Therefore, it is now that a woman listens to various signs that can affect the life and even the fate of her baby. A negative attitude towards the presence of a woman expecting a baby at a cemetery, funeral and even wake is one of these signs. But not everyone knows why you can’t go to a cemetery.

Pregnancy and cemetery

Almost every family has one or two or more people; many are expecting the birth of their babies. In addition, life is quite ambiguous, and next to joy there is grief: in one of the close families a baby is due, and in another, death may come at this time. And then it's quite hard to accept correct solution, after all, it is everyone’s duty to see off a loved one on their last journey, but in this state the woman is so vulnerable that attending a funeral can harm both her and the baby. Therefore, the answer to the question of whether it is possible to be at a funeral or burial is of interest to many.

The attitude towards this problem is ambiguous:

• some do not attach much importance to such issues and treat them as superstition;
• others argue that a woman expecting a baby should not visit mourning places;
• third - that she should act as she sees fit, so long as her mental state is not disturbed;
• still others think that it is necessary to recharge only with positive energy, and the cemetery is not intended for this, because here human life ends, and in the mother’s womb it only begins.

Is it possible to go to the cemetery?

There are plenty of opinions about whether pregnant women can go to a cemetery. It would be useful to listen to each of them, especially since almost everyone claims that a woman expecting a child has no place in a cemetery.

Psychology opinion

Psychologists do not consider it reprehensible for a woman expecting a child to visit burial sites, but they still do not recommend doing this unless absolutely necessary. After all, she cannot help but get stressed there, which will certainly have a negative impact on both herself and the child. It is very difficult to control your emotions in this position, especially for funerals.
Psychologists do not consider a visit by a pregnant woman to the graves of previously deceased relatives to be a cause for significant stress; the main thing is that it should not bring negative emotions. Therefore, before going to the burial sites, the expectant mother should analyze whether this visit will become a reason for receiving emotions with a strong negative impact, and how obligatory it is (can it be postponed until the birth of the baby). If staying near the graves, on the contrary, can calm the woman down or there is no way to postpone it, then such a trip is quite possible.

Important! Strong negative emotions and experiences during pregnancy can provoke nervousness in the unborn child, which subsequently has an impact on his character, and therefore on how life will turn out.

Not only for the pregnant woman, but also for other people with normal mental state everything that speaks of death is at least unpleasant, and even causes fear. A pregnant woman is characterized by a susceptibility that is many times greater than in her normal state, so visiting burial sites or funerals can cause her not just discomfort, but a significant deviation in her emotional and physical well-being. Therefore, relatives will not condemn a relative who is expecting a child if she does not come to the funeral or to the cemetery on special days.

Esoteric opinion

Esotericists convince that during pregnancy a woman possesses a unique energy that has a beneficial effect on her well-being, as well as on the condition of the people around her. But also its energy field has weak protection, and therefore can become an attractive object for various entities that feed on vital energy, and negatively affecting it. Such entities are especially common, according to esotericists, in places related to death.
Therefore, they do not recommend visiting cemeteries for women expecting a child, since such an entity is capable of settling in a woman’s biofield there. Esotericists believe that this can manifest itself in different ways: the expectant mother’s health deteriorates, problems with the child begin, and big life troubles are also possible.

Medical opinion

Medicine also provides its explanation for why pregnant women should not go to funerals, and it is better not to come to the cemetery, according to which pregnancy is a physiological condition with a characteristic increase in stress on the body. female body. Even a woman who easily tolerates this condition and has no health problems may suddenly experience increased blood pressure and severe fatigue. Swelling and mood instability may also occur.
Strong negative emotions, which must arise at a funeral, as well as when visiting a cemetery, may well provoke and intensify these manifestations and worsen her health. Therefore, it is better to avoid mourning ceremonies. During pregnancy, it is not recommended to go to the cemetery on specially designated memorial days, when many people gather there. It is then that there is a great threat of catching an infection that is undesirable in this situation due to large gatherings of people.

Important! If a pregnant woman decides to visit the cemetery, it is better to do so accompanied by someone close to her. Even if you feel great, support will still not be superfluous.

Medicine, as a science, rejects the presence of any creatures that negatively affect humans. Therefore, doctors approach the presence at the cemetery during pregnancy for purely medical reasons. If there are no negative emotions, then walking through a cemetery is no different from walking in other places, especially since in cemeteries located mainly outside the city, the air is much cleaner than in the city. It all depends on each individual woman, on how she feels about this issue, and whether visiting a cemetery will cause stressful situation. Also, when visiting a cemetery, a pregnant woman must be mentally prepared that there will definitely be a “knowledgeable” grandmother who will try to convey to the expectant mother her opinion of how wrong she is by visiting this place in this situation. Therefore, you need to either be absolutely stress-resistant, or stay at home and not attract attention to yourself.

Church opinion

The Church does not tell a woman expecting a baby whether she can attend a cemetery or a funeral or not, nor does it prohibit her from doing so. The Bible does not express any instructions on this matter, which neither directly prohibits nor permits the presence of such women in mourning places. The Bible only states that Christians are obliged to respectfully accompany the departed on their final journey. Therefore, the clergy have nothing against the desire of women expecting a baby to say goodbye to people dear to them or to visit their grave.

Important! A pregnant woman may not attend the funeral or burial of a deceased loved one. She can say goodbye to him in her thoughts, and later light a candle in the church and order a prayer service for the repose of his soul.

Summarize

If a woman expecting a child (Christian or atheist) does not take the transmigration of souls and other magic seriously and has no medical contraindications, then she can visit the cemetery. The future mother herself must make the decision. But when visiting such places, as well as funerals, she must maintain maximum calm. If a woman is emotional, cannot control herself, and reacts painfully to other people’s opinions, then it is better to abandon the idea and postpone such a trip until the baby is born. In any case, you cannot impose any point of view on a pregnant woman; this can provoke even more stress.

What about the wake?

Regarding funerals, almost everyone agrees that it is possible to attend them. Expressing condolences to the loved ones of the deceased and supporting them - there is nothing wrong with that. But funerals, at the same time, represent a large gathering of people where it is possible to become infected with viral and other infections. Therefore, you can attend the wake, but before doing so, it is better to think about what this entails. If the deceased person is so dear that it is impossible not to attend the funeral for him, then it is necessary to take maximum precautions, about which it is better to consult with the supervising doctor. The main thing is to remember that no one will ever judge the expectant mother if she decides not to come to the wake or funeral, everyone will support her in such a decision.

Did you know? Christianity represents death as a transition to another world - a heavenly abode. From this point of view, a funeral is not something bad, it is a process for the soul to find its true home. A cemetery is a place where the bodies of the dead remain buried.

Whether or not to attend funerals, burial sites, commemorations should be decided by the expectant mother herself. If she has no health problems, feels the strength to withstand such a process, and is not subject to prejudice, then she may well do what she thinks is right. But she should not forget for a minute that she is responsible for another defenseless person - her child, therefore, at the slightest alarming symptoms, she must abandon her intentions or leave the event.
If a woman takes omens seriously and feels fear and anxiety before funeral events, then she should not appear there. A stressful state for a woman during this time is more dangerous than any otherworldly entities. We wish you that those close and dear to you remain in good health for as long as possible, and that you do not have to be puzzled by such a problem.

There is an opinion that pregnant women should not go to the cemetery. This belief is passed down from generation to generation, while the explanations why the expectant mother should not do this have been lost for centuries.

Today we will try to figure out whether a pregnant woman should go to the graves of her loved ones and what different experts say about this - from psychologists to priests.

Signs, superstitions and mysticism

Let us list the main arguments that explain the ban:

1. There is an opinion that there is no born child there is no Guardian Angel who will appear to him after baptism. Therefore, the soul of the baby in a woman’s belly is protected only by the mother’s Guardian Angel, and therefore the child can be exposed to evil spirits.
2. Since a cemetery is a place where many restless souls roam, they can harm the soul of a child who has not yet found his own body on earth, and perhaps even get this body for himself (we are talking about the transmigration of souls).
3. A pregnant woman should absolutely not have contact with the dead. Even if the expectant mother simply looks at the dead man, her baby may be born weak and sickly.
4. The souls of deceased people who have not yet left the earth and have not gone to hell or heaven can take with them the fragile soul of an unborn child.
5. At the cemetery you can meet not good people who may wish the pregnant woman harm or even reluctantly cast the evil eye. In addition, evil healers and sorcerers often visit the cemetery, whose activities also do not bring anything good for the child in the womb.

If you believe all these statements, then you really shouldn’t go to a funeral or cemetery during pregnancy. Expectant mothers often lose consciousness even without the tragic situation of a cemetery, especially at early stages carrying a baby.

Psychologists' point of view

Psychologists do not give a definite answer whether a pregnant woman should be present at the cemetery or not. As for the signs and superstitions described above, psychological science gives them a completely logical explanation: with the help of such irrational beliefs, our ancestors tried to protect pregnant women from the effects of negative emotions and experiences.

If you understand that you will cry and worry a lot at the cemetery, then you really shouldn’t go there. Instead of visiting the deceased's grave, you can pray for him at home or in church.

In addition, the cemetery and funeral are a place of concentration large quantity people from whom a young pregnant woman can become infected with a viral or bacterial disease. Based on this, pregnant women are not allowed to go to the cemetery even if they wish to do so.

Church opinion

Orthodox priests not only allow pregnant women to visit the cemetery on the memorial (parental) day, but even recommend doing so. This position is dictated by the fact that each of us has obligations to deceased relatives and friends, and therefore must regularly visit them at the burial site and care for the grave.

Faith in God should help a woman cope with prejudices, and sincere prayer and the opportunity to symbolically talk with loved ones contribute to internal cleansing and calm.

But if graves, crosses and thoughts about the afterlife scare you even at home, then the priests recommend staying at home or praying in church.

Can a pregnant woman attend a funeral?

When loved ones die, all the living consider it their duty to honor the deceased at least with their presence when he departs on his last journey. But it is undesirable for a pregnant woman to attend a funeral, and on this issue the opinions of both priests and psychologists, as well as old beliefs, agree.

Don't be afraid that someone will judge you if you don't come to the funeral of a very loved one or even loved one. Pregnancy is a natural and medically justifiable reason not to be present during such a ritual.

If you yourself feel the need to personally say goodbye to the dead, then at least try not to be present at the funeral service and burial in the cemetery.

Visit the deceased before his coffin is taken out of the house, and then return only for the wake, where you can share the grief with other people. During the funeral, think more about the child and his well-being.

What can keep a pregnant woman safe during a visit to the cemetery?

If cemeteries and thoughts of death make you feel negative, you may actually want to avoid visiting the graves of loved ones (as well as their funerals).

If you understand that only a visit to the cemetery will bring you relief, where you can talk with the mourners, then follow your desire.

To protect yourself and your baby, use the following tips:

1. To visit the graves, choose morning or lunchtime. Under no circumstances go to them at a time when the sun begins to set.
2. Try to talk to a priest or simply pray in church before visiting the cemetery. Ask the saints to protect you and your child from evil spirits and lost souls wandering around the cemetery.

1. Make a symbolic amulet for yourself (a bracelet made of red thread or a pendant), and be sure to put it on yourself before going to the cemetery.
2. Take with you a minimum amount of personal items, especially jewelry (leave only your pectoral cross). Personal belongings of pregnant women are often used in black magic.
3. Before leaving the house, pray and cross yourself.
4. During the funeral, try not to talk to people or make eye contact with them to avoid the evil eye.
5. Do not come close or touch the deceased or their belongings.
6. When you go to the cemetery, observe the behavior of animals and birds. If you see a cat, dog or crow acting abnormally, it is better to return home. There is a belief that the souls of good people live in animals and can protect us from harm.
7. Don't stay in the cemetery for long. 10 minutes is enough.

Often, all superstitions are based on irrational beliefs that people adhere to only because inner fear(or which arise to explain fear). Therefore, when thinking about going to a cemetery, first of all try to listen to your inner voice and intuition.

If you are afraid, it is better to stay at home; if you still want to visit someone close to him at his grave, leave all superstitions at home and allow yourself to do it.

Video: a priest’s opinion on visiting a cemetery during pregnancy