According to the Romanian belief, communication with the dead, on the one hand, and forgiveness of the sins of the dead, on the other, are rendered possible by the deep mediation and prayers of the living. All over the country, ancestral funeral rituals have been preserved in the form of rhymed wail-like incantations. With a rich cosmogonic significance, these are chanted in the slow rhythm of church bells. Another ancient ritual is food sharing among those present at the funeral, mostly of ôcolivπ,ö a special wheat porridge decorated with candy and nuts. Traditional hospitality allows strangers to participate in food sharing. The cemetery is generally situated near the church, which lies at the very heart of the village. Tombs look generally alike. As in the case of wedding, funeral preparations last three days and require huge expenses, meant to emphasize the importance of the event.
