Many old Russian signs and superstitions are associated with pregnancy. These include the prohibition of a pregnant woman to visit the cemetery, which, from the point of view of science and religion, still causes confusion and disagreement.
A visit to a pregnant cemetery is associated with the confrontation between life and death, which is not compatible, according to the Old Believers. How to understand correctly whether it is generally possible for pregnant women to go to the cemetery?
Is it possible for pregnant women to go to the cemetery
Doctors believe that if this does not contradict the woman's condition, the expectant mother can visit the cemetery whenever she wants. However, Old Russian superstitions and omens on this score are categorical – a pregnant woman should not visit a cemetery or participate in a funeral.
- if a pregnant woman comes up and looks at the deceased, the child will be weak and pale;
- an evil spirit will enter the child and the baby in the womb will fall ill;
- the soul of the deceased will take the soul of the child with it;
- the soul of a dead person will move into the child.
Old Russian superstitions in their prohibition are based on the fact that during the period of carrying a child, the mother's body weakens, and represents two fragile energy fields: mothers – a weak field due to the return of energy, and a child – an energy potential that is not yet strengthened.
This means that the pregnant woman is vulnerable to any negative manifestation, including the negative energy of the burial sites. And the consequences of the destructive influence of negative energy lead to a critical impact on the formation of the protective biofield of the baby.
The point of view of psychologists
Scientific opinion is different from spiritual worldview. Psychologists express concern for the mental state of a pregnant woman while in the cemetery. The funeral and seeing-off of the deceased, accompanied by intense experiences, negatively affect emotional health and cause possible stress.
Nervousness and frequent mood swings can be the cause of possible premature birth. Therefore, if there is an opportunity not to visit this place, the pregnant woman is advised to use it.
The reasons for the ban on visits are:
- excessive emotionality and mood swings on a hormonal background – in this state, visiting the grave is not recommended, so as not to worsen the emotional stress;
- there are many people in the cemetery – on holidays and weekends of a pregnant woman, it is better not to go to the cemetery, so you will save yourself and the unborn child from evil looks and tongues (evil eye, damage).
If you feel doubtful or unwilling to visit the cemetery, it is better not to go there. Doctors recommend that a woman in a position go to the grave only when there is a desire to visit a deceased relative.
Church opinion
The Orthodox Church does not prohibit a pregnant woman from going to the graves of her deceased relatives. Christians find it calming and relaxing.
There is a mention in the scripture that the burial of the deceased and seeing him off on his last journey is the sacred duty of every person.
In the understanding of the Orthodox religion, a cemetery is a place of rest for people who have passed from an earthly monastery to a heavenly one. It is believed that they are waiting for their time to be resurrected at the call of the Almighty. Therefore, the departed cannot bear evil to a pregnant woman and her baby in the womb.
What can protect a pregnant woman
If a pregnant woman still feels the need to go to the cemetery, she should follow these simple rules:
- Choose the morning or lunch hour to visit. The sun declining towards sunset symbolizes the end of the life cycle, so in the evening it is better not for a pregnant woman to walk around the cemetery.
- Before visiting the place of the departed, receive God's blessing from a priest. Go to church and light a candle to the saints, ask them to protect you and the baby from the influence of not resting souls and evil tongues.
- Put on a symbolic amulet (a red thread amulet will do) and a pectoral cross.
- Don't wear jewelry.
- Pray and cross yourself before going out.
- At the funeral, do not look at people – this will help avoid the evil eye, and do not touch the deceased so that his soul does not pass into the child.
- Do not stay in the cemetery for more than 10 minutes.
- On the way to the cemetery, observe the behavior of pets and birds; there is a belief that good souls live in them. If you notice unnatural behavior of a dog, cat or crow, return home immediately. It is believed that in this way a kind soul protects you.
Believe it or not the ancient predictions is a personal matter for every pregnant woman. If the mother-to-be is an atheist, she can visit the cemetery whenever she wants. But if faith in the Almighty is deep, and there is no doubt about the power of the action of evil spirits, it is better to take care of yourself and the child until his birth.
Avoid the places where death reigns. And the graves of deceased relatives can be visited after childbirth.
