The main article discusses the customs to be observed on summer Zadušnice, also known as Duhovske Zadušnice, according to Father Predrag Popović. He emphasizes that Patriarch Pavle banned the use of plastic flowers at cemeteries because plastic does not decompose and looks unpleasant. Believers are reminded not to smoke at graves but to light incense, and that they can freely talk to the deceased as they believe in resurrection, not eternal death. He also advises maintaining graves by watering and weeding, bringing natural flowers, wine, and wheat, and inviting a priest to read prayers. The importance of dignified behavior at the cemetery is stressed, avoiding feasts or disturbances. This text is part of a broader context including other topics, but the focus is on religious customs and traditions related to Zadušnice.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets might emphasize the cultural and religious significance of Zadušnice, highlighting the importance of preserving traditional customs and respecting the environment by avoiding plastic flowers. They may also focus on the social aspects of community and remembrance during these days.
Center: Center-leaning sources tend to report the facts about the customs and the statements of Father Predrag Popović in a neutral tone, providing practical advice to believers about how to properly observe Zadušnice, including the prohibition of plastic flowers and the importance of dignified behavior at cemeteries.
Right: Right-leaning media might emphasize the religious authority of the Serbian Orthodox Church and Patriarch Pavle’s decrees, stressing the importance of faith, tradition, and respect for the deceased. They may also highlight the spiritual aspects of resurrection and the rejection of secular or commercial practices like plastic flowers.
