Gomel's Grave Superstitions: Fact or Folklore?

Gomel, Belarus: Exploring local funeral superstitions. Recent social media videos have highlighted several beliefs surrounding death and funerals in Gomel. One video, posted by the ritual services center "Nebesa," details several omens, including a church candle sputtering, which is interpreted as a sign of bad luck. Another superstition involves walking past three graves, believed to bring seven years of misfortune. The video also mentions the belief that dropping a bouquet in a cemetery is a harbinger of death. While these beliefs are widespread, it's important to note that they lack scientific evidence. Anthropologists suggest these superstitions reflect cultural anxieties surrounding death and mortality. "These beliefs offer a framework for understanding and coping with loss," explains Dr. Irina Volkov, a cultural anthropologist specializing in Belarusian traditions. The video's popularity highlights the enduring power of these traditions in shaping local perspectives on life and death.