#forefathers

• Dziady •

One of the most important nights in the Slavic calendar a celebration dedicated to deceased ancestors.

In Slavic folklore, Dziady (Forefathers’ Eve) refers both to the spirits of the ancestors and to a set of pre-Christian rituals, ceremonies, and customs devoted to them. The essence of these rites was the “communion of the living with the dead”, the act of connecting with the souls of the forefathers who periodically returned to the homes they once inhabited. People would prepare food, fire, and prayers for them.

On this night, the boundary between worlds became thin for all beings, meaning that one could encounter not only someone dear but also something dangerous. How could one protect themselves back then?

The Karaboszka served exactly that purpose - a ceremonial mask created for the Autumn Dziady, most likely to hide one’s face during this chaotic time and to ward off unwanted company. It depicted a demon, spirit, or monster, meant to scare away evil forces and symbolically connect the world of the living with that of the dead. Karaboszka masks were often made of wood, bark, straw, and fabric.

Have a beautiful Dziady, Samhain, Halloween or whatever you celebrate.

December 23:

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Forefathers’ Day

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