The Cemetery
After seeing Gypsy Hill we went to visit the local graveyard. (OK, so this wasn’t the regular 4-star tour). The cemetery, in fact, was a most interesting experience. Although it was fairly quiet – surprise, surprise – for me it was an educational time. Almost every grave had a little fence around it and within the fenced area, as well as the grave, there was a table and a bench. Apparently on memorial days, or on the anniversary of someone’s death, the whole family would go and have a meal together at the table in the cemetery. Whenever a drink is poured, a bit is dumped on the ground for “Uncle Nick”(Nicolae) or whoever.
Whenever food is eaten, a portion might be dropped on the grave, just so the dear departed don’t feel left out of the family gathering. Our host couple told of their experience of having walked through the cemetery and having been invited to share food with a family on their day of remembrance. One doesn’t say no to such hospitality, and in Moldova hospitality generally includes plenty of wine so best that Uncle Nick enjoys more than his fair share…
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