Sofya Olzeeva, Worship of Ancestors
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Sofya talks about how to make offerings to one’s ancestors and deceased parents: After old people die, those who are left behind should remember them and make offerings to them. During Zul or Tsagan Sar, people put offerings for their ancestors on the altar, including meat, tea, sweets, and biscuits. At least once in 3 years, those who live outside Kalmykia should come to their ancestral land and visit to the graves of their ancestors. Offer a sprinkle of vodka to the grave, walk around it 3 times clockwise, and put biscuits and sweets on the grave. After that go to the temple for a monk to read special prayers for your ancestors. After the prayers, leave white money and coins on the altar and bow. When you make fresh tea in the morning, pour it into a cup and put it as an offering on the altar. It can be drunk in the evening either by your husband or a grandchild. For example, I myself cannot drink this tea offering from the altar because I came to my husband’s clan from the outside.