Cleaning before Radonytsia: a 7-point checklist
Radonytsia 2026 is 14 April. What to do so the grave looks dignified
In 2026 Radonytsia falls on 14 April — the Tuesday after Providna Sunday. April is the first month when plants grow actively after winter, while the ground has not yet had time to dry out. A grave that has not been cleaned since autumn looks neglected: dry grass, leaves, a darkened monument.
Below are seven points that cover a full cleaning. Do them in order — it will take 2–3 hours.
Clear away winter leaves and litter
Gather up everything that has built up over the winter: leaves, branches, old artificial flowers, packaging. Put rotted greenery and dried plants into a rubbish bag — do not leave them by the fence.
Tools: a rake, plastic bags.
Cut last year's dry grass and weeds
Last year's weeds have not yet revived — they are brittle and cut easily. Cut at the root so that new shoots do not come up straight away. Work along the perimeter by the fence — that is where the roots of burdock and sow thistle are densest.
Tools: a sickle or hand scythe, a trowel.
Wash the monument
Wash granite with a soft brush and a soapy solution. For dark moss stains use an "Antimoss" product — leave it for 10 minutes, then rinse off with water. Wipe the ceramic portrait with a damp cloth without pressing.
Tools: a soft-bristle brush, a bucket of water, soap or a stone-cleaning product.
Check the inscription
After washing it is clearly visible where the paint has faded or flaked off. If the inscription is illegible, that is a signal to order restoration. You should not touch it up with paint yourself without the proper tool — it will come out uneven.
If restoration is needed there is still time before the holiday: order it 2 weeks ahead.
Inspect the fence
Check whether there is rust, broken sections or wobbly posts. Minor repairs now cost far less than a full replacement a year from now. If the fence is already rusty, book it in for painting. In April the weather allows for painting.
Painting takes 2–3 hours + 48 hours of drying. Plan it a week before the holiday.
Level the gravel fill
If there is gravel, level it with a rake. If there is very little of it, add more. Gravel 10–20 mm in size is the best option: the wind does not scatter it, it does not grow mouldy, and it looks good. A 25 kg bag costs 150–200 UAH.
If the plot is covered only with soil, treat the weeds with a herbicide — it works for 4–6 months.
Place flowers and light a lampada
For Radonytsia it is traditional to bring fresh flowers. Carnations and chrysanthemums will last 5–7 days in a vase. Use a lampada that is sheltered from the wind — an oil one or a solid-fuel tablet with a lid. An ordinary candle goes out at once in the wind.
Dyed eggs and paska bread are placed on the grave on Providna Sunday, not on Radonytsia.
📋 Timing
- 3–4 weeks ahead: order restoration of the inscription or painting of the fence
- 1–2 weeks ahead: the main cleaning and replacement of the gravel fill
- The day before or on the day: fresh flowers and a lampada