Any Macedonians on here ?

[DEN MONKEY]

I know it might be a long shot but any Massos on here ?

A close mate lost his father and his funeral was today.
Now I'm catholic but the funeral was traditional Macedonian.
I have some questions about what appeared to be rituals that occurred.

1. Every person who entered the church were handed a small candle which remained lit for the duration of the mass. Once the mass was concluded they were blown out and collected.
What is the significance of the candles and do they do anything with them once they are collected ? Place with the dead for example ?

2. At the end of the mass everyone placed money onto the coffin as they departed before bidding their farewells ?
What happens with the money ?
Someone said it's held over from a traidtion where the monies is to support the widow and her family for the next 12 months.
Now I know there wouldn't have been that much but I would have guessed 5 grand maybe.
Any truth to this or what else happens with it?

Was nice to be invited and get a glimpse into another culture on such a personal level, even if I didn't understand a word of it or the meaning of the rituals I witnessed.

Any other insights are also welcomed
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meh