As per Russian traditions, if someone dies a glass of water and a loaf of bread are placed near the body of the deceased.
Do you know: The place or seat where the deceased would sit for family meals is usually left unoccupied for more than a month. The Russians believe that a loaf of bread and water must be placed for the deceased either next to him or on a windowsill. Also, for 6 weeks, during every meal a glass of vodka with a loaf of bread covering the glass is placed on the table where the deceased would sit for meals.