How funeral traditions differ in different countries (10 photos)

It’s worth starting with our country, because organizing a funeral is labor-intensive and requires special attention and care.





One of the main features of organizing a funeral is that the funeral takes place within the first three days after the death of a person. This is the period considered most suitable for organizing a funeral in accordance with Orthodox traditions. Well, there is time to prepare everything properly.



In our country, funerals usually take many days, including various rituals and ceremonies. For example, very often relatives and friends spend the night near the body of the deceased to pay their last respects and pray if the family is a believer.

By the way, make-up is not often applied to the dead - this is considered disrespect for the deceased.





They are often buried in open coffins so that everyone can approach the deceased and say goodbye to him. This tradition has been around for centuries and is still popular. A closed coffin is a rarity.



cleaning the grave and surrounding area

Cleaning the grave. In the spring (less often in the fall) you can see many people in cemeteries who have come to clean the grave of a dear relative. After cleaning, flowers are often planted on the grave or fresh ones are simply placed.

Greece



In Greece, the deceased is dressed in white because it is the color of purity and heavenly holiness. Also, before burial, relatives of the deceased usually break a plate on the ground to symbolically release the soul of the deceased and allow him to freely go into the world of others.

Italy



In Italy there is a tradition where the deceased is dressed in a wedding suit if he was single or unmarried. This symbolizes that the deceased is going to "marry" or "marry" God.

Germany



In Germany, before burial, the body of the deceased is placed on a platform so that all those present can say their farewell to the deceased. This custom is called "Abschiedsraum" or "farewell room".

They can also be buried there 5-8 weeks after death, since all family members must give permission for cremation.

Spain



In Spain, the dead, especially children, are usually buried in white clothes, and not in black, as in other countries. This symbolizes the hope of resurrection and continuation of life after death.

Scotland



In Scotland, the deceased is seen off with a traditional "ring" dance, in which people hold hands and walk around the grave or pyre, singing songs and saying goodbye to the deceased. And ahead of the procession is a man who rings a bell to scare away evil spirits. And the obligatory bagpipes!

Mexico



In general, their attitude towards death is radically different than ours. They dress the deceased in a festive dress, and many families hire an orchestra to dance the deceased into another world.

Funerals in Mexico may also include a ritual known as the "Prayer for the Souls", which takes place after the funeral and lasts up to several days. During this ritual, relatives and friends of the deceased gather together to pray for his soul and mark the end of the funeral period.