Superstitions Surrounding Death and Funerals

Death, the ultimate unknown, has always incited fear and superstition among humans. This fear has spawned various rituals aimed at protecting the living from the spirits of the deceased. Throughout history and across cultures, numerous superstitions have emerged in response to this fear of death.

Treatment of the Dead

From closing windows after death to stop the spirit from escaping to covering mirrors to prevent the spirit from being trapped, these practices highlight deep-seated fears about the deceased's potential influence on the living. Historically, the eyes of the deceased were covered with coins, a practice originating in ancient Greece, evolving to keep the "windows of the soul" shut. Similarly, the deceased were carried out feet first to avoid having them "invite" others to join them in death. Watches over the dead body – also a guard against premature burial – intended to prevent the spirit from wandering.

Mourning practices also included specific clothing; in England and the United States, black clothing symbolized mourning, ostensibly hiding the mourner's identity to avoid divine punishment. Pallbearers wore gloves to prevent the deceased’s spirit from entering them, and bells were rung at funerals to keep the spirit at bay, warding off any misfortune.

Superstitions in Cemeteries and Funerals

Superstitions extend beyond mere death to include the settings around burials. For instance, lying sick individuals hearing a bird – especially black ones such as ravens or crows – are doomed and even surrounded by spirits. Holding a breath while passing by graveyards is believed to prevent spirits from invading the body.

Similarly, certain actions during funerals and burials carry superstitious weight. Thunder post-burial indicates acceptance into heaven, yet its presence during the service is ominous. Burial positioning, such as having the feet of the corpse point east, ensures a favorable afterlife. On the other hand, placing graves on specific cemetery sides, like the southern end for a 'luckier' rest, holds superstitious significance.

 Cultural Variations

Phantom funerals, prevalent in European folklore, involve seeing a non-existent procession forewarning imminent community death. In Appalachian legends, a "death crown" in a recently deceased's pillow appeared as a celestial sign that granted family solace in knowing their loved one ascended to heaven peacefully.

Miscellaneous Omens

Other minor yet notable superstitions include whistling near cemeteries and the act of taking flowers from graves believed to invoke a haunting. These are seen as preventive measures to avoid possessive spirits.

Modern Perspectives

Although many of these superstitions stem from a historical context of limited understanding concerning death, they exhibit a human endeavor to control the uncontrollable. With modern insights and demystifying efforts, such ominous beliefs might lessen, though some elements continue to comfort and provide 'control' over the intuitional mystery joy a dying process instills.

Earlier, SSP wrote about the superstition about waking up on the wrong side of the bed.