CHAPTER 1-4

Overview of Funerary Practices and Christian Influence

• Discussion about history and science:

  • Science is viewed as a body of knowledge that is continually built upon; learning adds to existing knowledge.

  • History involves the study of past events, which can often be found in texts, and discussions about these events are essential for understanding.

Christian Influence on Funerals

• Requiem Mass:

  • Also known as the High Mass for the Dead.

  • Significance in funeral rites.

• Catapult:

  • A raised platform for the body to lie in state. Often confused with the term "deer" (likely refers to similar terms in funerary contexts).

  • Described as resembling scaffolding and can be used with or without a canopy.

• Roles of Church and Family:

  • The church has historically played a significant part in funerals, reflecting the ongoing importance of religious rituals.

  • Families work alongside the church in funeral arrangements.

• Purgatorial Doctrine:

  • Catholic belief that souls not fully cleansed undergo a purification process before entering heaven.

  • Many cultures have beliefs in an afterlife, influencing how the deceased are prepared for burial.

• Cultural Preparation for the Afterlife:

  • Various cultures have practices that involve preparing the deceased for a journey or existence in the afterlife:

  • Items necessary for survival or comfort are often buried with the deceased (e.g., gold, amulets, servants for wealthy individuals).

• Leagues of Prayer:

  • Formed in the Middle Ages; groups dedicated to burying the dead and praying for souls.

• Steward of the Guild:

  • Responsible for funeral arrangements, managing costs associated with mortuary fees (the sole shop fee).

Wakes and Funeral Feasts

• Purpose of Wakes:

  • Historically, wakes were held by Christians to confirm that the deceased were indeed dead, serving as a vigil.

  • Contemporary wakes often serve as opportunities for family and friends to gather and offer condolences.

• Eight Hour Watch:

  • Refers to a traditional practice of keeping a watch over the body for up to eight hours to ensure the deceased does not awaken.

• Funeral Feast:

  • Today referred to as the repast; in the Middle Ages, it welcomed the principal heir to their new estate, typically the oldest son.

• Effigies:

  • A wax or plaster replica of the deceased that allowed for viewing without exposing the actual body.

Coffins and Burial Customs

• Coffins/Coughing Nose:

  • Originally referred to a type of basket.

  • Valuables were placed inside, differing from contemporary notions of coffins being caskets.

• Burial Clubs:

  • Established to assist the working class with funeral costs.

• Burial and Wooling Act of 1666:

  • A law passed in response to the economic shift post-plague; required that the dead be buried in wool instead of linen, impacting funeral practices.

Mourning Customs and Practices

• Mourning Colors:

  • Variations by culture:

  • Ancient Egyptians: yellow

  • Persians: brown

  • Syrians: light blue

  • Chinese: light colors

  • Middle Ages, specific clothing and customs dictated mourning attire.

• Widows' Mourning Regulations:

  • Young women faced strict mourning timelines; they could remarry after a prescribed period.

  • Required wearing of particular mourning attire (e.g., the barb garment and widow's bonnet).

  • The customary period of mourning could last one year in black.

• Funeral Symbolism:

  • Usage of dirt, herbs, and flowers at funerals: originally aimed to mask scents but later became ornamental.

• Sin Eater Practices:

  • A person would consume bread and drink beer as a symbolic act to absorb the sins of the deceased.

• Burial Orientation:

  • Bodies were traditionally interred facing East, signifying awaiting Christ's return from the East on judgment day.

  • Cemetery customs often dictate grave orientation.

• Sexton’s Role:

  • Church caretaker responsible for maintaining church property and often digging graves.