ORIGIN OF WESTERN FUNERAL PRACTICES

JUDEAO - CHRISTIAN BELIEFS

 

 

Hebrew

Left - Body was washed, anointed, then wrapped in linen with spices by the family or women of the church. The burial was held on the same day.

Right - Interment for the poor was in shallow trenches, the weatlhy in natural caves or artificial sepulchers hewn out of rock. Tombs were unadorned and without inscription.

 

 

Early Christian

Left - After the administration of the viaticum; the body was prepared by the family. Eyes were closed, body washed, limbs straightened and swathed in linen with spices. For the wake, canon low decreed: body laid out with lights beside it, with holy water, and the cross placed in folded hands on breast.

Right - The word "cemetery" designated to the early Christian a place of "sleep" with brethren awaiting the resurrection. Thus, burial in community sacred ground became the custom.