How different are the Greek funeral rites?
The Mycenaeans practiced a burial of the dead, and did so consistently. The body of the deceased was prepared to lie in state, followed by a procession to the resting place, a single grave or a family tomb. Processions and ritual laments are depicted on burial chests (larnakes) from Tanagra.
Why was burial so important in Greek culture?
The Greeks regarded the burial of the dead as one of the most sacred duties. Its neglect involved an offence against the dead ; for, according to the popular belief, the soul obtained no rest in the realms of the dead, so long as the body remained unburied.
Did ancient Greeks have coffins?
THE COFFINS. The earlier coffins were usually made of baked clay, but writing show that, in the case of those Athenians who fell in battle, and whose bodies were not found, chests of cypress-wood were buried as memorials. Stone coffins, also, were probably used among the Greeks.
Why was it important to the ancient Greeks that all of the proper funeral rituals be followed what could happen to the spirits of the dead if they were not properly buried and mourned?
Ancient Greeks believed in gods and the afterlife, funerals were an important aspect of the transition from life to death. So they created proper rituals that would enable the body to enter the afterlife peacefully—but if done incorrectly, the body would enter Hades.
What are the three stages of an ancient Greek funeral?
Common Questions About Living the Ancient Greek Death The three stages are the laying out or the prothesis, the funeral procession or the ekphora, and the burial or the Interment.
What is the Greek tradition when someone dies?
In Greek culture, it is believed that the soul does not leave the body until three days after a person dies. Because of this, the family will visit the grave three days after the death for a small ceremony where a priest blesses a plate of koliva, scatters it to the wind, and then breaks the plate on the tombstone.
Do you wear black to a Greek funeral?
Only wear black for the first 40 days. Avoid social events for the first 40 days. Only wear black for 2 years (in the case of Greek Orthodox widows)
Is Orthodox different from Catholic?
The Catholic Church believes the pope to be infallible in matters of doctrine. Orthodox believers reject the infallibility of the pope and consider their own patriarchs, too, as human and thus subject to error. In this way, they are similar to Protestants, who also reject any notion of papal primacy.
Do Greek Orthodox say the rosary?
It is not an Orthodox rosary. Orthodox rosaries (called komboshoini in Greek, but also used from Africa to the Urals and beyond) are made of simple string, they are usually black and have a set number of knots (from 33 to 300 or sometimes even longer) tightened in a cross-like fashion.