The Russian funeral rite (or funeral) is based on pagan Slavic ideas and, of course, on Orthodox traditions. Orthodox Christians have certain rules for holding a funeral and subsequent commemoration.
Instructions
Step 1
The order of the funeral for Orthodox Christians. The coffin with the body of the deceased should stand on a table (or stools) covered with some kind of cloth. The narrow part of the coffin (where the legs of the deceased are located) must necessarily face towards the exit from the room (or house). The lid of the coffin must necessarily stand vertically with a narrow part on the floor. It is not recommended to place it in a flight of stairs. For this, there is a hallway or corridor.
Step 2
In the house with the deceased, there must be his portrait in a mourning frame, wreaths, as well as any of his awards (if any). Mirrors and paintings should be covered with fabrics. This is required by the Orthodox custom of burial. All those present at the take-out (and, of course, directly at the funeral), if possible, should wear only dark and black colors.
Step 3
From the house, the coffin with the body is carried out with the narrow end forward. Relatives are strictly forbidden to carry the coffin and the lid. This is done either by the organizers of the funeral, or simply by friends and acquaintances. The coffin is carried either to the funeral service in the church, or immediately to the burial in the cemetery. It all depends on the last will of the deceased and the wishes of his relatives.
Step 4
At the cemetery, relatives, friends and relatives of the deceased say goodbye to him. Someone makes a mourning speech, someone stands silently and listens. After parting, the face of the deceased is closed. This is done with a shroud. Then the coffin is closed with a lid. By the way, if the deceased was buried in the church, then the earth consecrated in the temple is sprinkled on the shroud in a cross-like manner. Cemetery workers carry the coffin to the dug grave, and then lower it into it.
Step 5
After that, a handful of earth is thrown onto the coffin, lowered into the grave. The relatives and friends of the deceased are the first to do this, then all the other people who have come to see the deceased on their last journey. Then the grave is covered with earth, the original wooden Orthodox cross is installed with the registration data of the person buried under it. The participants in the mourning ceremony lay flowers and wreaths. Everything. The funeral ceremony is over.
Step 6
The order of the commemoration of Orthodox Christians. Wake is a ritual that is performed in memory of a recently deceased person. The essence of the commemoration is a collective meal (or a memorial dinner) hosted by his relatives. The commemoration can be held both in the house where the deceased had lived until recently, and in the cemetery in a specially designated place. Orthodox commemorations are held on the day of the burial and on the following specific dates of commemoration.
Step 7
Orthodox Christians hold memorial dinners three times. The first commemoration takes place immediately after the burial, the second - on the ninth day after death, and the third - on the fortieth day (that is, on the 40th day). Sometimes the commemoration is held even after six months. The further term for this rite is once a year (on the day of death). Often, a deceased person is also commemorated on his birthday.
Step 8
In the process of eating a memorial meal, Orthodox Christians pray for the repose of the soul of the deceased. Any action performed during the commemoration has sacred grounds. That is why the menu of the memorial meal is predetermined. The food on the table is simple. No gourmet food. The tablecloth on the table should be solid, not colored. They can be specially invited to memorial dinners, or they can wait for anyone who wants to remember the deceased. In any case, you should not sit there for a long time.
