Mourning the Dead: Ancient Hebrew Traditions and Rituals

Blogger: Amber Schamel

Death is as much a part of life as birth. You can learn so much about a civilization based on how they mourn their dead. Their values, religion, family life, and even their level of prosperity is sowed into these traditions and rituals. 

Unlike most of the pagan societies around them, the ancient Hebrews valued life, and this was evident in their funerals and bereavement. Many of the rituals were taken from the Mosaic law, but some were just tradition passed down through many generations.

Sackcloth and Ashes

Upon hearing the news of a death, the loved ones would often tear their clothes, throw dust on their heads, or even sit in piles of ashes. When David heard of the death of his son Absalom, he tore his clothes and lay on the earth. (II Sam. 13:31) Sackcloth was a special cloth made of goat hair. It was very uncomfortable to wear as it was rough and plain. Mourners would often don this material to evidence their inner pain. It is unclear where this custom came from, but it is mentioned in Job, the oldest book of the Bible.

Other mourning customs included baring the head, and veiling the face, especially the lips and lower part of the face. (Ez. 24:17)

Fasting

Obtaining from food and even water was also a common aspect of mourning. On the day of death, the mourners would not eat. At the end of the day, they would not prepare food for themselves, but their friends would serve them and offer them what was known as the 'cup of consolation.' This is possibly where the tradition of bringing food to the family after a death originated.

David fasted upon hearing that Saul and Jonathan had been killed, and those who were with him did as well. (II Sam 1:11-12) When Abner the captain of the host died, people brought bread to David, but he wouldn't eat until nightfall. (II Sam 3:35)

Burial

Burial Site outside of Jerusalem.
Hebrews use rocks and candles
rather than flowers to adorn memorials.

The Hebrews view the body as the "temple of the soul" therefore they always bury their dead. Cremation is looked upon with horror. Their belief in the resurrection also contributes to this thought process. Modern Jews are still this way. The Chabad.org website states their view very well. "Six million of our people were denied proper burial, most of them cremated. Should we willfully continue that which our enemies began?"

Depending on the financial status of the deceased, the body may be entombed or buried beneath the ground. The Mosaic Law dictates that one who dies must be buried the same day. This was probably a smart idea when you consider the hot climate Israel inhabits. (Deut. 21:22) This law also applied to criminals, which is why Jesus and the two thieves were killed and removed from the cross before the Sabbath. 

Funerals

Hebrew funerals typically consist of a eulogy, Psalms, and Scripture readings, lasting around 20 minutes. One very special element of a funeral is that in some instances, a poem or psalm would be composed to honor the deceased. One example of this is David's psalm for his friend Jonathan in II Samuel 1:18-27.

The one thing that stands out most to me about the procession and traditions of Hebrew funerals, is the respect of the dead, and their value of life. If the deceased had left wishes regarding the funeral, even if they are contrary to tradition, those wishes were to be honored. This exhibits a lot of respect and honor that is lacking in our culture today.

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 Amber Schamel writes riveting fiction that brings HIStory to life. She is the author of the Days of Messiah Series and the Amazon bestselling Christmas novella, The Swaddling Clothes. Visit her at www.AmberSchamel.com.

Epitaphs & a 1912 Ghost Story

On Epitaphs by Stephanie Grace Whitson

For some reason, Halloween seems to be a time when folks develop a somewhat macabre interest in mourning customs, cemeteries, and tombstones. My interest in such things isn't seasonal. As a historical fiction author who seeks out pioneer cemeteries, marveling at the sculptures often found there and thinking about the stories hidden behind the names and dates, I've collected quite a number of fascinating epitaphs over the years. My fascination even led to my developing a program called "Stories in Stone."

In 1904, this epitaph was cast into a bronze plaque mounted on a granite boulder. 

Warm summer sun, shine kindly here,

Warm southern wind, blow softly here,

Green sod above, lie light, lie light,

Good night, dear heart,

Good night, Good night.

In 1876, this epitaph tossed a bit of realism at anyone who happened to visit the grave.

Dear companion remember me,

As I am now so you must be.

Prepare for death and follow me.

This epitaph from 1893 made me think of the poignant monument I photographed years ago in the San Miniato al Monte cemetery above Florence, Italy:

There a beautiful region above the skies,

And we long to reach its shore,

For we know we shall find our Mother there,

The tender eyes and silvery hair of our loved one gone before

And there's the rather ascerbic one from 1895:

She hath done what she could.

A sense of humor is not automatically negated when it comes to epitaphs. In Maplelawn Cemetery in Kentucky, the wife's monument reads, "Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not here; I did not die." The husband's epitaph? "If we did not die, what are we doing here?" Now don't you think they would have been great fun at a dinner party?

In Kent, England: "Fear God, keep the commandments, and don't attempt to climb a tree, for that's what caused the death of me."

And hope springs eternal:

From 1858: "While on earth I lived a single life. In death, I shall hope for a Husband."

One of my favorites simply states: "Born to die, August 4, 1840 ... Died to live, May 30, 1878." There's an eternity of beautiful spiritual truth hidden in those few words. 

One day, I hope to have this bit of verse by Calvin Miller added to my tombstone (yes, it's already there in Wyuka Cemetery in Lincoln, NE, just awaiting the date of death to be added):

"Graves are only doorways cut in sod,

And dying is but getting dressed for God."

Do you enjoy wandering old cemeteries? What's the most interesting tombstone you've ever found? Does it suggest a story just waiting to be told?

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Not long ago, I was reading a 1912 book and came across a fascinating ghost story written by a pioneer from Oregon Trail days. If you'd like a free copy, just subscribe to my newsletter at www.stephaniewhitson.com. Everyone who subscribes between now and October 31 will receive a copy. Happy Halloween! 

Stephanie Grace Whitson has been a full time author since 1994. Her most recent release, A Captain for Laura Rose, tells the story of a woman steamboat pilot on the Missouri River in the 1860s. To learn more, visit her at www.stephaniewhitson.com or www.Facebook.com/stephaniegracewhitson