The act of covering the face before closing a casket is a longstanding tradition in funeral practices that has been observed across cultures and religions. While it may seem like a simple act, there are several reasons why it is done.
From old rituals and superstitions to the practical preparation of the body by embalmers, covering the face is seen as a way to honor the deceased and provide closure for loved ones.
This article aims to explore the reasons behind this tradition and its significance in modern funeral practices. By delving deeper into the cultural and superstitious beliefs surrounding the practice, as well as the practical aspects of embalming and funeral practices, we hope to provide a comprehensive understanding of why covering the face before closing a casket is an important part of the grieving process.
Understanding the significance of this tradition can help us appreciate the cultural and emotional importance of funeral practices and provide comfort to those who are mourning the loss of a loved one.
Reasons for Covering
Covering the face before closing a casket has been a longstanding tradition that holds significant cultural significance.
Old rituals and superstitions play a role in this practice, as the face has traditionally been viewed as the spiritual hub of the body.
Many cultures believed that the eyes were a portal between the living and spirit worlds, and the mouth was covered to prevent the spirit from escaping.
Covering the face provides an opportunity for loved ones to say a final goodbye and may help with emotional closure.
Funeral practices have evolved over time, and embalmers play a critical role in preparing the deceased’s body for public viewing.
Embalmers shave all facial hair and peach fuzz off the face, use glue or eye caps to ensure eyelids stay closed, and apply moisturizing lotion and makeup to make the face appear lifelike.
Covering the face with a cloth or veil is a way to honor the deceased and allows mourners to see their loved one as they remember them.
Overall, covering the face before closing the casket is a way to respect and honor the deceased while also providing comfort to those who attend the funeral.
Cultural and Superstitious Beliefs
Cultural and superstitious beliefs surrounding death and funerals have long influenced funeral practices and traditions. Covering the face before closing the casket is one of those practices.
In some cultures, the face is seen as the spiritual hub of the body, so covering it is a way to protect the spirit from escaping and ensure a peaceful afterlife. Additionally, some pagan cultures believe that the mouth is a portal through which the spirit leaves the body, so covering the mouth helps keep the spirit in place.
Symbolism and spirituality play a significant role in funeral practices, and covering the face before closing the casket is no exception. The act of covering the face symbolizes a final goodbye and honors the deceased. It is also believed to make it easier for witnesses to accept the death of their loved one.
By covering the face, mourners can focus on the positive memories they have of the person they lost and begin the grieving process. Ultimately, while funeral practices may vary across cultures, the act of covering the face before closing the casket is a universal symbol of respect and a way to honor the deceased.
Embalming and Funeral Practices
The process of embalming involves preparing the deceased’s body for viewing and burial through a series of techniques that aim to maintain the body’s appearance and prevent decomposition.
Embalmers use a range of techniques, including shaving facial hair and peach fuzz off the face of the deceased, applying moisturizing lotion and makeup to make the face look lifelike, and using glue or eye caps to ensure that the eyelids stay in place and eyes remain closed. Embalmers must also keep the jaw in place with wiring or sewing.
All these techniques are done to allow mourners to see the loved one as they remember them and to help them accept the reality of the death. Embalming techniques play a critical role in the grieving process.
By presenting the deceased in a lifelike state, it can help mourners to come to terms with their loss. It may also provide a more comfortable and peaceful way for mourners to view the deceased.
However, some families choose not to embalm their loved ones, preferring a more natural and organic approach. Whatever the preference, the goal is always to honor the deceased and give mourners the opportunity to say goodbye in a way that is meaningful and appropriate to them.
