Ancient Greek Death Rituals
After-life
- If the body turned to a dark brown color, the dead was burning in hell.
-After death, the deceased were believed to cross The Styx River, which led them to the underworld.
-The items placed in the coffin were used in the afterlife.
Preparation of the Body
-Anointed the body with olive oil.
-Positioned coins in the eyes and mouth.
- Strapped the body down and covered it with cloth.
- Quenched the bones in wine.
http://financeologist.com/2009/10/05/money-in-ancient-greece-greek-coinage-ancient-greek-money/
http://www.comp.dit.ie/dgordon/lectures/hum1/030922/030922hum.htm
Funeral Ritual
http://www.wilkdym.com/History-of-Cremation-vessels.html
- The family shaved their heads in honor of the deceased
- The family also wore their special clothes for the dead.
- Mourners sang songs of lament and walked around the casket in dance like ways.
- Sacrifices of animals and humans were acceptable.
- Pall bearers carried the body out, usually being the fallen's family members.