Thursday, September 13, 2007

Ukrainian Funeral


DSC02828, originally uploaded by joshuaone6to9.

Ukrainian Funeral. They carry the casket without cover. The casket's cover is being carried by others and on top of it are the traditional Ukrainian bread and flowers.

Funeral is another event in Ukraine that is interesting to observe. It has several traditions that is really interesting for non-Ukrainian.

Bread is for the dead person so that he or she will not go hungry as his/her spirit travel to the place where he/she should be.

Water is for the dead person's travel as well, so that he or she will not get thirsty on the way.

White scarves tied on the arm of the family and close relatives of the dead person. So, people can recognized who the family member and relatives are.

I attended several of Ukrainian funerals and I found it really interesting.

3 comments:

Deborah V said...

Hi! I saw your blog, and I'm hoping you can help me with a question. Pertaining to Ukrainian funerals, what is a "katafalka"? Thanks! Deb
dyvosler@hotmail.com

iryna said...

A "katafalka" consists of two benches put together side by side, on which the deceased is laid.

Unknown said...

Do they ever use professional mourners in Ukranian funerals?
HF