Such a sad event as a funeral is associated with various omens. Some people consider superstitions to be relics. But there are signs that are still observed today.
The tradition of covering mirrors when the deceased is in the house has been around for a long time. Even the church cannot tell you exactly when to open the mirrors after the funeral, but the priest’s answer is of interest to believers.
Why are mirrors covered?
The ancient Slavs were sure that the mirror opened a portal to the other world. The human body has not only a physical shell, but also a soul. Mirror surfaces are covered for a number of reasons:
- The soul, separating from the body, may become frightened when it sees its reflection in the mirror.
- If a living person sees the deceased in a mirror, he will die. The spirit of the deceased can be taken with him.
- The soul can get lost in the mirror corridor. Once reflected in it, the spirit will not find its way to the Kingdom of Heaven. He will remain there as if trapped. And his dead energy will remain in the house forever.
- An evil spirit can take the soul of a deceased person by dragging him through a mirror.
- The energy of the deceased will harm the living. After all, mirrors can absorb and conduct different energies. Therefore, they need to be systematically cleaned and hung up at the time of the funeral.
- A person who has lost a relative is depressed. He feels loss, his soul is devastated. Passing by an uncovered mirror, he can look into it and, in a state of depression, see a certain image.
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How many days are mirrors closed after a funeral?
There is a certain definition:
If the deceased is indoors, then it is necessary to cover all reflective objects, even the TV and computer. There is no exact number of days for how long to keep the mirrors closed. Some consider 9 days when the soul of the deceased is in the room, others 40 days when the soul shell still hovers on earth.
So, on what day after the funeral are mirrors opened? It is generally accepted on the 9th day, but if a person is in doubt, then the best option is to withstand 40 days.
How does the church view the custom?
Priests do not give a definite answer to the question of hanging mirrors after death and how many days they should be closed. Their opinion is based on the fact that there are no standard instructions for ritual in Orthodoxy.
But some temple servants advise knowing on what day after death mirrors are opened. They need to be curtained not only for the duration of the deceased’s stay in the house, but also on the ninth and fortieth days. For forty days the soul remains on earth. She does not move away from the body.
What are superstitious signs?
Signs can be: individual, superstition, weather. Superstitions have always been questioned and kept people in prejudice. A certain sequence of events has formed a pattern that occurs frequently. But many are still trying to comply with them:
- It is not recommended to walk under a ladder; in the old days, the ladder was used to secure the gallows rope.
- If salt spills, it means a quarrel. After this, you should throw a pinch of salt over your left shoulder.
- You can't open an umbrella at home. Legend has it that one prince received an umbrella as a gift, opened it at home and died.
- Looking into a broken mirror means 7 years of failure. People associate these home attributes with the other world. Seeing yourself in a damaged mirror means trouble. Why store broken glass products? It's better to throw them in the trash.
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When can I open
Those who believe in funeral superstitions need to know when the covers are removed from mirrors after a funeral. It is accepted that disclosure can be made after nine days. But if a person is overcome by doubts about why he needs to close them, it is better to wait for forty days.
For the first nine days, the soul still remains in the room. Then she separates from the body and goes into another world. The energy of death disappears from the home. Some reflective surfaces, such as a TV or computer, can be opened earlier. After all, a person who has lost a loved one already feels bad; he cannot spend all his time in silence.
But it is prohibited to leave reflective surfaces open during the funeral. At this time, even non-superstitious people curtain them. A day or two after the burial ceremony they open them.
Questions and answers
What fabric is best to hang mirrors?
Expert opinion
Lavrova Tatyana
Rehabilitation specialist, psychologist
The type of material can be any, but there are certain requirements for it. They cover the mirrors of the house with dark fabric; it is better to choose black shades, which corresponds to the mourning period. But it is not always possible to quickly find a canvas of a suitable tone (funerals occur on weekends, stores are closed, etc.). Then they use available materials of different colors, but still you should not use fabric of bright colors. In addition, she should not be enlightened. For this, any product is used: sheets, curtains, blankets, bedspreads, pieces of fabric. As a last resort, the mirrors are removed and installed with the reflective surface facing the wall.
Is it true or superstition to cover mirrors?
Expert opinion
Remontnikov Vladimir Petrovich
Religious scholar, historian
According to scientific theory, images of the dead may appear in ancient mirrors made using mercury, but this is due to the specific preservation and further reflection of the radiation emitted by the brain of the deceased. It is really better to close such products carefully. However, often covering surfaces with reflective properties is just an established superstition. But people are afraid to check for themselves whether they correspond to reality; according to tradition, they try to close them down.
Which church allows mirrors not to be covered?
Expert opinion
Remontnikov Vladimir Petrovich
Religious scholar, historian
There are no rules in Christianity that require you to cover mirrors. Orthodox and Catholics reject this custom, but some people still continue to adhere to it. In Islam, such a sign is also not confirmed; it is not appropriate for a Muslim to believe in such a thing. However, Irish Catholics are the most supportive of the tradition. They believe that a mirror can catch the soul, not release it into another world, and become a trap for the imperishable shell. There are no more adherents of this custom among representatives of other religions.
For what reasons does the custom of covering mirrors still continue to exist?
Expert opinion
Remontnikov Vladimir Petrovich
Religious scholar, historian
Despite the fact that the church denies that the tradition of covering reflective surfaces belongs to the Orthodox religion, people do not abandon it. The reason is the fear of the other world, the dead man in the house. People accept the low probability that the belief has any basis. Primitive fear is born in the subconscious and is often beyond control. Only strong personalities can open the mirrors at home after the funeral of a loved one.
What should I do if I need to use a mirror and the 40 days have not yet expired?
Expert opinion
Lavrova Tatyana
Rehabilitation specialist, psychologist
Considering that modern mirrors are made using different technology than centuries ago, you don’t have to keep them closed at all. If the reflective surfaces were hidden, but there was a need to remove the canvas, this can be done by praying, preferably during the day. There is no need to stand in front of the mirror surface for a long time.
When to open the mirror and TV after a funeral if the person died not at home?
Expert opinion
Father Pavel
Clergyman
It is permissible to remove protective coverings when the soul leaves the earthly world - on the third day after death (burial takes place). You can do this later - after 9 or 40 days. And it doesn’t matter where the death occurred: at home, in the hospital. The soul of the deceased returns to his family anyway. The only thing you need to remember: mirrors must be closed if a person died a violent death, it is believed that she is aggressive and does not want to leave this world. This is what knowledgeable people advise.
In what cases can you break a rule?
Expert opinion
Lavrova Tatyana
Rehabilitation specialist, psychologist
It is believed that covering mirrors at home is a superstition that does not have to be followed. Reflective surfaces are covered with a cloth for self-soothing, for example, if one of the family members is afraid of the dead. In this case, you can remove the bedspread, but it is still recommended to do this if the deceased died of natural causes. Then the hung mirrors are just a tribute to tradition.
Why did they used to hang mirrors in the house of the deceased?
Expert opinion
Remontnikov Vladimir Petrovich
Religious scholar, historian
In the old days, people did not have knowledge about death, the transition of the soul, energies, etc., as they do today. They often acted this way intuitively. Mirrors were not supposed to be opened if a loved one was buried in the family, because there were various beliefs: the soul would get stuck in a mirror maze; seeing the reflection of a dead person means death. Moreover, such rules were not violated in villages and cities, since the tradition that emerged from the people has special power. Even today, many people leave covers on mirrored objects.
What is mourning in Orthodoxy and how to observe it?
Expert opinion
Father Pavel
Clergyman
After the death of a loved one or when a large-scale disaster occurs, mourning is observed. This is a voluntary refusal of entertainment, excesses in food and clothing: it is customary to wear dark clothes, not wear jewelry, and not appear in society. This is how relatives show their grief and express the depth of their grief. The duration of the mourning period for a Christian today has been significantly reduced - to 40 days. The number of restrictions has also decreased. It is acceptable to communicate with people, go out, get a haircut - these are the rules for the mourning period of the Orthodox. You cannot watch entertainment programs or have weddings. But every religion has its own canons.
What mystical phenomena are associated with the sign?
Expert opinion
Lantsova Kristina
Esotericist
If relatives do not hang the mirrors in time, then for a long time they will hear unusual sounds of creaking, clinking of dishes, etc. This is how the accumulated negative energy makes itself felt. Then the mirror needs to be removed and cleaned. If all else fails, then you need to break it and throw away the fragments, trying not to get hurt in the process.
Do mirrors have “memory”?
Expert opinion
Lantsova Kristina
Esotericist
It has been confirmed by numerous experiments that objects and things have energy that can be felt by people with high sensitivity. The mirror is no exception. On the contrary, it remembers things more strongly than other things and returns the received information to the outside world. Moreover, the reflective surface absorbs any energy. In particular, mirrors with silver amalgam have memory properties. This metal is considered the most information-intensive.
Reflection in the mirror
On what day are the covers removed from the mirrors after a funeral in the house of the deceased, and is it necessary to cover the mirrors if he died in another place?
Expert opinion
Father Pavel
Clergyman
Products with reflective properties are usually covered at home, regardless of where the person living there died: in his bed or in another place. Until the third day, the soul will remain in the same place as its loved ones, visiting familiar places. When the fortieth commemoration is over, you can remove the bedspreads and curtains from the mirror surfaces. If we are talking about the reflection of the TV, then it can be turned on already on days 3-9, when the necessary pause for the manifestation of mourning will be made.
When do Christians, Orthodox and Catholics open mirrors after funerals?
Expert opinion
Remontnikov Vladimir Petrovich
Religious scholar, historian
Representatives of different religions and denominations do not prohibit watching TV or force people to cover mirror surfaces. This tradition is still supported by Irish Catholics, but most Orthodox Christians, as well as Muslims without exception, have a negative attitude towards such superstition.
Antique mirrors
In the old days they were made by layer-by-layer application of mercury on glass. When dying, a person emits alpha brain waves, and the mirror absorbs the images and creates a hologram. Images are reproduced, ghosts appear.
Modern products are already produced using a different technology , less suitable for storing information. But the tradition of covering mirrors or turning them away remains.
There were cases when the mirror became cloudy after the death of a person and intricate drawings appeared on it. He was immediately destroyed. Otherwise, the spirit of the deceased could not leave the labyrinths of the looking glass.
How many days should you keep mirrors closed after a funeral?
Opinions differ regarding the duration of the ceremony, after which the surface can be opened. The reason is a mixture of pagan and Slavic beliefs combined with the Orthodox religion. After the funeral of a loved one, a righteous Christian should consult with the priest. The priest will tell you how long you need to wait in a particular situation before opening the mirror. He will advise the best way to clean the room, showing due respect to the deceased.
The priest's answer
Phenomena associated with omen
You can often hear mystical stories about how a mirror was not hung in the house after the death of a tenant, and then strange things began to happen. At night, household members heard footsteps, lights flickered, things fell, dishes broke. This means that the soul of the deceased is not at rest.
A clergyman was invited to the house. If the unnatural phenomena did not go away after the consecration of the home, the mirrors were thrown away.
Even if a loved one did not die at home, but was buried from the funeral hall of the morgue, mirrors must be covered. For another 40 days, a person’s soul remains among the living. Popular beliefs say that after death, the spirit of the deceased comes to the homes of relatives and friends to say goodbye forever.
What is mourning in Orthodoxy and how to observe it
In the Orthodox Church there is no such thing as mourning. Mourning is a worldly concept.
Everyone decides for himself how and for how long to mourn - do not wear bright clothes, do not visit places of entertainment, do not listen to music, do not celebrate holidays, do not eat delicacies and alcohol, and lead a humble lifestyle for 40 days.
It is recommended to postpone marriage until a year has passed since the death of a loved one.
Believers, in order to help the soul of a deceased person quickly find peace, pray especially fervently for 40 days, order memorial services and magpies for the deceased in various churches and monasteries, do good deeds and give alms. This is all mourning in Orthodoxy.
Other beliefs
In addition to the tradition of sealing mirrors or covering them with a blanket while the deceased is in the house, there are other signs. No need to look in mirrors in the cemetery. Since they reflect not only the obvious, but also another world, the person who looks at it will be haunted by misfortunes.
People say that a mirror that breaks during a burial in the house where the deceased was located necessarily foreshadows troubles and misfortunes. Soon they will fall on the relatives of the deceased.
The tradition of covering mirrors with cloth has passed down from pagan times and is not supported by Christianity. When to cover with a sheet and open them, each person decides for himself. Sometimes nothing bad happens, but in history there are cases when, due to uncovered mirrors during a funeral, a series of tragic events followed.
The attitude of the Orthodox Church towards hanging mirrors
Orthodox Christian canons strictly prohibit holding funeral services and other events in front of open mirrors. This is explained by the fact that the cross in mirror surfaces is reflected in reverse, and this is real blasphemy.
Important! Therefore, in churches and temples there are no mirrors or any objects that reflect.
There are two real reasons for covering mirrors with rags. The first has a spiritual basis, the second has a practical explanation. The spiritual thing is that evil spirits can be displayed in mirrors, acquiring one form or another. In this way they frighten people and tempt them. Magicians often use reflective surfaces in their demonic art.
After the funeral, the mirrors are opened on the 40th day
As for the practical explanation, it is due to the fact that it is indecent for a person who has lost a loved one to look in the mirror, with the exception of tidying up in the bathroom.
Rules and actions at a funeral
It is necessary to escort a person on his final journey correctly. Mistakes made at a funeral can negatively affect the future life of the household. Generally accepted rules:
- The coffin with the deceased can only be carried by strangers.
- They throw a handful of earth onto the lid of the coffin. So that the soul of the deceased does not come out at night and frighten the living.
- Money is placed at the bottom of the coffin as a ransom for a new place.
- A glass of water is placed at the cemetery and at home. The deceased will be able to drink.
- A handkerchief is placed in the coffin so that when communicating with the Lord there is something to wipe the sweat from the forehead.
- It happens that a person prepares the coffin in advance. Store the product in the attic. But it shouldn't stand empty. Sawdust, shavings or grain are poured into the finished coffin. After a person passes away, the contents of the coffin are buried in a hole.
- At the moment the soul leaves the body, you need to read the Canon of the Mother of God. During the reading process, the Orthodox Christian holds a holy cross or a burning candle in his hand.
- When the soul leaves the body, a person is seized with fear. He sees the Guardian Angel and demons. Relatives should read prayers, trying to alleviate the person’s mental suffering, but not cry or lament.
- The dying person must ask forgiveness from those present and forgive them himself.
- When a person leaves this world, measurements are taken from him to make a coffin. They don't put her on the bed. They are taken out of the house and placed in a coffin during burial.
- The body of the deceased is washed after death. The soul must appear pure before the face of God after the resurrection. All parts of the body are washed.
- You cannot wash the deceased with hot water, only warm water. During the ablution process they read: “Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us” or “Lord, have mercy.” The head is washed last, then the deceased is combed.
- After the procedure, the deceased is dressed in clean, light clothes. They put on a cross.
- It is better to carry out the procedure during daylight hours. Pour water where people do not go. You can’t give “dead” water to anyone; sorcerers can use it in black magic.
- Water should not be spilled around the apartment. Household members may get sick.
- Pregnant women should not wash the deceased.
- The deceased should not have knots. The tie or scarf is untied before closing the coffin. The hands and feet of the deceased are also untied. If the bandages are cut with scissors, they are placed in the coffin.
- These rules are for Orthodox Christians. In Buddhism, people celebrate when a person passes into another world. This means that he has passed the earthly path and a new reincarnation awaits him.
- After removing the coffin with the deceased from the apartment, the floors must be washed and swept, washing death out of the corners.
If you ask in a temple when you can remove the curtains from the mirrors, the priests will advise you to wait until the forties. At this time, the soul of the deceased leaves the world.
Of course, each family decides for itself how to bury the body of the deceased and when to open mirrors after the death of a loved one. But people believe in the signs regarding burials and try to observe them.
Stories from readers
After my husband's death, I followed a tradition that has long been maintained by members of our family to properly cover mirror surfaces. But I forgot when it was time to remove the bedspreads, and there was no one to ask for a long time - the older generation has left for another world. This must be related to 9 or 40 days, so I decided to act for sure - I removed the fabric after the funeral on the fortieth day.
Anna Pronina
Violetta Grebeshkova
My neighbor advised me to cover all mirrored objects. But she soon left for permanent residence in another country. I needed to clarify when mirrors can be opened after the death of a loved one. I asked older friends, everyone gives their own terms, but most are inclined to forties. To be honest, I’m clarifying just in case, because I want to play it safe. I'm afraid of dead people, ghosts. But, if you think about it, you still have to open the mirror a little, because you need to get ready for work, at least comb your hair. So this is pure superstition, but it instills considerable fear.
After my mother’s funeral, I covered the mirrored objects for a short time; I remember that I took them off after 9 days. Nothing supernatural happened after that. But I can’t insist on my point of view, because my mother couldn’t wish me anything bad, but everyone has their own problems in their families, so you never know.
Petr Ivanov
