Why hang mirrors in the house of the deceased

The tradition of curtaining all the mirrored surfaces in the house where a person died has its roots in antiquity. Superstition we got from pagan beliefs, many do not even remember the essence, but continue to strictly observe the ritual.

Why hang up

Any person who has lost a relative experiences grief and is depressed. In this state, some sensitive natures notice a certain image in the depths of the mirrors, they see shadows.

Previously, mirrors were covered with mercury, and it was believed that it absorbs the energy of people, including dying emotions. They can be transmitted to a living person by touching such a surface. Now manufacturing technology has changed, but signs have remained.

What do folk signs say

There are a number of beliefs justifying total closure of all reflective surfaces:

1. Any mirror can open a portal to another worldinvoking the souls of the dead and letting evil spirits that can harm living people.
2. Soul, leaving the body, may be frightened by the sight of its own reflection.
3. Spirit will take a living person if he sees an otherworldly guest.
4. The soul will forever remain in the mirror, not falling into the kingdom of heaven. Numerous reflections create a maze without exit, locking dead energy.
5. Reflective surfaces double sorrow.
6. Devils are able to steal the soul through reflectionand she won’t go to heaven.
7. The first to look in the mirror after the funeral serviceshe will soon die or become seriously ill, so first you need to bring the cat, because she has nine lives.
8. Broken mirror for 40 days after death will bring another loss.

During mourning, one cannot preen, this is regarded as a neglect of grief.

What the church says

The custom carries in its pure form a pagan rite, not related to Orthodoxytherefore priests answer such questions evasively, recalling that this tradition is not spelled out in the canons of Orthodox rituals.

Some ministers recommend closing mirrors on the ninth, fortieth day and while the deceased relative was in the house. According to the Christian religion, the soul is on earth for 40 days, and then "born" in heaven. At this time, one should read prayers and observe mourning.

To help the soul of the deceased stand the test and ascend to heaven, believing people - relatives order a requiem, lithium, and magpie in the church for 40 days from the date of death. Counting down from the date of death. A prayer service is allowed for the baptized deceased.

How to observe this ritual

During the funeral anything that can reflect an image reliably shelters, water splashes out. The first 9 days, the soul is next to the body, then it separates and leaves, at this moment, dead energy disappears from the home. At this moment, open the TV and computer, since in a difficult period of life it is difficult to be in silence, you need to take a little distraction from gloomy thoughts.

According to signs, it is necessary to wash the room where the coffin was located.

Opinions differ on the timing of opening mirrors. Someone thinks that it’s enough to wait 9 days, especially superstitious people wait 40 days. The choice rests with the mournful relatives. Admiring and preening is considered a departure from mourning. Time should be devoted to prayers and meditations.

Deep sorrow after loss brings a person into a slightly altered state.It’s hard for him to see the reflection of the room, especiallyif a photograph of the deceased, a candle, a wreath, a coffin falls into it. At this time, you should not watch your own darkened face, this worsens your well-being.